Susta residents battle Narayani river, build embankments overnight

In Susta, West Nawalparasi, residents toiled through the night, hauling soil-filled sacks and arranging wire mesh along the Narayani riverbank. The urgent efforts, continuing past midnight, were a desperate race against time to reinforce the embankment and prevent floodwaters from breaching their settlement.

This year, the Narayani river's erosion has intensified, forcing the community to repeatedly build makeshift defenses. Residents report that the Indian side has obstructed their attempts to construct permanent embankments on their own territory. This situation exacerbates their long-standing struggle to hold onto their land, compounded by alleged harassment from India's border security force, the Sashastra Seema Bal.

Kamal Bhagat and other experienced residents shared techniques for reinforcing the embankment, drawing on past experiences. Despite the government allocating approximately Rs150 million for a one-kilometer embankment completed before the monsoon, a crucial 132-meter section remains unfinished due to Indian security personnel's objections. This vulnerable stretch now poses a significant risk of the Narayani river flooding the settlement.

Residents have expressed their determination to protect their land, with Osiya Khan stating, "We are prepared to fight any kind of struggle to protect our land." They are appealing for government intervention to negotiate with India, seeking an environment conducive to building embankments up to the Nepal-India border. The round-the-clock efforts have finally drawn the attention of local and provincial authorities, with the chief minister of Lumbini Province pledging support and funds for immediate flood-risk reduction measures.

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We are prepared to fight any kind of struggle to protect our land. We have received a lot of support now. We would be grateful if the government could negotiate with India and create an environment in which we can build an embankment up to the Nepal-India border.