KATHMANDU, Nov 21: A team of engineers appointed by the government has recommended the relocation of settlements in the municipalities of Jajarkot and Rukum West, deeming them unsafe. In their report, submitted upon returning to Kathmandu, the team proposes a government-led initiative to reinforce all houses in Jajarkot and West Rukum due to their precarious conditions.
Following earthquake damage in the aforementioned areas, the Ministry of Urban Development dispatched a team of engineers on November 7 to conduct a comprehensive study. Over the course of a week, the team visited the affected sites and prepared a report.
The report identifies Chiuri, Pali of Jajarkot's Nalgad Municipality and Saniveri Rural Municipality of West Rukum as particularly at risk due to roadbed fractures and landslides. Senior Division Engineer Leela Khatiwada, who led the team, emphasizes the need for further studies to assess the feasibility of relocating settlements, citing increased seismic risks and land erosion in the area.
Govt neglects relocation of risky settlements
The primary reason for earthquake-related damage is attributed to the construction of houses using stones and mud, many of which are around 50 years old. Khatiwada notes that seismic considerations were not adequately addressed during their construction. The report recommends a government-led campaign to reinforce houses in the area, emphasizing the use of flexible materials like bamboo, wood, and clay in the construction of floors.
The report also advocates for local governments to vigilantly implement building standards codes for future construction projects. Additionally, it suggests streamlining procedures and management to expedite reconstruction efforts, warning that delays and complications could arise if the current public procurement system is maintained.
The team proposes federal government intervention, citing the lack of immediate local and provincial resources and technology for the reconstruction of public structures, including government buildings. According to the report, 6,768 houses in Bheri Municipality of Jajarkot, 2,806 in Shivalaya Rural Municipality, 4,602 in Kushe Rural Municipality, 3,978 in Junichande Rural Municipality, 3,321 in Barekot, 6,566 in Nalagad and 6,490 in Chedagad Municipality have been damaged.
Similarly, 2,729 houses were damaged in Aathbiskot municipality of Rukum West, 3,900 houses in Musikot, 4,600 houses in Sanibheri Rural Municipality and 6,500 houses in Chaurjahari. Likewise, 11 houses in Sharda Municipality and Bagchaur Municipality of Salyan, 957 in Darma Rural Municipality, 111 in Bangad Kupinde Municipality, 20 in Siddhakumakh Rural Municipality, 26 in Kapurkot Rural Municipality and five in Kumakh Rural Municipality have been damaged.
The team, led by Senior Division Engineer Leela Khatiwada, included members such as Devendra Dev Khanal, Engineer of the Building Department, Kishore Bikram Shahi, and Naresh Chandra Bhatta of the Central Level Project Implementation Unit, as well as Dr Gokarna Matra and Dr Rajun Suwal of the Nepal Engineering Association.
