Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Floods: Why Are Densely Populated Settlements Still Found Along Riverbanks Despite Known Risks?
Image source, EPA
On Wednesday, a devastating flood flowed through the Bhote Koshi river in Rasuwa, extensively damaging roads, homes, vehicles, bridges, and other infrastructure, causing unprecedented destruction.
The swift flood near the Rasuwa Gadhi customs point, close to the Nepal-China border, destroyed major structures and caused significant upheaval after crossing through Galchi, Dhadhing district, before showing signs of stabilization.
Meanwhile, the flood successively wreaked havoc on settlements located along the riverbanks in Timure and Syafrubesi of Rasuwa, extending into markets and communities in Nuwakot, including Trishuli, Betrawati, and Devighat.
This destructive flood has highlighted the urgent need to reconsider the positioning of riverside settlements and to seriously take natural risks into account when constructing new buildings and infrastructure in such regions.
Officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development stated that the persistent problem stems from a lack of clear and concrete government policies regarding permissions for building homes and structures along riverbanks.
“Regulations that dictate how far from the riverbank buildings must be set back exist mainly in the Kathmandu Valley—for example, structures are not permitted within 20 meters on either side of the Bagmati River—but beyond this region, such strict enforcement is missing,” said Gopal Prasad Sigdel, Secretary of the Ministry.
Experts and government officials agree that the current flood level is extraordinary.
“Such a flood has never been seen before. Had these rules been implemented earlier, although the damage might still have occurred, people would have had better chances to evacuate in time. Many houses were situated right on the river, which prevented timely escape,” explained Megh Bahadur Ghale, a river conservation campaigner.
Why Are Many Settlements Located in Risk-Prone Areas?
Image source, Reuters
Mahendra Shrestha, 59, a resident of Trishuli, Nuwakot, spoke to the BBC on Saturday afternoon while awaiting rescue by helicopter.
He recounted how the flood on Wednesday swept away his home along with hundreds of others nearby.
“My family is safe, but our home is gone. We have become flood victims,” he said.
He added that he had witnessed floods in the river before and heard news of people being swept away.
“But our settlement was established by our ancestors, who settled here for business. We had to live here to access cold water, as drinking water is scarce in the upper hill areas,” Shrestha explained.
He observed that settlements have expanded along with improvements in infrastructure and amenities.
Experts’ Analysis
Image source, Reuters
Although settling near rivers is not a new tradition, the expansion of roads and flatlands has led to increased populations in these areas. Many roads in Nepal’s flat and valley regions run alongside rivers.
Former Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Jagdish Chandra Pokhrel, explained that the geography encourages people to settle in flat and valley areas.
“The biggest reason is connectivity, which makes living there easier. Modern economic activities are also concentrated in those areas.”
Pokhrel noted from his observations that settlements along many riverbanks across Nepal have increased.
“When road development occurred in places like the route from Bandipur to Dumre, it boosted development in the Dumre area, and the district headquarters also shifted towards the flatlands via Damauli. Thus, we have a ribbon development pattern where growth occurs flanking the roads.”
“This pattern applies to many riverbank areas affected by recent floods, including Bhote Koshi and Tatopani.”
Challenges Growing Alongside Development
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The number of people identifying some flood-affected settlements as uninhabitable is increasing.
“Currently, the flood-impacted areas were non-residential zones,” said Vinod Parajuli, senior hydrology expert at the Flood Forecasting Division.
According to Secretary Sigdel of the Ministry of Infrastructure, the risks have increased alongside development.
“There are policies against living in risk-prone areas, but people own land there and question why they shouldn’t be allowed to build homes.”
Secretary Sigdel explains that this problem is especially visible in watershed areas and varies by region.
“This event shows that downstream areas such as Dhadhing and Chitwan have wider rivers and therefore experience less flood impact compared to Nuwakot.”
River conservation activist Ghale emphasized people’s awareness about river rights.
“Rivers are the roots of human civilization. When living beside rivers, it is necessary to respect required flow zones. Unchecked development infringes upon river rights.”
Need for Reconsideration
Experts and officials in the infrastructure sector highlight that the destructive flood underscores the urgent need for river management policies and their proper implementation.
They also concur that development models focusing mainly on roads and connectivity require reassessment.
“Current development plans must be integrated with riverbank areas to formulate new policies,” said planner Pokhrel.
Secretary Sigdel advised that physical structures along major riverbanks must be carefully planned.
“Areas previously considered safe from such floods were severely affected. Large-scale investments are needed in design to protect against high-level floods. Special attention is required in glacial zones.”
Resettling in the Same Locations?
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images
According to Secretary Sigdel, the flood-affected areas are not suited for re-settlement. “There is a possibility of future floods as the river’s course has changed. The government is encouraging relocation to higher, safer grounds during such transfers.”
Flood Forecasting Division’s Parajuli also stressed that even though the swept-away settlements were in unsuitable locations, they should not be rebuilt in the same places. “All settlements should be developed in safe areas with multi-disaster risk assessments.”
Planner Pokhrel mentioned that discussions have begun on comprehensive concepts guiding river and valley development.
“Riverbank areas need to be systematically organized, with regulations established and enforced. This recent event has exposed this necessity. How to create policies, select indicators, and resolve land complexity are critical issues.”
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