NEPALGUNJ, July 30: An emergency embankment has been constructed along the Rapti River in Khalla Jhagadiya of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality-7, Banke district, to protect nearby settlements from flooding.
The embankment was built using the “Bamboo Piling and RCC Porcupine” technique, under the initiative of the Janata’s Embankment Office. Local residents expressed relief and happiness, saying they now feel safe from the flood risks.
“We now believe we can live here without fear,” said Ward Chair Ram Lakhan Tharu, praising the office’s timely efforts. He noted that a permanent embankment is planned after the monsoon ends.
India halts embankment construction along Mahakali River in Dar...
The previous embankment, partially damaged three years ago, was at risk of collapsing during heavy floods, threatening several villages. Since 2014, after the Rapti River changed course, Khalla Jhagadiya and surrounding areas have faced severe flood threats.
Emergency construction began in mid-June and has since eased fears among locals. According to the Janata’s Embankment Office in Lamahi, Dang, a permanent embankment project worth Rs 65 million is also in progress.
Office chief Dr. Narayan Prasad Subedi said the embankment in Khalla Jhagadiya and Jaraiya areas will help minimize this year’s flood risks. He added that this technique, also used in Eastern Nepal and on the western Rapti River, is cost-effective.
“We used an integrated approach of bamboo piling and concrete porcupines,” Subedi said, noting that India has also adopted this method after learning from Nepal. The structure includes bamboo, sand-filled plastic sacks, wire mesh, and cement poles.
Local resident Durga Pandey said the embankment has raised confidence that their village won’t be flooded this monsoon.
Villages expected to benefit include Deupura, Piprahawa, Sonbarsha (Narainapur-6), Kudarbetwa, Gangapur, Bhagwanpur, Nawajigaun, Bhojpur, and Kudwagau of Dudhuwa Rural Municipality-1.