River-side residents of Bajura alarmed as livelihood threats persist

By Sher Bahadur Sarki, Bajura, Dec 8: Locals living in most riverside settlements in Bajura are distressed during the rainy season. That is because many settlements of the district sustain on the river banks. 

The worry of their abode being taken by the flood in the river and streams during the rainy seasons. Once the winter season comes, they rest well in winter. 

Dev Nath, a local of Rila, Badimalika Municipality-4, said that since 2021, floods in the Budhiganga River have been posing a threat to most of the settlements here, making the settlements located on the banks of the river and the river itself vulnerable during the rainy season.

He said, " There was no threat of flood from the Budhiganga river. However, after the flood of 2019 amid the rainy season, it has put the Olena settlement at risk."

We, 13 families, have been living in Olena. The floods that have started coming in this river over a few years have put all our families at great risk. We have been demanding the relocation of these settlements from the local, provincial, and federal governments.

It is necessary to arrange a safe place for the residents of Olena somewhere else.

Without the concerns from the government, locals are forced to risk their lives and live in the place.  Locals from Bajura's Himali, Jagnath, Swamikartik, Budhinanda, Badimalika, Gaumul Budhiganga,  Khaptad Chhededaha, and Triveni municipalities have been living on the banks of rivers and streams.

These settlements are currently at risk due to floods and landslides. However, it has not been possible to relocate these settlements anywhere yet.

Arjun Nath, ward chair of Badimalika Municipality-4, said that we have collected data on the vulnerable settlements and sent it to the District Administration Office, Bajura Martadi, so that they can be relocated to safer places.

More than 135 settlements in the district are at risk of displacement and floods and landslides.

We have sent a letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the relocation of these settlements. 

District Administration Office, Bajura, said that the Olena settlement here is also included in that letter.

"This year too, a letter has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs for the relocation of the Bichhiya and Rajali settlements of Himali Rural Municipality," said Dorendra Niraula, Chief District Officer of the District Administration Office, Bajura.

He said, "There are also many earthquake victims here. Some funds were distributed last year to manage shelters for them."

"With that amount, some families have built tents and settled in Himali, Gaumul, and Triveni. However, since a large amount of money is required to relocate the settlements, we have corresponded with the Ministry of Home Affairs in that regard.