Madhyabindu, Nepal – The Narayani River’s relentless erosion is posing a significant threat to several settlements within Madhyabindu Municipality. The Nandapur, Sitapur, and Dhajah settlements are at risk due to the river’s changing course.
A critical dam built to control the river’s flow in Balghatta of Madhyabindu Municipality-2 was destroyed by a recent flood, exacerbating the erosion problem. Ward President Rambhakta Adhikari reported that the river has eroded more than 100 meters of the dam, leaving over 300 houses in this settlement vulnerable.
Madhyabindu Municipality Head Bhimalal Adhikari expressed deep concern about the situation, stating that if the erosion continues at its current pace, the entire riverbank could be at risk. He warned that if the river’s water level rises further and the erosion is not halted, settlements like Nandapur, Sitapur, Dhajah, and the coastal areas of Madhyabindu Municipality-4, 6, and 15 could be severely impacted.
The threat of erosion is not new to the region. In 2058 BS, the Dhajah settlement was completely washed away by a flood, displacing 102 families who have since been living in scattered settlements within Madhyabindu Municipality-6 and 7.
Locals fear that if the river changes its course from the currently eroded area, settlements like Nandapur, Sitapur, SehAri, and Dhajah could become isolated islands. The situation underscores the urgent need for effective measures to control the river’s erosion and protect the livelihoods of the affected communities.
