Raised embankment along bordering area by India heightens risk of inundation in Gaur

KATHMANDU: An embankment constructed by the Indian side along the Nepal-India border near Gaur, district headquarters of Rautahat district, and Bairagania in Bihar State of India has reportedly been raised higher and reinforced under the pretext of maintenance.

The development has led to heightened concerns over potential flood and inundation risks in southern Nepal.

Local residents reported that the work has been carried out unilaterally despite border regulations that prohibit either country from constructing, expanding or modifying physical structures on or near the no-man’s land (Dasgaja) without mutual agreement.

Also, cross-border norms require countries to consider the impacts of their infrastructure projects on neighbouring countries and to avoid actions that could cause flooding or environmental harm across the border.

Amit Keshari, a local resident, recalled that the embankment in the Bairgania area has long blocked the passage of floodwaters during the monsoon season, resulting in repeated inundation of Gaur municipality and dozens of surrounding villages in Nepal side.

He further shared that Indian side had previously constructed a 15-foot-high, five-kilometer-long embankment along the border to protect Bairgania and other parts of Bihar from flooding, but, he added, the structure has redirected floodwaters toward Nepal.

According to him, three sluice gates on the eastern section of the Bairagania embankment are routinely kept closed, preventing proper drainage and contributing to annual flooding in Gaur.

He also mentioned that personnel from India’s border security force, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), maintain a constant presence at the embankment, reportedly to prevent any attempts to damage the structure or force the gates open during flood events.

Likewise, Gautam Shrestha, a resident of Gaur and Secretary of the Rautahat chapter of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, warned that the increased height of the embankment could further block the natural flow of water from the Lalbakaiya and Bagmati rivers.

As a result, he cautioned, water may back up into Nepali settlements, increasing the likelihood of inundation and severity of flooding.

Shrestha observed that additional soil has recently been added to the ring embankment in the Bairagania area, which, he worried, could further restrict monsoon floodwaters.

He voiced his concern that Gaur and nearby communities may face extensive inundation if water is unable to drain effectively.