In Siraha Municipality Ward No. 2, the Lakshmichok area has experienced waterlogging even during normal rainfall, severely affecting local residents’ daily lives. According to Ashwin Yadav, engineer at the Road Division Office in Lahan, the problem arises because the road elevation is lower than that of the drainage system, causing water to accumulate on the road. Despite investing millions of rupees in constructing drainage channels, issues persist with water drainage, prompting locals to demand long-term solutions. (14 Baisakh, Siraha)
The Lakshmichok area, part of the Chhorva–Siraha road section, faced flooding from last night through this morning due to rainfall. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Siraha Municipality recorded only 29.2 millimeters of rain in the past 24 hours. The waterlogging blocked traffic temporarily on the road leading towards Madar in front of Lakshmichok. Locals improvised temporary drainage by digging channels themselves to help water flow due to the lack of proper drainage.
Rajkishor Sah Baniya, a local resident, expressed disappointment that the drainage system, constructed with hopes of easing water flow, has instead worsened the problem. “Compared to before, the issue has escalated; water accumulates in front of houses even during normal rainfall, making it difficult to go outside,” he said. He added that this situation also hinders students from going to school. Another resident, Lalit Sah, stated that water accumulating on the road disrupts daily life significantly. “Due to inadequate drainage, water pools on the road, affecting laborers, merchants, and students alike,” he explained.
Rakesh Yadav, chairperson of Ward No. 2, lamented that despite repeatedly informing construction contractors and the Road Division Office in Lahan about the problem, authorities have neglected the issue. “People complain, but the concerned agencies do not pay attention,” he noted. Correspondingly, Engineer Ashwin Yadav from the Road Division Office explained that the higher elevation of the drainage channel compared to the road’s lower elevation prevents water from flowing into the drains, causing accumulation on the roadway. He mentioned that following community concerns, efforts to raise the road level are underway. “For the time being, locals have been asked to remove minor blockages in the drainage to facilitate water flow,” he added.
During fiscal year 2078/79, the Road Division Office in Lahan called for contracts worth approximately 80 million NPR for drainage construction. Bhagwat Group Construction, Kathmandu, secured the first phase contract worth 60 million NPR to build 1,100 meters of drainage, while Bohadar Mai AB–Birgunj was responsible for the second phase, constructing 500 meters of drainage at a cost of 20 million NPR. Engineer Yadav confirmed that both companies completed their work and received payments. However, locals have expressed frustration that despite this multi-million rupee investment, the structure has not alleviated the problem but added to their difficulties. They now demand that relevant authorities provide immediate improvements alongside long-term solutions.
