Melamchi municipality has drawn its attention to a widespread criticism of the local government for its sheer apathy to the protection of lives and property in the flood-ravaged river side area. The floods occurred since June 15 have caused unprecedented loss and damage to the human settlement in the vulnerable downstream area.

In an appeal issued on Tuesday, the municipality has said that it has put all-out efforts in mobilizing entire mechanisms to control river and protect settlements since the first day of June 15.The municipality however has expressed happiness over the functioning of early warning system that helped prevent the loss of human lives. The municipality had arranged temporary accommodation to the flood-affected people in Indreswori Secondary School for 15 days, it claimed.

Municipality mayor Dambar Aryal shared that the municipality played role to shift the affected people to secured areas on their wish by arranging cooking gas, stove, bed-set and food items. He further informed that coupons were also arranged for foods for a month.The municipality is continuously engaging its efforts to check river erosion in the downstream area and mitigate risks as per the thematic experts’ advice and recommendations, reads the appeal.

So far, the municipality has placed 1,278 gavvin box and 478 tip pebble, and mobilized seven machines continuously on the rivulet side for a month. The municipality has disclosed the expenses made in course of the prevention nd control of river erosion through its website.

The municipality has started collecting all details of flood-affected people and depositing Rs 25,000, Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 to the bank accounts of flood-hit people as per the classifications.Mayor Aryal further shared preparation is underway to sign contract of Rs 50,000 with affected households for housing and proceed ahead the reconstruction of disaster-ravaged structures. —