Floods impact 230 families in Kanchanpur; 35 at high risk

Kanchanpur: Flood-related disasters in the Churephedi settlement of Shuklaphanta Municipality, Kanchanpur, have severely impacted 230 families, with 35 families facing high risk.

Chandra Bahadur Chaudhary of Beldandi expressed deep concern over the increasing flood risks caused by landslides in the Chure region. Sand, gravel, and stones from landslides fill rivers during the monsoon, raising water levels and causing floods that inundate homes. The Banhara and Anoukhi rivers have been flooding Beldandi for the past two years.

Last year, heavy rainfall at night resulted in significant livestock losses as farmers struggled to move animals to safety. Local Motiram Chaudhary noted that the Bhalukhola, which once carried rainwater, has been blocked by landslides due to human activities, worsening the flood situation.

Bir Bahadur Chaudhary highlighted unregulated excavation of riverine materials near Chure, which has exacerbated the problem. Although the municipality invested Rs 2 lakh to build an embankment on the Anoukhi River last year, it was washed away by floods this year.

The locals fear that their settlements could become uninhabitable within a few years if effective measures are not implemented. Fertile farmland is being buried under sand and gravel, forcing families to abandon agriculture and seek work abroad or as laborers.

Manoj Chaudhary called for immediate removal of accumulated riverine material, which has not been managed for years. Previously, the District Development Committee utilized these materials for road construction, but since its dissolution, no such efforts have been undertaken.

Lal Bahadur Air, spokesperson for Shuklaphanta Municipality, stated that the municipality is advancing plans to manage riverine material in rivers like Gaundi and Anoukikhola. He assured that discussions with municipal leaders would lead to a concrete plan for protecting settlements and scientifically managing the river systems.