Flood devastates Narayangadh riverbank and Chitwan Mahotsav venue

Floods from the swollen Narayani River, caused by continuous rain, have devastated the riverbank in Narayangadh, Chitwan. The area, protected through an investment of tens of millions of rupees, has suffered erosion in several places.

The site where the Chitwan Mahotsav is usually held now shows nothing but stones and mud. Although the structure built in the "sea-beach" model prevented some further damage, the bank now resembles a ruin.

After the flood entered the area, some riverbank residents were unable to move their belongings from homes and shops in time. They are now busy cleaning their homes and shops and moving the remaining belongings elsewhere.

Locals have expressed concern that if the river's erosion continues at this rate, Narayangadh market itself could come under threat. Prabhat Kumar Joshi, a resident of Narayangadh since 2019 BS, said immediate special attention must be given to protecting the Narayani riverbank.

He said that if the riverbank is not protected while settlements keep expanding right up to it, the market's future itself would be at risk.

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, weather in the Tarai will remain mostly clear today, while hilly and mountainous regions will see partly cloudy conditions.