Model village in Laprak stands abandoned as residents stay away

Laprak (Gorkha), April 29

A model village built for earthquake survivours in Laprak remains largely uninhabited, with residents opting to stay in their original homes despite the risk of landslides.

After the 2015 earthquake, the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) constructed an integrated settlement in Gupsipakha. The project, completed in April 2021, handed over well-constructed houses with legal ownership. However, most homes now lie empty and deteriorating, with broken windows and overgrown yards.

Khamsamaya Gurung, one of the few who relocated, said that the new settlement lacks farming land and other essential facilities. “We have homes here but must return to the old village for farming. It takes 45 minutes to walk there,” she explained.

While Gurung lives in the new village to avoid landslide risks, the absence of neighbours has left her feeling isolated. “Everything is still in the old village. I came here only because of the landslide threat,” she added.

The new site is colder and receives more snowfall than the original village. Water scarcity is another issue, with residents walking nearly half an hour to fetch water during the winter months.

According to local resident Marsing Gurung, most houses in the new settlement are now being used as storage for food, particularly potatoes.

The original village has been prone to landslides since 1999. The 2015 earthquake destroyed over 600 homes. Although residents briefly moved to Gupsipakha using tents, they eventually returned and repaired their damaged homes.

Construction of the new village began in December 2016 through a tripartite agreement between the National Reconstruction Authority, Ministry of Urban Development, and NRNA. Locals contributed labour and materials, including stones, gravel, and timber.

Despite significant investment, locals prioritised their old homes over the newly built structures.

Electricity still unavailable

Only about 50 households currently live in the new settlement. Some run homestays and small businesses, but electricity remains a major issue.

Local resident Yamkumari Gurung said that although electric poles and wires were installed three years ago, the central power grid has not been connected. “Barpak and Gumda already have central electricity, but Laprak has been ignored,” she complained.

Jyoti Gurung, treasurer of the model village’s community homestay, said electricity is currently supplied by a micro-hydro plant. “Power is weak in the evenings, and Wi-Fi doesn’t work properly,” she noted.

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