Renewed sinkhole menace in Armala shocks locals

BHARAT KOIRALA

POKHARA: A big sinkhole appeared in Armala of Kaski on Monday morning, resulting into renewed fear in locals.

Before the authorities and locals have managed the risks emerged after the creation of sinkholes four months ago, the incident happened.

A cowshed of local Krishna Prasad Paudel fell into the hole at around 4 am today. The place was considered comparatively safer by locals earlier.

Krishna Prasad, however, shifted cattle of the shed to save them.

"First I couldn't get what it was when I heard the bang. But, when I knew my shed got down, I was in a complete shock," narrated Paudel.

The family brought 27 truck soil to put into the hole, but the caving in has not stopped yet.

Their neighbour Parvati Acharya said she now fears every moment that the land she is stepping on is sinking.

The sinking that began in November third week last year has made at least 150 holes so far. As many as 200 households reside in the area.

According to Ram Prasad Parajuli, spokesperson of the Armala Natural Disaster Concern and Support Committee, 3,500 ropani arable lands were destroyed. He said the overall loss amounts to nearly Rs 90 million.

A high-label committee to study the disaster had suggested that Rs 73.4 million is needed immediately to manage the risks.

The government has already provided them Rs 1.5 million. Locals said that the amount is already spent in construction of a road and an outlet for water.

Experts suggest that the situation in the area could be worse if the menace is not managed before the rainy season begins. HimayalaTimes