Picture Courtesy: generosity.com

Sindupalchowk has been the most popular district for years now. Described by the difficult terrain, infertile lands, earthquake prone zone and vulnerability to floods and landslides; it is one of the least developed district despites being very close to Kathmandu. The earthquake last year had killed more than 3600 residents of the region and destroyed 97 percent of the houses. Before that, in 2014, over 150 people perished in landslides in the district’s Jure VDC and thousands were compelled to move to the safer area. In recent months, 100 of houses at Tatopani have been gulped by the river Bhotekoshi and the threat is still continuing.

With all the forces of nature focused on this district, the 300,000 citizens are having a hard time finding the practical measures which can be undertaken. The government visions have been blocked by the hills of Kathmandu and it has not been able to have a glance of the problem. The disaster victims have lost all hopes of getting relief and support from the government. With post – quake tremors and landslides occurring on a daily basis, people have been gambling their life by residing there. But who cares? The government is too busy protecting themselves from being overruled by the opposition.

Although the National Reconstruction Security was formed immediately after the earthquake, it was limited to formation only. Even 15 months after the earthquake, it’s a rare sight to see the victims being rehabilitated to a safer place. With the swollen Bhotekoshi river, the condition has fallen into the fire from the pan. The Kodari Highway from which maximum people earned their daily bread has been swept away by the river at places and blocked in other places. With the ever occurring natural calamities, people have been migrating to the Kathmandu permanently in search of safety and security.

With the rain pouring like cats and dogs, the hills cracked by the earthquake and the everlasting tremor, the dangers of landslide have been increasing every day. If a common student like me is aware of these dangers then so must be the experts. If they do know then why are they turning a blind eye? Is Sindupalchowk not a part of Nepal? And if yes, where are the concerned authorities? When will the roars and cries of the people of Sindupalchowk be heard in Baluwatar and at the office of National Reconstruction Authority?

Let’s hope that the government carries out the rehabilitation program at full gear and not treat Sindupalchowk like step children in a fairy tale.