Residents of Susta in Nawalparasi West have accused India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel of dismantling a temporary embankment built by locals to protect their settlement from flooding by the Narayani river.

According to residents, SSB personnel arrived at Tharutol in Susta Rural Municipality-5 at around 3 pm on Sunday and dismantled the makeshift earthen dyke while wearing plain clothes.

Rabindra Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Susta Bachau Abhiyan, said the community had constructed the temporary barrier to reduce flood risks after Indian authorities earlier halted the construction of a permanent embankment along the river.

“Tensions rose after the plainclothes personnel began removing the structure and locals objected,” Jaiswal said.

Photos and videos recorded by residents showing the security personnel digging up the embankment were widely shared on social media, prompting Nepal’s security personnel to intervene and bring the situation under control.

Dipak Raj Nepal, chief district officer of Nawalparasi West, said the incident occurred after Indian security personnel approached the site to inquire about the earthen embankment.

“Locals objected to their presence, leading to a brief verbal dispute,” Nepal said. He added that a meeting involving local residents and security officials has been scheduled for Monday to discuss the issue.

Residents of Susta built the temporary dyke a few days ago after Indian authorities halted construction of a permanent embankment along the Narayani River. The dispute follows an earlier incident in which Indian security personnel stopped work on a 132-metre section of the embankment project.

Around a month and a half ago, SSB personnel crossed into Nepal’s territory while construction work was underway near the eastern end of the project site and instructed workers to stop.

Following the dispute, the government increased security presence in Susta, a border settlement located across the Narayani river in Nawalparasi West.

On July 3, the home ministry directed the District Administration Office in Nawalparasi West to deploy additional security personnel and address concerns raised by residents. Subsequently, the Armed Police Force (APF) unit stationed in Susta was strengthened from 25 personnel to 40 under the command of an APF inspector.