Saptakoshi seepage waterlogs Sunsari farmland, farmers fear future risk
Summary
Seepage from the Saptakoshi River has waterlogged hundreds of bighas of farmland in Barahakshetra Municipality, alarming farmers in Rajabas. Locals warn that rising riverbed sediment could worsen the problem and eventually threaten nearby settlements.
Key Points
- Hundreds of bighas of cultivable land in Barahakshetra Municipality have been waterlogged by seepage from the Saptakoshi River.
- Farmers in Rajabas say the problem is occurring at river flows of 150,000–180,000 cusecs, lower than past flood levels.
- Locals blame rising sediment and a higher riverbed for increasing pressure on surrounding farmland.
- Residents are urging local, provincial and federal authorities, as well as India, to intervene in Koshi management.
