Locals in landslide prone area fear looming disaster

Published On: September 12, 2016 07:54 AM NPT By: Arjun Bhushal


ARGHAKHANCHI, Sept 11: At least 56 houses in Sandhikharka-9 of Arghakhanchi district are at high risks of being swept away by landslides. Heavy rains have caused deep cracks on the land, making several areas with human settlements prone to landslides.

According to locals, they had been living under the risk of landslides for quite a long time. But the monsoon has increased the risks significantly. 

“Not just during monsoon, we are at high risk of landslides even during winter. We are very fearful and most of people here hardly get good sleep at night,' said 66-year-old Dambar Bahadur Nepali, a local.

Although there is an immediate need for relocation, local authorities have been turning a blind eye to the imminent risk.

On January 9, 2014, the District Disaster Relief Committee (DDRC) had promised to relocate the locals to a safer place. 

But no initiative has been taken to relocate the locals despite the looming risk. 

“We have written application to the District Administration Office numerous times with no success,” said Ganga Bahadur Maya, stressing that authorities should promptly relocate them to avert human causalities. 

However, Chief District Officer Surendra Paudel said relocation process will soon take place as they have already conducted field visits to the affected area.


Leave A Comment