Growing Concerns in Rasuwa’s Gatlang Village Following Devastating Floods
Photo credit, Nima Norbu Tamang
The devastating flood on Bhadra 10 (Nepali calendar) along the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli rivers brought various types of suffering to multiple locations, according to the affected residents.
Those who lost both family members and farmland experience a unique pain compared to others; some have lost relatives but managed to save their fields. These individuals show a different kind of concern.
At least 29 people from Gatlang village, located in Amachodingmo Rural Municipality-3, Rasuwa—locally known as the ‘Kala Gaun’ (Black Village)—have gone missing following the floods, local representatives confirmed.
Although Gatlang village was not directly hit by the floods, the impact severely affected the community. Many people working in the nearby border markets were swept away by the floodwaters.
According to local officials, residents of Gatlang involved in container transport and running shops and supply businesses along the Rasuwa-Tibet border also suffered heavy losses.
Most of Gatlang’s population belongs to the Tamang community, who are grieving the loss of loved ones. However, the disruption of road connections after the flood has introduced additional anxiety.
With no transport infrastructure linking the village, millions worth of cabbages growing in the fields are rotting since they cannot be sold, raising serious concerns about sustaining daily life.
Photo credit, Nima Norbu Tamang
‘Without Roads, There Will Be Devastation’
Phurpu Wangmo Tamang, a 40-year-old resident of Gatlang, returned to her cabbage fields on Saturday after many days since the flood. Seeing the weeds thriving, she began clearing them.
“In 15 to 20 days, the cabbage will be ready to sell, but there are no roads. This increases the risk of the crop rotting,” she said while weeding.
“If roads are not constructed to sell the cabbage, it will be a disaster. Farmers earn from selling cabbage to buy other food items and sustain their livelihood. Without a market, even food supply here becomes uncertain,” Phurpu expressed her worries.
She shared that they buy essentials like rice, salt, and cooking oil and pay for their children’s education from cabbage sales. “What will we eat? How will we educate our children? There is so much worry.”
Phurpu cultivated about six ropani of cabbage this year. “We had already sold nearly two hundred thousand rupees worth of produce from the ponds, and this year we planted even more than last year,” she stated.
Photo credit, Nima Norbu Tamang
Phurpu’s husband, Nima Norbu Tamang, works at a local health post and assists with farming during his off hours.
They have been engaged in cabbage farming for five years, and their production has increased steadily over the last three years.
“Since cabbage sales went well, not only us but other farmers increased their production this year. But if the flood prevents sales, even feeding the livestock becomes difficult,” Nima explained.
Gatlang has been selling millions of rupees worth of cabbage for a few years, and farmers like Phurpu and Tenpi have expanded cultivation more than ever this year.
Attracted by good income and immediate cash flow, many farmers have reduced other crops to focus on cabbage production.
However, they did not anticipate that floods would wash away road networks and hinder timely market access.
“Some farmers are grieving lost family members, but the fear of cabbage rotting away is just as distressing,” Nima added.
‘The Entire Village is Concerned’
Photo credit, Tenpi Nhima Tamang
Thirty-one-year-old Tenpi Nima Tamang of Gatlang, along with six family members, has cultivated cabbage across 35 ropani of land this year.
“When we siblings were unable to manage, we allowed other villagers to plant. Our cabbage will be ready a little later, but some can sell theirs now,” he explained.
Compared to last year, many villagers have grown more cabbage, and sales could generate substantial income.
“In summary, about 80 to 90 million rupees worth of cabbage cultivation has taken place in the village. If prices are good, my brothers and I expect to earn around 3 million rupees,” Tenpi shared optimistically.
However, road issues frustrate him: “The main worry is the roads. After the Pasang Lhamu Highway was damaged, how can we transport cabbage to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Hetauda, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, or Butwal?”
He is deeply concerned about the consequences of failing to sell the produce due to these challenges.
“If cabbage is sold, we can buy rice, pay school fees for our children, and cover medical expenses. Otherwise, what will become of us? The whole village is worried,” he added.
‘…If Not, There Will Be Major Losses’
Photo credit, Tenpi Nhima Tamang
Chandika Tamang, Vice Chairperson of Amachodingmo Rural Municipality, is reported to be concerned about the villagers’ problems.
“Without road construction, hundreds of millions of rupees worth of agricultural products could be destroyed,” she said.
She explained that before the destructive Bhadra 10 flood, there was no proper road connecting Syafrubensi to Sano Bharkhu in Rasuwa.
“If a Bailey bridge or similar structure were installed immediately, significant losses could have been prevented. Otherwise, greater damage seems inevitable,” she added.
She also noted that not only Gatlang but farmers from other wards of Amachodingmo have cultivated cabbage extensively.
“We cannot specify the exact area, but much cabbage cultivation has been undertaken this year,” she stated.
Officials report that the catastrophic flood on Bhadra 10 severely damaged road infrastructure, communication networks, and hydroelectric projects along the Nepal-China border.
Damage assessments in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and other districts suggest reconstruction will require an extended period.
Farmers like Phurpu, Tenpi, and Nima, who have invested millions in cabbage farming, remain hopeful despite the lack of transport routes.
“The villagers hope that an alternative route will definitely open soon,” Nima said.
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