Bajura, May 24: More than 135 settlements in Bajura District remain at high risk of floods and landslides, with locals continuing to demand relocation as the monsoon season approaches.
Residents say repeated appeals to local governments and the District Administration Office have failed to bring concrete action, leaving hundreds of families vulnerable every rainy season.
Kamal Nath of Olena settlement in Badimalika Municipality said the community has been living under constant fear since 2019 due to recurring floods and landslides.
“We have nowhere else to go. During the monsoon, floodwaters reach our settlement, and last year floods and landslides caused severe destruction,” Nath said, adding that families remain anxious about another possible disaster this year.
Several settlements in Budhinanda Rural Municipality, Triveni Municipality, Gaumul Rural Municipality, Budhiganga Municipality and Khaptad Chhededaha Rural Municipality are considered highly vulnerable to natural disasters.
Paratola Guiwan settlement in Khaptad Chhededaha Rural Municipality–5 has faced landslide threats for nearly 25 years. Locals said elected representatives often promise relocation during elections but fail to follow through after assuming office.
According to residents, many families in settlements such as Bajedi, Nimani, Tamprisera, Amkot, Ghangar, Tipada, Mana and Kordha are forced to spend the monsoon under tarpaulin shelters in nearby forests.
Local authorities said data on vulnerable settlements has already been collected and forwarded to the District Disaster Management Committee. The District Administration Office has also requested support from the Home Ministry for safe shelter arrangements.
Chief District Officer Dorendra Niraula said relocation efforts have been delayed due to budget constraints. He added that geographical experts would inspect high-risk areas to assess which settlements can be safely relocated before any formal relocation process begins. #Nepal
