GALESHWOR, FEBRUARY 20
Thirteen settlements in Mustang are at high risk due to erosion caused by the Kaligandaki River. Settlements from Chhusang to Lete have become vulnerable to erosion mainly during the rainy season, suggests a study conducted in coordination with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.
Samar and Chaile of Baragung Muktikshetera, Syang of Gharpajhong, Larjung, Kowang, and Sauru are among those areas vulnerable to possible disaster. The preliminary report of the study warns of the possibility of glacial lake outburst and floods and landslides with global temperature rise, posing a threat to nearby and low-lying areas. The scale of snow melting is also rising.
Environmentalists are worried over recent developments in the mountain range.
Environmentalist Sahadev Sigdel said that lately several rivers in the district, including Lupra, Kagbeni, Thini, Tamo and Thapa Khola, have gradually started diverting their regular course putting human settlements at risk.
Incidences of irregular pattern of snowfall and avalanche are on the rise here, having implications on agriculture production.
Mustang, known as the district beyond the Himalayas, experienced an avalanche last December. The disaster was from the Manapathi Peak.
Similarly, previous incidents of avalanche in 1971, 1995, and 2002 in the Dhaulagiri Range had resulted in human and livestock losses.
In the meantime, in Myagi, Kaligandaki continues eroding the landmass. Bhurung, Tatopani, Dana, Bainsari and the district headquarters Beni are at the risk of erosion, it is said.
A version of this article appears in the print on February 21, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
