Nepal’s Bhaktakhola Diversion Project Brings Relief to Flood-Prone Villages

In a significant achievement, the Bhaktakhola diversion project in Nepal’s Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality has brought relief to flood-prone villages in the area. The project, which was completed at a cost of NPR 55 lakh, has diverted the Bhaktakhola river away from the villages and into the Vasanta river, reducing the risk of flooding.

According to local residents, the Bhaktakhola river would cause significant damage to their homes and crops every year during the monsoon season. However, with the completion of the diversion project, they are no longer worried about flooding.

‘The Bhaktakhola river would cause immense damage to our homes and crops every year during the monsoon season,’ said Vishwaraj Khanal, chairman of the Dhakari Bazaar Management Committee. ‘But this year, we are relieved that the river has been diverted away from our villages.’

The project was initiated by the Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, with the support of the Lumbini Province government. The municipality’s chairman, Tapt Paudel, said that the project has set an example for other villages in the area that are prone to flooding.

‘We have many other rivers in our municipality that cause flooding every year,’ Paudel said. ‘We have already started working on long-term solutions for these rivers.’

The Bhaktakhola diversion project has been hailed as a success by local residents, who are no longer worried about flooding. The project has also been recognized as a model for disaster risk reduction and management in the area.