Work has begun to redirect the flow of the Narayani River towards Nawalparasi, following years of diversion that caused it to flow primarily through Chitwan. The shift occurred due to extensive extraction of riverine materials on the Chitwan side, leaving areas in Nawalparasi with little to no water flow.

The initiative, led by the District Coordination Committee (DCC) of Nawalparasi Bardaghat Susta East, commenced on Thursday at Ganeshghat in Gaindakot Municipality-11. Baburam Bishwakarma, the DCC chief, announced that accumulated gravel and stones blocking the river’s natural course towards Nawalparasi are being removed. The redirection is expected to be completed by Friday.

For years, the river’s reduced flow along its traditional route through Gaindakot, Devchuli, Kawasoti, and Madhyabindu municipalities towards Triveni Dham had raised concerns among conservationists and tourism entrepreneurs. The altered course adversely affected aquatic life and water availability in Nawalparasi, prompting repeated calls for government intervention.