The Water-Induced Disaster Division Office (WIDDO), Dhangadhi is responsible for the dyke construction which was eroded by the river on June 16, last year. However, with monsoon approaching, the construction company has expressed concerns about being able to start the construction by the end of the month.

Construction work on the retaining wall has started in areas most prone to erosion. The main objective of the mission is to construct a four-kilometre stretch dyke from Bangabagar, Khalanga to Namaskar, Dhap. The reconstruction project worth Rs 3 billion 57 million envisages the construction of a blacktopped road above the retaining walls within five years. An agreement worth a total of Rs 10 billion and 50 million has been allotted for the current fiscal year.

Chief of WIDDO in Dhangadhi Mahendra Pratap Badu said although they had tabled the proposal in August last year, frequent setbacks in granting permission and problems in tender process had postponed the construction process.

Hence, only basic construction work can be carried out due to the approaching monsoons, Badu said, adding that they had directed the concerned authorities to stay on alert with essential equipment to construct temporary embankments at high risk areas like Bangabagar and Galfai.

“As we are in no condition to construct permanent retaining walls, we have focused on minimising the damage,” Badu said.

The Indian side has already finished construction, increasing risk of floods causing damage in Darchula.