Every year, Jogbuda River causes floods and erosion in Mahakali Municipality, turning swathes of arable land into sand-beds and settlements into islands.

But three years ago, the municipality started constructing embankments on either side of the river in an effort to prevent flood water from spilling out. The construction of the embankments has now reached a phase wherein the locals have been encouraged to be a part of it.

Hiradevi Jaishi, a local, has been working at the construction site for the two months. She says she makes up to Rs1,200 per day filling the nets with stones.

“I come to the river right after my morning meal,” she said. “I get paid according to the work I do; the more I perform, the more I get paid.”

In the name of land, all Jaishi has is three kathas which is barely arable. Her husband and two of three sons are in India for employment. “It’s a good opportunity for me to earn a little,” she said. “It’s near my home, so it’s easy for me.”

Bhagirath Bhatta, another labourer at the construction site, said, “This river gave us a lot of pain. But now it’s given us employment. We hope the embankments will help prevent floods and erosions as well.”

Like Hiradevi and Bhagirath, the construction has provided employment for 30 people in the locality.

Ram Singh Dhami, the contractor who has taken up the job, said that he is happy in that the traditional embankment is being built to prevent flood waters from entering settlements and also providing employment for long-suffering locals. “We expect that the job will be done better with active participation from the locals,” he said.

Jogbuda river is flanked by Chandani and Baduwal Tole villages on either side. The embankment is being built in a total of four kilometres length along both sides.