Authorities have started an investigation into the alleged use of unspecified materials in the construction of embankments along the Karnali and Geruwa rivers in Bardiya district.

Siddhi Shahi Constructions is accused of using materials against the specifications of the Water Induced Disaster Management Office.

Locals have claimed that the construction firm used man-made gabion boxes and stones of smaller dimension to build the embankments. 

Although the firm had agreed to construct the embankments using 95 per cent machine-made gabion boxes, the locals said, nearly 40 percent of the embankment wall at Dalaighat was made with man-made gabion boxes.

The District Administration Office has formed a committee to investigate into the matter. Chief District Officer Bishnu Bahadur Thapa said the construction firm will face action if the claims made by the locals were found to be true.