Panchthar, July 1

While landslides and floods have put at risk dozens of settlements in Yangbarak and Falelung rural municipalities by displacing local people in the northern part of Panchthar, prolonged drought has hit people hard in southern part of the district.

Local farmers looked very sad after seasonal crops wilted due to the drought at Tumbewa and Kumyak rural municipalities. Farmers said they were in problem as their crops had gone dry even though the deep boring system had provided them some relief. Seasonal crops appeared like dry grass in Kumyak, Tumbewa, Phalgunanda and Hilihang rural municipalities. The drought has also partially affected Phidim Municipality.

Drinking water problem in the region was resolved through the deep boring system at different places of Kumyak, Phalgunanda and Phidim. Durga Neupane, a local of Phalgunanda said the locals used the underground water after boiling following the advice of technicians, who suggested that the water could not be used before it was tested. “The underground water helped the locals but it was insufficient for seasonal crops and livestock,” she added.

The migration of the people due to water crisis has yet to stop. Agriculture expert Manoj Yadav said it was necessary to resolve the water crisis and start technology-based agro farming from the water of the Tamor River. The locals have demanded a permanent plan to resolve their problems.