Reclaiming Diversity in Nepal
This item currently has no comments. Add your comment.
Finding a Natural Way to Solve the Problem of Recurring Floods
May 2006
The Kamala river belt is one of the most flood-affected areas in Sindhuli, where USC Nepal runs its People’s empowerment Program (PEP). Floods have been a major problem in the area. Every year they would wash away cultivated lands. The erosion led to landslides and deterioration of natural forests. Formerly cultivated lands were turned into sandy soil, making former landowners landless.
The problem had been growing worse for decades but, after discussion with USC Nepal staff, people realized the situation might be reversible. They learned the flooding was caused by:
- Rapid deforestation along the Chure mountain range situated south of the area
- Open grazing on the banks of the river and rivulets that deplete greenery
- Lack of awareness among communities in conserving biodiversity in this watershed area
Local Solutions
With USC Nepal’s assistance, community members built two check dams as a means of reducing flooding. At the same time, more than 80,000 tree saplings were planted at the riverbank, and USC staff conducted regular monitoring visits, facilitating education in the community on biodiversity conservation and deforestation. Community members were also encouraged to stop the practice of open grazing, especially along riverbanks where the trees were planted.
This was four years ago. 1,300 families worked together to carry out and monitor the work. A year later, the banks were a thick greenbelt and now there are ample grasses and trees in the area.
 |
|
The Riverbank before (left) and after (right) the USC Nepal PEP Intervention
|
Natural Recovery
During the monsoon season, when heavy flooding does occur and the water overflows the protected field, the floods no longer scour the banks but rather deposit fertile sandy soil above the field, resulting in heightened banks. According to people in the community, each flood contributed about half a foot of soil to the riverbanks. They say they now feel safe from the floods because the banks have grown to a considerable height.
Moreover, because the system is properly managed, villagers now have extra fodder for their cattle, grass for roofing, and wood for fuel. They sell the excess and use the money for further conservation work.
This project has reclaimed 300 hectares of land that was previously barren. They have already started farming on 50 hectares of that land, keeping 200 hectares as a green belt. The remainder is being prepared for cultivation in the coming season.
As a side benefit of the project, the work has protected an additional 1,500 hectares downstream. That has reduced the number of landless farmers and increased biodiversity and agricultural production. Communities are now replicating this work in other areas. They have learned that, by respecting nature, it will not only keep people safe from disaster, but will also increase their income.
Leave a Comment
USC Canada
was founded by
Dr Lotta Hitschmanova in 1945. Our award-winning Seeds of Survival program promotes vibrant family farms, strong rural communities, and healthy ecosystems around the world.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
