PALPA, Aug 12: A new track opened in mid-July without considering the environmental impact has posed serious problems for 28 households of Hungi, Rambha Rural Municipality-1. This track has invited drinking water problem, affected agricultural production and most importantly compelled the entire village to stay awake at night to guard their lives.

The recently opened Setipokhari-Thulothumke-Foksingkot track, which connects Hungi and Foksingkot has turned out to be a nightmare for the people here. On August 3, this track invited a massive landslide near the jungle. Two days later, a huge mound of earth with trees entered the settlement threatening the security of 28 households of Hungi.

According to Shiva Prasad Subedi of Hungi, the track was opened from the middle of the jungle without seeking technical advice, which is why the settlement below the forest has been at the risk of displacement. "Our agricultural land has been washed away by the sand and we have been compelled to stay awake at night to save our lives," said Subedi.Ram Krishna Subedi, secretary of Rambha-1 said that a place has been dug up for letting the mud and sand to pass as per the decision of the security committee. "Rampant use of bulldozer has threatened the safety of locals," said Subedi, adding, "It would have been better if the road had been dug up by taking suggestions from the authorities concerned."

Some of the residents have already evacuated their sheds and shifted their tools to safer places. "There is no place for growing crops. Drinking water project has been stalled halfway but more than that we are worried how we will save ourselves from dying," said another local Bishnu Pachai. He accused the rural municipality of digging the road without proper idea just to spend the budget before the end of the fiscal year.

Laxman Bahadur Pachai, chairperson of the consumers' committee of Setipokhari-Thulothumke-Foksingkot road said that the road was constructed as per the direction of the rural municipality. He also claims that the committee had sought technical advice before implementing the project. "As some rocks obstructed the track in the middle, we had to dig the road in areas not recommended by the technicians to finish the project. That has now triggered several landslides creating panic among the locals living below the road," said Pachai.

Meanwhile, Bishnu Prasad Bhandari, chairperson of Rambha Rural Municipality, claims that the road was constructed with the consent of the locals and as estimated by engineers. "We are trying to find long term solution for the settlements at risk," said Bhandari. Stating that a development activity conducted without technical expertise can often end up in destruction, Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Panta said that the rural municipality must take a wise decision for the settlement at risk.Caption: The settlement, which is at the risk of displacement due to the newly-opened track.