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Ramechhap villages sans potable water
RAMECHHAP, JUN 09 -
Inadequate rainfall has taken its toll in the southeastern region of Ramechhap district, where a majority of the people rely on agriculture for livelihood. Lack of rain accompanied by torrid weather has ruined corn plantation.
Manthali, Kathjor, Chisapani, Pakarbas, Bhirpani, Bhatauli, Ramechhap, Sunarpani, Salu, Sukajor, Rampur, Okhrani, Himganga, Deurali, Saghutar and Gothgaon Village Development Committees are hit hard by the dry spell. “Corn plants have turned pale and brittle due to the heat and a lack of water,” Arjun Karki, a farmer of Manthali VDC said. “The western and northern parts of the district are receiving rain occasionally but not this region.”
Drinking water has been scarce as the sources are drying up. “Springs that used to supply water throughout the year have run dry this summer,” said Thadindra Bahadur Thapa, resident of Thulimadau in Kathjor VDC. Around 200 households in Thulimadau are reeling under potable water crisis and are compelled to take a three-hour walk downhill to the Ranajor River to fetch water. Locals at Dharapani of Manthali VDC said they are suffering the worst water scarcity in recent history.
Far-West waits for rain
MAHENDRANAGAR: Farmers in various hill districts in the Far-Western region of the country are waiting for the rain to plant corn in their fields. Sowing has been delayed by a month due to the lack of rain. Agriculture officials have projected corn yield to fall by as much as 40 percent this season. Dadeldhura, Bajura, Darchula, Baitadi, Bajhang, Achham and Doti districts are facing the problem. According to officials at Dipayal-based Regional Agriculture Directorate, corn production in the seven districts is dwindling successively over the last few years, mainly due to an erratic weather pattern.
Posted on: 2010-06-10 08:00
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