Melamchi Municipality's appeal to locals

The Melamchi Municipality has stated that it has drawn its attention to the criticism of the people that the local government has ignored the floods that have been damaging the houses and settlements along the river since July 20. The appeal issued on Tuesday states that the municipality has been working tirelessly since July 20 to control the river and protect the settlement.

They are happy that no human casualties have been reported due to timely information and have also provided shelter to the affected people at Indreshwari Secondary School for 15 days. Mayor Dambar Aryal informed that the municipality has played a role in providing gas, stove, bedding, utensils, and rations. He also said that food was distributed for one month by arranging coupons.

As for the condition of the upper part of the landslide, it is mentioned that the municipality is continuously working to reduce the damage by stopping the erosion of the river in the lower coastal area as per the continuous advice and suggestions of the concerned subject matter experts. So far, 1,278 Gavin boxes, 478 tip stones and seven machines have been used in the river for one consecutive month. 

"Preparations are being made to distribute Rs. 50,000 from the Government of Nepal for the construction of temporary housing by signing an agreement," Mayor Aryal says.

The appeal signed by the mayor said that the municipality is doing all the work on its behalf and will continue to do so by making maximum use of the internal resources of the municipality and coordination with the state government, central government and stakeholders. It has been mentioned that the municipality is ready for discussions with individuals, organizations and groups for the relief and rescue of the affected people.

Mayor Aryal said that necessary steps are being taken to build houses for the flood-affected people by protecting the settlements on the banks of Dhadkhola from Talamarang within the municipality. The municipality said that the landslide is still likely to come from landslide-prone areas.

The municipality has said that there will be no shortage of food, shelter and health care for the flood-affected people. 

The federal government has been requested to construct two bailey bridges at Melamchi Bazaar and Phatte and a study is underway to build a permanent bridge, the appeal said. Stating that no effort will be left for the protection and preservation of the livelihood of the city dwellers, the municipality has appealed to the concerned person or group to come to the municipality and solve the problem through discussion.