Infrastructure Development and Water Inundation in Rautahat District

Abstract

Historically flooding and inundation were received as boon and over time population growth and chaotic urbanization brings serious challenges to the communities overall livelihood. Infrastructure such as road, embankments, dams, bridges, railway track along with degradation of the Chure Ecological Region has escalated the impact of flooding and inundation in the area. This research has been developed with the objective to understand the disaster phenomenon of Rautahat District with reference to inundation. The qualitative research offers key understanding via collection of primary data gathered through open-ended interview questions, focus group discussions, key informant interaction and stakeholders meeting. The data analysis and interpretation indicate, although Rautahat District is often affected by flooding and disaster for a longer period of time, con temporarily increased urbanization and infrastructural growth is key to recurrence of inundation. Among the various infrastructure, the absence of strategic infrastructure such as road, dam, embankment, railway tracks and the urbanization pattern proves to be the factor for contributing to increased disaster events. The study indicates the need for effective adaptive measures for protection of communities‘ health and well-being. Keywords: Flooding, Inundation, Infrastructural Development, Dams, Embankment, Chure Ecological Region