Rapid deforestation and urbanisation have encroached upon the forest under the supervision of District Forest Office (DFO).

Twenty-four VDCs in Rupandehi district are at high risk of flood, according to the Butwal-based Natural Disaster Management Centre.

The centre said rapid urbanisation along the river banks and lack of a proper embankment system has made these settlements flood-prone.

Every year, rivers like Rohini, Danda, Pahila and Kanchan Saljhandi in the district wreak havoc, upsetting life of thousands a