In Khalanga, the district headquarters of Darchula, locals have seized an Indian JCB excavator and its operator after they attempted to alter the Mahakali River’s course. The operator and machine were handed over to the police. Despite local protests, India has been unilaterally constructing embankments along the Mahakali River, pushing the boundary river’s course toward Nepal. Locals accuse the Indian side of extracting construction materials from the Nepali side, altering the river’s course, and obstructing embankment construction on the Nepali side. They assert that India’s actions violate international law, as border constructions should involve bilateral consultations. Local resident Mahesh Bhatta criticized the Indian side’s aggressive behavior and lamented the Nepali government’s inaction. Another resident, Sundar Dhami, noted that India has occupied land that belonged to Nepal before the Mahakali floods over a decade ago. The Chief District Officer of Darchula stated that the excavator and its operator were on the Nepali side and are under investigation. The operator claimed the border crossing was accidental, with no ulterior motive.
This incident is part of ongoing tensions in the region. In December 2022, locals in Darchula protested after the Indian side unilaterally constructed an embankment along the Mahakali River, fearing it would change the river’s course and encroach upon Nepali territory. Additionally, in January 2023, Darchula officials and locals held discussions with the Indian side to ease border tensions, demanding the dismantling of illegal gabion walls on the Mahakali River.