Families of nine individuals who died in landslides have complained that the government hasn’t provided relief for almost ten years.
The victims, including Ram Lal Ghimire, Amar Bahadur Kunwar, Devkala Khatri, Sita Kunwar, Dhankala Khatri, Gopal Sunar, and Kamal Khadka, hailed from Isma Rural Municipality, Madane Rural Municipality, and Musikot Municipality. The incidents occurred on April 25, 2009, in a local community forest.
Gopal Sunar, involved in landslide control in Tilahar Community Forest, and Kamal Khadka, injured while controlling landslides in Dhireni Community Forest, also lost their lives.
Despite promises from political leaders, relief hasn’t been provided. Tejendra Gurung, son of deceased Lok Bahadur Gurung, expressed disappointment, particularly since the local government took over.
Gulmi faces risks due to its steep terrain and river proximity, resulting in extensive forest land destruction, with around a hundred hectares lost. Forest Officer Rajan Kunwar mentioned that approximately 250 hectares of forest land have been destroyed in two years. Files regarding the landslide victims have been dormant for eight to ten years in the department.