BAJURA: Without a proper environmental assessment, the local levels of Bajura district have been using dozers to construct roads creating an alarming risk of landslides in dozens of settlements.

The construction which is taking place above the settlements of Maimatola in Badimalika Municipality-1 is currently at a high risk of landslides. The locals, fearful of their safety, went to the concerned authorities with a request to stop the construction, but in vain.

As many as 10 families are living in the area. They are now forced to reside in tents in an open space near the village after a landslide. "We thought the road construction would bring development. Instead, it has brought destruction," shared Neer Bista, a local.

The on-going construction of road which connects the district's headquarters Martadi to Gaumul Rural Municipality has led to a mudslide in the farms of dozen of locals. About three villages are in huge risk. The water flowing from the roads above the settlement has also drifted the farms creating another crisis for the locals who are demanding for protection of their settlement.

Meanwhile, Surat Thapa, a resident of Cheudaha Rural Municipality-2 expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the improper planning as it has also created a risk of landslide in his area.

In the fiscal year 2074/75, the nine local levels of Bajura district had spent over Rs 220 million for road construction. According to District Technical Office, the dozers have been used in every road construction of the district.

Lakshmi BK, a resident of Badimalika Municipality suggested that the local levels should have employed the locals for digging the road as it would have created employment opportunities as well as lessened the harmful impact on the soil created by dozers.

As many as 48 roads have been constructed in the last fiscal year in the district. The locals have also complained about the deforestation that has taken place for construction which maximizes the chances of landslides.