Kathmandu, November 5
People displaced by the August 26 floods in the Bhotekoshi River, which flows into the Trishuli River in Rasuwa, have been staying at holding centres in Kathmandu. The displaced families have been accommodated at various monasteries and centres across the capital. While some have already returned to their villages, others are preparing to go back, while some remain uncertain about what they will do upon returning.
Although the flood victims have been living in Kathmandu for the past two months, they remain worried about how they will return to their original settlements. They complain that the government has yet to come up with a resettlement plan.
With a prolonged stay at the holding centres in Kathmandu appearing increasingly difficult, they are preparing to return to their homes after Tihar. They hope to revive their traditions and customs by returning to their original settlements.
Residents of Timure in Rasuwa are planning to establish permanent settlements at Timure Danda. They have urged the government to arrange food supplies and temporary shelters to facilitate their resettlement. They have also suggested that the government utilise the funds received as relief following the floods.
They say that living in monasteries in Kathmandu has been difficult due to differences in social and cultural practices, as well as food habits. They have also urged the government to focus on reopening the Rasuwagadhi border point.
Kami Nurbu Tamang of Timure said, “Everyone here is eager to know when they can return to their villages. How can we continue living here forever?” he said. “The government should create an environment for us to return and facilitate arrangements for us to live in our villages. The government is our guardian, after all.”
Members of a parliamentary committee recently visited the holding centres to assess the living conditions of the displaced people. During the visit, the flood victims drew the committee members’ attention to the need to reopen the border point, utilise the funds allocated to the Flood Victims Fund and make arrangements for permanent resettlement.
