Locals of Susta break Indian dam to prevent flooding

KATHMANDU, July 3: Locals of Gudariya have broken a dam of Gandak Canal, a joint irrigation and power project between Nepal and India, in Susta rural municipality-2 of Nawalparasi district to prevent their arable land from further inundation.

After the water overflowed and waterlogged their crop fields, following the incessant rain, the local residents broke the dam to channelize the water toward into the canal, according to reports. Around 200 bigha land has been submerged this year due to water diverted from barrages, dams and embankments constructed by India.

East Nawalparasi Chief District Officer Devendra Lamichhane said that they are aware of the situation and are in talks to resolve the issues.

India has built over 18 dams, embankments and water holding structures along the southern border for irrigation purpose and to avoid flood damage; that include Laxampur dam in Banke, Sharada Dam on the Mahakali river in Kanchanpur district, Kailashpuri dam in Kailali, Gopiya Dam in Bardia, Koiralabas in Dang, Mahalisagar in Taulihawa, Kapilvastu, Dandafarena  in Rupandehi, Gandak  in Nawalparasi, Bagmati and Ratu in Rautahat, Harkatti  in Siraha, Luna  in Saptari, and the Koshi barrage in the eastern region.

But, every year, during the monsoon, thousands of people in the Nepali side are affected and thousands of bighas of lands are destroyed by the inundation and soil erosion caused by dams as Indian side are reluctant to open the gates.