Completing the course

Lakhandei river flowing through the floodplains of the district, has been revived by the efforts of district administration Sitamarhi. Even before revival its catchment was still alive, but not as vibrant, because of unsteady flow and vulnerable areas were sometimes used for cultivation and had a little impact on livelihood of the locals. Now Lakhandei in Sitamarhi has regained the status of a river, the district administration started to review and work on the restoration of its catchment before the rainy season, keeping in mind that the farmers are going for water intensive crops too. Natural systems of the channels to the river are intact but choked from shrubs and encroachments however the structures are delineated from the cultivated land by the trees planted years before. Some of the deforested areas are more encroached however the pattern of plantation shows the approximate boundary of the structure.

At least 20 channels are being renovated in the catchment area of Lakhandei using schemes of MNREGA. Most of which are located in Runnisaidpur, Dumra  and Bathnaha blocks of the district. In Runnisaidpur block 9000 meters, while in Dumra 2500 meters of channel has been renovated. In Hari Chhapra GP of Dumra block a channel towards Lakhandei is being renovated connecting the floodplains of Rampur Parori, Khairwa and Mirjapur panchayats. Which is completely choked in 200 meters and rest has lost its efficiency due to damages.

Once the schemes get completed it will restore the catchment of lakhandei river and its channels as well. These channels will reduce the flood return period of these catchment areas. And will store more water after the rainy season for cater the irrigation in vicinity. The running water will also help tackle the problem of jalkumbhi infestation in the region