Tension in Darchula after Indian side unilaterally constructs embankment along Mahakali River

The Indian government has started building an embankment along the Mahakali River unilaterally in the Nepal-India bordering district of Darchula.

The locals of Bangabagar in Darchula have resorted to protest after India restarted construction of an embankment on the Mahakali river.

The locals closed the door of a suspension bridge that connects Nepal and India in protest of the construction stating that the embankment would change the course of the river.

The Nepali side has been speculated to be affected in the monsoon season if the Indian side continues to embank the Mahakali River on its own accord. The locals have accused India of constructing the embankment to change the course of the Mahakali River without any coordination with the Nepali authorities.

Protesters had pelted stones at Indian workers to stop the construction work.

After the Indian side did not listen to the protest, the locals padlocked the bridge’s door at around 4 pm today.

As per international treaties and agreements, no country is allowed to construct any physical infrastructure without the consent of another country which affects the flow of the bordering rivers.

The unilateral embankment on the Mahakali River by India would create problems in Nepal during the monsoon season.