Most of the earthquake-displaced families in Sindhupalchok district may have received the first tranche of housing reconstruction aid, but they have no suitable land to build new houses. 

Hundreds of displaced families are still staying in temporary shelters at Khorsanibari, Banskharka, Bhedichaur and Phatakshila Bhanjyang. The government has not distributed land plots to construct houses for displaced families in Gati, Liping,  Listikot, Phulpingkatti, Jure, Selang, Syaule, Golche, Gumba, Batase and Tekanpurphant among other areas. 

Victim Kalpana BK, who has been displaced from Gati-1, has received the first instalment of housing reconstruction aid, but has no land plot to build a house. “Our land was swept away by a landslide triggered by last year’s quake,” said BK, adding that 23 displaced Dalit families are living in Khorsanibari, Bahrabise. Around 100 families of Selang, Syaule, Golche, Gumba and Batase are staying in a camp at Banskharka. Another quake displaced Shaila Silwal of Selang said she has deposited Rs 50,000 into her bank account in a hope that the government will provide them with a plot to construct house. 

There are 53 displaced families living in Bhedichaur in Nawalpur and Phatakshila Bhanjyang. VDC Secretary Umesh Ghorasaine of Phatakshila VDC said the displaced families are in a dilemma as they have no land plots to construct houses. “People have not started reconstruction as they have no safer places to build houses,” said Ghorasaine. 

The District Administration Office has no proper data of displaced families. Officiating Chief District Officer Antar Bahadur Silwal said they have already sent a proposal to the higher authorities to grant permission in relocating quake affected households. “The higher authorities are responsible for this situation,” said Silwal. 

 More than 72,289 quake affected families had received the first instalment of the aid till last month. The National Reconstruction Authority has signed the housing aid agreements with 74,857 families in the district.