India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has objected to the construction of an embankment currently underway to control erosion by the Narayani River in the Susta region of West Nawalparasi.
It is reported that the Indian side has verbally requested that no further physical structures be built, citing that it is a disputed border area.
According to the District Administration Office, the Indian side raised this issue during a joint border patrol. The relevant authorities have since informed the Ministry of Home Affairs about the matter.
Currently, about 1 kilometer of embankment is being constructed in Susta Rural Municipality-5, and most of the work has already been completed. However, the Indian side has requested that construction on the remaining adjacent 132-meter stretch proceed only after obtaining high-level approval.
Local residents consider the embankment an essential infrastructure as the Narayani River's floods and erosion have consistently put local settlements and agricultural land at risk. They have expressed dissatisfaction with the obstruction, maintaining that the construction site lies within Nepali territory.
It is reported that separate contract agreements have already been signed and budgets allocated for the embankment's construction.
Locals have demanded that the government take the necessary initiatives to ensure construction work continues without delay.
