Shrinking Land: Nepal’s Shreelanka Tappu Village Battles River Erosion

The Shreelanka Tappu village in Sunsari is struggling to prevent the erosion of its land by the Saptakoshi River. The river’s strong currents have been eating away at the land, posing a significant threat to the village and its residents.

The village, which is home to around 3,000 people, is located in the middle of the Saptakoshi River. The eastern part of the village falls under the Varahakshetra Municipality-6 and 9 wards in Sunsari, while the western part falls under the Belaka Municipality 2 and 3 wards in Udayapur.

Local resident Badri Rai said that the village has been trying to control the erosion by using bamboo and sandbags. However, the lack of manpower and resources has hindered their efforts. Rai said that the village has been receiving some support from the Varahakshetra Municipality and Belaka Municipality, but it is not enough.

Long-term Solution Needed

The Saptakoshi River’s erosion has been a persistent problem for the village. Every year during the monsoon season, the river changes its course, causing widespread damage to the land and crops. The villagers are mostly farmers and rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihood.

Jayakumar Majhi, the chairman of the Saptakoshi Erosion Control Committee, said that the villagers are trying to find a long-term solution to the problem. They have been working with the Koshi Project, which is responsible for managing the river, to find a solution. However, Majhi said that the project has not been able to provide adequate support.

The villagers have been using bamboo and sandbags to try and control the erosion. They have also been working with the security forces and the local municipalities to find a solution. However, Majhi said that the problem requires a more comprehensive approach.

The Saptakoshi River’s erosion has been a major problem for the village, and the villagers are hoping that the government will take steps to address the issue. The village is located in a sensitive area, and the erosion has been causing significant damage to the land and crops.