Dispute over site delays relocation of quake-victims

CHITWAN, June 12: Few weeks have already elapsed since the District Disaster Relief Committee (DDRC) of Chitwan district took a decision to relocate displaced locals of Kaule VDC-9, which is at the high-risk of being hit by landslides. However, the committee's decision has not been implemented yet, keeping the lives of locals hanging by a thread.

The committee could not identify a place for relocation because of the disputes on the matter. "We were told that we'll be relocated soon but nothing has happened since," lamented Gopi BK, a local teacher at Guchiwang of the VDC.Several spots at Panchachuli Hill have developed deep cracks and locals fear that the hill may give way anytime. Guchiwang is a settlement with 27 households, majority of whom belonged to underprivileged Dalit community.

"Although we survived the catastrophic earthquake, we fear we might die from landslides," added BK.

Preparations were underway to relocate the locals to Shaktikhor cantonments in Chitwan district that housed former Maoist rebels in the past. However, the disputes over relocation surfaced when community forest and locals at the site protested.

Udayapur Community Forest, locals and some representatives of local political bodies at the area opposed the decision saying that cantonment sites fall in an area that is very sensitive in terms of forest conservation.

At present, Singhanath Barrack of Nepal Army occupies the cantonments.

Few quake victims of Guchiwang had started building temporary shelters at the site after hearing the district-level decision to relocate them. However, they had returned disappointed after obstructions from the protesting groups.

Vice chairman of Udayapur Community Forest, Sudarshan Adhikari said the district-level decision was taken without their consent.

"Discussion is underway to find an alternative location," informed Chief District Officer Man Bahadur BK of the district.

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