India faces protests over unilateral embankment construction on Mahakali river

Darchula: Local authorities in Darchula have raised strong protests as India unilaterally continues the construction of a concrete embankment along the banks of the Mahakali River, which forms the common border between Nepal and India. The construction is progressing in the area beyond Khalanga, the headquarters of Darchula.

Rajesh Singh Samanta, coordinator of the National Independent Party (RASP) in Darchula, accused India of building structures that divert the river toward Nepal and potentially expanding the border. He warned that the current diversion of the river toward Nepal increases the risk of future land encroachment. Samanta urged the Nepal government to take immediate action and called for bilateral talks with India, emphasizing that market areas and settlements could be affected during the rainy season. He added that the issue has also been raised at the RASP central committee level.

Samanta further noted that, despite international legal provisions requiring mutual coordination for any construction in border river areas, India has proceeded unilaterally without consultation.

Deepak Khati, leader of the Nepal Students' Union in Darchula, stated that while both countries have the right to protect their territory, structures should not be built in a manner that harms sovereignty or alters the natural flow of the river. He emphasized that unilateral construction could negatively affect people-to-people relations and called for diplomatic resolution.

Similarly, Mahesh Bhatt, coordinator of the Civil Society in Darchula, expressed strong opposition to the embankment, demanding that construction be halted immediately and proceed only after both countries complete demarcation. Local political parties also stressed that structures should not alter the river’s course, and residents reported that some construction work is being carried out at night.

Darchula Chief District Officer Anil Poudel confirmed that an official letter has been sent to the Indian side through local administration, instructing the immediate halt of construction that diverts the river toward Nepal. A warning letter was also sent to the SDM office in Dharchula, India, and the Home Ministry of Nepal has been informed accordingly.