Local Governments Grapple with Flood Aftermath, Focus on Relief and Rehabilitation

Kathmandu. Local governments, which were damaged by the floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, are now slowly trying to recover. The disaster has disrupted the lives of the residents in the affected areas, and their permanent resettlement and relief distribution have now emerged as the main challenges. Although the Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot has advanced plans for the permanent and temporary resettlement of flood victims, other local levels that suffered severe damage are still concerned about relief. The Bidur Municipality has already proposed various locations to the central government for the construction of temporary shelters. Mayor Rajan Shrestha states that the municipality has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister that includes a detailed plan for the resettlement and reconstruction of the flood-affected areas. 'We have designated places in various parts of the municipality for the construction of temporary shelters for citizens displaced by the flood,' he says. According to the municipality, for the severely damaged Betrawati area, Suhara Danda has been proposed; for the residents of Tupche, Sole, Akkare, and Chhīpīṭār areas, Bhitriniṭār and Nepal Electricity Authority land have been proposed. Similarly, for the Bhaise area, Kānle, and for the area around the number one bridge, the Gerkhoṭār ward office area has been recommended by the municipality. 'We are thinking of relocating not only the damaged but also the high-risk settlements. The Simchaur settlement is at high risk, so we plan to move it to Dhapkhhet,' says Mayor Shrestha. Similarly, it has been proposed to arrange temporary shelters for the residents of the Devighat area at Chandrajyoti Secondary School and the Ayurveda Building.

'Resettlement City in Every Ward'