A Musahar settlement at Gujara Municipality-7 in Rautahat district is at high risk of flood from the Tarhar River.

The 24 families of the community were shifted near the banks of the Tarhar River after a sugar mill acquired the land where their previous settlement was located.

With the monsoon season fast approaching, the families live in constant fear of floods. Their current settlement is protected by a makeshift embankment that could give way anytime.

Although the sugar mill provided compensation for land acquisition, most of the Musahar families have been unable to build houses, and they fear that the floods would erode the banks near the settlement.

“We cannot sleep in peace when it rains,” said Akliya Devi Musaharni. “We fear that in the event of a flood, the river banks will give way and sweep away our settlement. Mostly, we fear for the over 100 children who live in the settlement.”

Mayor Santalal Chaudhary of Gujara Municipality said, “It is the responsibility of Katariya Municipality to look after the Musahar community. We will hold discussions with members of the ward office regarding the settlers’ situation.”