Kavre: The indigenous communities in Nepal are bearing the brunt of natural disasters exacerbated by ongoing construction projects and climate change. The Mid-Hill Highway construction in Sindurechaur, Bhumlu Rural Municipality-8, Kavre district, has heightened the risk for the Majhi settlement. Landslides triggered by intense rainfall in September devastated the village, claiming the life of a resident and collapsing homes.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Ram Bahadur Majhi lost his mother in the disaster, while Jit Bahadur Majhi’s house was destroyed. The Majhi families, who rely on daily wages for survival, are further marginalized by the lack of fishing opportunities due to local government activities. Chairperson of Bhumlu Rural Municipality-8, Motilal Tamang, highlighted the insufficiency of land for food production and the displacement caused by the landslide.
The landslide in Roshi Rural Municipality resulted in 14 fatalities, with Tej Bahadur Magar, Chairperson of Roshi Rural Municipality-4
, noting the tragic loss of four members from the Tamang family. The economically disadvantaged families have suffered significantly from such disasters.
In August, 15 houses belonging to the Sherpa community were destroyed following a glacial lake burst in Thame village, Solukhumbu district. Despite limited government relief, the displaced families struggle to recover from substantial property damage.
Data from the National Emergency Operation Centre reveals that indigenous communities accounted for 41.54% of the 443 fatalities from monsoon-induced disasters between Baisakh and Asoj this year. Among the deceased, 51.47% were women and girls, including 60 children. Bagmati Province recorded the highest fatalities, followed by Gandaki and other provinces.
Experts attribute the unseasonal rains between September 27 and October 2 to climate change, with Kavrepalanchowk District experiencing the highest casualties. Of the 79 deaths in Kavre, nearly half were from indigenous communities, highlighting their vuln
erability to such disasters.
The 2021 national census shows indigenous people constitute 35.04% of Nepal’s population, underscoring their heightened risk from natural calamities. Assistant Chief District Officer Subash Paudel emphasized the link between indigenous communities’ traditional practices and nature, making them susceptible to climate change impacts.
Indigenous rights advocates express concern over the state’s lack of practical support despite commitments to international conventions. NEFIN President Gelje Sherpa criticized the global apathy towards indigenous communities at the recent COP-29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. Sherpa stressed the need for equitable climate actions and compensation for indigenous communities, who are disproportionately affected by climate change.