Traders begin returning to Narayani riverbank turned into gravel flats

Pushcart vendors on the Narayani River bank in Chitwan have begun returning to business after the floods. The Narayani, which swelled from Asoj 9 to 12, has now calmed down. The riverbank, where crowds once gathered to stroll and take photos, is now covered with stones and mud.

About 150 to 200 small pushcart vendors depend on the area for their livelihood. Small carts have been set up at the edge of the riverbank to resume trade, while larger carts remain stuck on the road and in the parking area. The vendors returned after talks with Bharatpur Metropolitan City. The municipality has committed to building a path to make access to the riverbank easier.

Tara Devi Pariyar, who has been running a cart here for ten years, said that although the Parar flood caused only minor damage, this time the riverbank was completely wiped out. According to her, buying daily supplies costs about Rs 3,000, but only about Rs 2,000 worth was sold the previous day.

Jyoti Poudel from Gaindakot, who has been selling fast food here for five years, said she wanted to do something in her own country instead of going abroad. She said customers stopped coming once the walkway became covered in stones.

Pavitra Adhikari, who moved from Pokhara and has been running a cart here for five years, complained that even without business, she has to pay the metropolitan about Rs 2,500 a month and about Rs 200 as a waste fee.