By Hem Nath Khatiwada
Rasuwa, Feb. 11: With the aim of constructing integrated settlements for the residents of Haku village in Rasuwa district who were displaced by the 2015 earthquake, land has been purchased.
Land located in Tiru in Uttargaya Rural Municipality-1 and ​​Gogane has been acquired for the settlement as per the recommendations made by the geologist and the desire of the families.
According to the District Reconstruction Authority, 37 ropanis of land have been purchased in Khalte area in ​​Lower Parebensi in Uttargaya Rural Municipality-5. The process of acquiring additional 24 ropanis for 54 additional displaced families who also want to live in the same place has also been forwarded.
Thirty-seven members of the displaced families have built houses in Kholebensi in Kispang Rural Municipality-3 in Nuwakot district.
More than 600 displaced families are scattered in the southern part of the district. Of these, 300 families are temporarily living in Khalte Bagar, along Trishuli River between the Betrawati and Naya Pul by constructing a temporary shelter while others are living in other places, including Shanti Bazaar.
At least 1,100 families, who are on the beneficiaries list and who are displaced from their land due to landslides are yet to start reconstructing their houses even after receiving the grant. As a result, most of the people including senior citizens, disabled and children have been forced to live in makeshift huts for five years.
The government has started dispatching geologists to the villages and relocating the risky settlements after conducting a geological study and identifying them.
However, preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for most of the integrated settlements has been delayed due to lack of budget.
The government is also planning to develop integrated settlements in Tiru, ​​Mathillo Paire and Bogatitar, according to the District Plan Office.
According to Surya Thokra, Information Officer at the District Project Implementation Unit, Grant Management and Local Infrastructure Office, the government has a policy of giving Rs. 200,000 to those whose settlements are deemed risky in an effort to buy land in safe place.