KANCHANPUR: The government has officially declared seven wards in Kanchanpur, the district in the Sudur Paschim Province, as disaster-affected areas.

This decision follows a delay in restoring the bride and guide bund (embankment) damaged by last year’s flooding from the Mahakali River. A meeting of the district disaster management committee earlier recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs announce the area as a disaster-hit zone.

The affected wards include 11, 12, and 13 of Bheemdatta municipality, as well as wards 3, 8, 9, and 10 of Dodhara Chandani municipality. These areas have been declared disaster-affected for a period of three months.

Kanchanpur’s Chief District Officer, Laxman Dhakal, said that they are still awaiting guidelines regarding the action plan from higher authorities. Bhupendra Singh Rawal, the Ward Chair of Bheemdatta municipality said that according to his information, the Nepal Army will be deployed to carry out necessary work in the affected areas.

In the past, locals here had frequently demonstrated over an increased flood risk to the settlements. In August of last year, floods from the Mahakali River caused significant damage, destroying the four-lane bridge and the guide bund that was under construction.