Organic embankment constructed in Bhajani’s Bardawaphanta to mitigate flood risks

Dhangadhi: An organic embankment has been constructed in Bardawaphanta, Bhajani Municipality-3, Kailali, bringing relief to local residents vulnerable to recurring floods.

The embankment was built on the Kanda River under the preparedness and response project run by the Multipurpose Development Society (MPDS), Dadeldhura, with financial support from Kia and coordination from Bhajani Municipality. The initiative aims to provide emergency assistance to communities affected by floods and landslides.

Each year, the Kanda River floods during the monsoon, inundating Bardawaphanta settlements and eroding hundreds of acres of farmland, resulting in significant loss of property and lives. This year, amid heightened risks of flooding and damage to the dolphin tourist route in Bardawaphanta, the community biological embankment was constructed using local resources. The project was led by the Bardawaphanta Disaster Management Committee Task Force with the participation of local residents, informed Rajendra Raika, DRR Technical Expert at MPDS.

Around 360 people from 90 households will directly benefit from the 34.5-meter embankment, built through community discussions, participation, and labor. The Task Force consists of 27 members working actively in disaster risk reduction.

During a monitoring visit, Bhajani Municipality Mayor Kewal Chaudhary expressed gratitude for the collaboration and praised the initiative for raising disaster awareness at the local level. He said the municipality had provided Rs 100,000 for the project and pledged continued financial support for similar embankments in the future.

Ward Chairperson of Bhajani-3, Bikram Chaudhary, said the embankment had been well constructed and assured ongoing support for disaster-prone areas. Disaster Focal Person Bishnu Neupane also commended the initiative, noting it was both technically sound and cost-effective.

Chairperson of the Bardawaphanta Disaster Management Committee Task Force, Savita Kafle, said she believed the embankment would help curb soil erosion caused by the Kanda River and safeguard settlements and farmland.

The project was carried out under a tripartite agreement with contributions of Rs 100,000 from Bhajani Municipality, Rs 130,000 from MPDS, and voluntary labor from local residents. The monitoring program was attended by municipal representatives, Task Force officials, DRR experts, and community leaders.