Local Residents Build Temporary Embankment to Prevent Narayani River Flooding in Susta

Butwal. As the water level of the Narayani River rises and water begins to enter the villages, local residents of Susta in West Nawalparasi have started building a temporary embankment. The locals have been building a temporary embankment by filling sacks with soil and sand and tying them with nylon ropes since yesterday to prevent the river's flow from entering the villages. This issue came to light after the Indian Border Security Force (SSB) allegedly dismantled a similar temporary embankment built by locals a few days ago. According to Raviandra Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Susta Bachau Abhiyan (Save Susta Campaign), locals are actively engaged in building a temporary embankment in the area from Susta Tharu Tole of Susta Rural Municipality-5 towards the Simhal tree, which is considered the border. Under the leadership of campaign leader Laila Begam and spokesperson Jaiswal, locals are filling sacks with sand and building embankments along the riverbank. Jaiswal stated that immediate temporary protection measures have been taken at the initiative of the local level to prevent river erosion and water from entering the villages. Earlier, the Narayani Irrigation and Water Disaster Management Project, Bharatpur, had initiated the construction of a permanent embankment through a contract process. However, locals allege that the Indian Border Security Force (SSB) obstructed the construction work, citing the need for higher-level permission. Deepakraj Nepal, Chief District Officer of West Nawalparasi, informed that a temporary embankment is being constructed to prevent river erosion and potential disasters. He mentioned that an agreement was reached with the locals after discussions a few days ago to take immediate temporary protection measures. He also clarified that there has been verbal agreement with the Indian side regarding temporary work for disaster mitigation. Considering the immediate risk of flooding and erosion in Susta, the Narayani Irrigation and Nepal Gandak West Canal Irrigation Management Office has provided sacks and nylon ropes. According to spokesperson Jaiswal, locals are continuing the construction of the temporary embankment using the materials provided by the irrigation office, as well as their own old sacks and ropes. The current priority is to control the river's flow and protect the villages from flooding and erosion.