Flood-displaced people living in Rampurtappu, Baniyabhara and Bansghadi in the district said they are compelled to celebrate Dashain for the second consecutive year in the temporary settlements.  The settlements house 162 families who were displaced from various villages in the district due to the mid-August floods in 2014. 

 

The displaced people said they are living in miserable conditions as they tarpaulins of their shelters have damaged and that they are unable to manage food and clothes for their family members to celebrate the festival. Last year, they had received some relief materials and cash ahead of Dashain.

 

Tikaram Shahi, a displaced, said that he could not buy new clothes for his kids. “We can tolerate the situation but can’t see tears in our children’s eyes,” he said. Another flood victim, Govinda Khatri, said his family gets saddened when they talk about festivals, especially Dashain and Tihar.

 

“People celebrate the festivals wearing new clothes and eat delicious foods in their homes. But, we cannot afford that,” he said. The displaced families said their problems have been neglected due to the ongoing Madhes protest. They also said the government did not bother to fulfil their fundamental needs. However, they expressed hope that the new government will address their concerns. The displaced people have started going to India looking for job opportunities. 

 

Ganga Pariyar, who has been living in the temporary settlement, urged the government to pay attention to their problems. Chief District Officer Binod Bahadur Kunwar said they will resolve the problems of the displaced people after the Dashain festival.