Locals demand urgent action to control Karnali river erosion in Tikapur

Tikapur: Locals of Tikapur in Kailali have demanded that Member of Parliament Komal Gyawali take immediate action to address the growing problem of river erosion, which they say is the area’s main concern.

During a joint discussion involving federal, provincial, and local-level representatives held at Tikapur Municipality, participants warned that lower areas of Tikapur would be at serious risk if erosion of the Karnali River is not controlled in time. They stressed the need for urgent intervention as erosion has intensified in the upper areas of Tikapur Park and the Satti Karnali Community Forest Area. On Tuesday, representatives from all three levels of government also conducted on-site monitoring of the affected areas.

Ananta Khadka, a local resident of Tikapur-5, said that despite years of visiting offices such as the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project, the Karnali River Control Office in Bardiya, and the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project in Kanchanpur, the issue remains unresolved. He said that although work worth Rs 40 million has been carried out in estuary areas, insufficient investment and lack of coordination among concerned offices have worsened the situation. He emphasized the need to prioritize embankment construction to protect land and settlements.

Tikapur-8 Ward Chairman Dirgha Bahadur Thakulla pointed out that legal provisions related to river management have also created challenges, particularly in extracting riverbed materials. He said the river is shifting towards Kailali, increasing risks, and urged federal lawmakers to prioritize river control and allocate sufficient budget. He added that controlling the Karnali River, resolving landless issues, and developing Tikapur Park should be key priorities.

Acting Mayor Ram Bahadur Nagarji called for immediate efforts to protect citizens from flooding and erosion. He said this was the first time representatives from all three levels of government had jointly discussed the issue. He stressed that local resources are insufficient and urged provincial and federal governments to prioritize river control measures.

Premraj Ghimire, Office Chief of the Ranijamara Kulariya Irrigation Project, said that embankment construction in some areas has stalled due to rising petroleum prices, with contractors unable to continue work under previously estimated costs. He added that current efforts include placing large boulders in key areas such as the project’s inlet, areas behind the park, and near Sankatti.

Ghimire further stated that the project’s mandate is limited to protecting irrigated areas, and there is currently no budget to address erosion in the Satti Karnali Community Forest Area. Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly member Laxman Kishore Chaudhary said that river control falls under the responsibility of the federal government and called for coordinated efforts among all levels of government.

MP Komal Gyawali said she has raised the issue of river erosion in Parliament and has informed the Prime Minister. She said she would take further initiative to secure the necessary budget. “I have discussed disaster management with local and provincial representatives and visited erosion-affected areas,” she said. “As the rainy season begins, we must prepare together and take immediate actions where possible. I will prioritize long-term solutions at the central level.”