Bhotekoshi flood a wake-up call for vulnerable communities of Nepal’s Srilanka Island
Summary
Saptakoshi’s shifting course is forcing families on Srilanka Island in Sunsari to consider relocation as river erosion reaches homes and farmland. While vegetable farming has made many residents more prosperous, they now fear losing both their land and future to the river.
Key Points
- Saptakoshi’s changing course is eroding Srilanka Island in Barahakshetra, forcing some families to move and others to plan relocation.
- Locals say the risk intensified after recent river shifts and cite past disasters, including the 2008 Koshi breach and the recent Rasuwa flood, as warnings.
- Despite the danger, Srilanka Island has become a major vegetable-producing area, with tomato farming bringing in substantial income for many households.
- Residents are demanding a long-term embankment and government relocation support to protect the settlement from further erosion.
