Embankment Built on Mohana River in Kailali Alleviates Years of Erosion Fears for Locals

Kailali. An embankment has been constructed on the Mohana River in Khakaraula, Ward No. 9 of Tikapur Municipality, Kailali, where residents have lived under the threat of river erosion for years. Following the construction of a 680-meter long big boulder embankment on the Mohana River at a cost of Rs 41.1 million, locals have expressed relief from the fear.

The Office of Irrigation and Water Resource Management Project stated that the embankment construction has been completed at a cost of Rs 41.1 million. Local Khadga Dhami said that the problem of erosion, which occurred annually during both monsoon and winter seasons, has stopped after the construction of the embankment.

"The erosion had even put Pillar No. 105, located on the Nepal-India border, at risk. There was a constant fear during the monsoon of when our houses might be washed away. Locals were forced to stay awake at night due to anxiety. This time, we will be able to sleep," he said. "Hundreds of families have been displaced as the river eroded hundreds of bighas of land."

Dhami mentioned that the river is currently flowing over land for which they hold ownership deeds, and stated that if this embankment had been built five years ago, most families would not have faced displacement.

Local Ransingh Dhami said that after the embankment was built, it has become easier for locals to visit the Baishnavi Devi Temple in India and for tourists to come from there.

Engineer Uttam Subedi from the Irrigation and Water Resource Management Project, Kanchanpur, stated that the embankment was constructed using the budget from the last fiscal year.

Former House of Representatives member Ishwari Neupane said, "The citizens here had been demanding an embankment for a long time. Unlike previous constructions, this one has been built using large boulders to ensure durability. Locals affected by river erosion and flooding have felt relief."

Neupane opined that the problem has now been resolved, as locals suffered hardship and anxiety due to erosion even during the dry season. "The public benefits only when the government identifies the real needs of the people and carries out development," she said.

Locals say that the Mohana River erosion has pushed Nepali territory towards India. Since the Nepali land shifted across the river, Nepali citizens have been unable to cultivate there. Local Bir Bahadur Chaudhary stated that Indian citizens have been utilizing the Nepali land that is now across the river.

In Kailali, rivers including the Karnali and Mohana erode hundreds of bighas of land annually. Due to the change in the course of the Karnali River, Tikapur Municipality and Janaki Rural Municipality are constantly at risk. Wards 2, 5, 7, and 8 of Tikapur Municipality are at risk of erosion from the Karnali River.

The Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project has constructed embankments in about 12 locations here. The project stated that while they build embankments forward, erosion continues behind due to changes in the river's course, causing problems in river control. Local Chaudhary suggested that long-term solutions for river control should be planned through embankment construction appropriate for the current situation to save settlements from erosion damage.