As the Halji river breaches its banks and advances rapidly, its namesake village in Humla district is under a high risk of flooding. Locals said that the river floods during the summer with the increase in water fall and rise in temperature which increases the rate of snowmelt.
The river has already destroyed four houses in the Halji village. “Some villagers moved to safety two years ago but those who cannot afford to flee are left to suffer,” said Khendap Tamang, a local resident.
“The main problem in the village is the eroding river. As it advances towards the village, we are under the menace of landslides,” said village leader Tandupa Tamang.
To add to the danger, landslides are becoming increasingly frequent and a glacial lake threatens to burst.
Khendap said that Halji and its surroundings would surely be swept away in a glacial lake outburst upstream. Tandupa also claimed that his family had been spending nights out in the open fearing landslips.
Villagers are unwilling to abandon an 11th century monastery, at the heart of the village, which also runs the risk of being swept away if there was a landslide or flood.
Locals have accused the government and political parties of doing nothing to prevent a disaster.
Two years ago, the Water Induced Disaster Prevention Office, Surkhet, set up a makeshift embankment of gabion boxes at the cost of Rs 1 million. However, villager Chhingnurbu Tamang said the structure was swept away.
Chief District Officer Bijaya Narayan Manandhar has assured the people of initiatives to tame the river.
The river has already destroyed four houses in the Halji village. “Some villagers moved to safety two years ago but those who cannot afford to flee are left to suffer,” said Khendap Tamang, a local resident.
To add to the danger, landslides are becoming increasingly frequent and a glacial lake threatens to burst.
Khendap said that Halji and its surroundings would surely be swept away in a glacial lake outburst upstream. Tandupa also claimed that his family had been spending nights out in the open fearing landslips.
Villagers are unwilling to abandon an 11th century monastery, at the heart of the village, which also runs the risk of being swept away if there was a landslide or flood.
Locals have accused the government and political parties of doing nothing to prevent a disaster.
Two years ago, the Water Induced Disaster Prevention Office, Surkhet, set up a makeshift embankment of gabion boxes at the cost of Rs 1 million. However, villager Chhingnurbu Tamang said the structure was swept away.
Chief District Officer Bijaya Narayan Manandhar has assured the people of initiatives to tame the river.
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