20 dead in three years in Rukum’s rivers

Rivers in western Rukum, Nepal, have become a persistent source of tragedy, claiming the lives of at least 20 people over the last three years. The Sani Bheri and Thuli Bheri rivers have seen individuals drown or be swept away while undertaking common activities such as fishing, collecting firewood, gathering materials from the riverbed, crossing the water, or swimming.

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People do not appear to follow even basic safety measures. Many deaths have occurred because people enter the rivers recklessly.

Data from the District Police Office in Rukum West reveals a grim pattern: five deaths occurred in the fiscal year 2023-24, followed by six in 2024-25, and seven in 2025-26. The rivers continue to pose a threat this year, with recent incidents highlighting the ongoing danger. Last Tuesday, Dev Oli of Musikot Municipality-10 was found dead after being swept away while casting a net. Another individual, Prem Rokaya of Sanibheri Rural Municipality-1, went missing while attempting to retrieve firewood from the Sani Bheri river and had not been found as of Thursday.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Bahadur Paudel, the police chief for Rukum West, stated that people frequently enter the rivers for various purposes without adhering to basic safety measures. He noted that many fatalities occur because individuals enter the rivers recklessly. While the construction of suspension bridges has reduced the need for river crossings for transportation, people continue to engage in other river-related activities without adequately considering the risks.

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There is almost no longer a compulsion to enter the rivers for transportation. But people still go into the rivers for other activities without properly considering the risks. Individuals need to be more careful in the first place.

Nishan Raj Gautam, Chief District Officer of Rukum West, acknowledged the efforts of the District Disaster Management Committee in responding to river accidents and conducting search and rescue operations. The district now possesses boats for rescue missions. However, Gautam stressed that these resources are insufficient, and additional equipment and trained personnel are required for effective incident management. The emphasis remains on individuals needing to exercise greater caution when interacting with the rivers.

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We now have boats that can be used to search for and rescue people in river accidents. But that alone is not enough. We need additional equipment and trained personnel to deal with these incidents effectively.