A Practical Report on “Land degradation Issues in

Deukhuri Valley”

Agriculture and Forestry University

Faculty of Forestry
Hetauda, Makawanpur

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Name: Sandesh Gharti Beeju Poudyal
Roll No.: 552 Assistant Professor
Semester: 7th Semester SWM 401
Roll No.: 552
INTRODUCTION:
I am writing this report based on my internship experience in Deukhuri Valley of Dang District,
during which I had the opportunity to witness and learn about land degradation and its
implications on the environment and communities. Land degradation is a significant global
challenge, and its consequences are far-reaching, affecting ecosystems, food security, and
livelihoods. This report aims to provide an overview of the land degradation issues I observed
and propose measures to combat these challenges effectively.
Deukhuri Valley is permanent proposed capital of Lumbini Province in Nepal. The Dekhuri
territory will be formed in the inner terai part of Dang Valley. The capital city will be formed by
combining Rapti Rural Municipality, Gadhawa Rural Municipality, Lamahi Municipality
and Rajpur Rural Municipality.
The Deukhuri Valley is southeast of the Dang Valle. It forms a nearly 600 km2 (230 sq mi) plain
within a drainage basin of 6,100 km2 (2,400 sq mi). The valley is drained by the West Rapti
River. It emerges from its gorge through the Mahabharat Range and flows along the axis of the
Siwalik Range between the Dundwa Range along the India border and the Dang subrange to the
north. It flows 100 km (62 mi) in this direction until the Dundwas fall away near Banke, and the
river can resume flowing SE toward the Ganges.
The Mahendra Highway passes through the Deukhuri Valley. Valley is settled by Tharu people
and used as winter pasture by Kham Magar from the hills. From the Yam Bahadur Kc research
article, “The agricultural land area covered by Deukhuri district is found to be 52,440.48 ha in
2011 A.D”. Most of the People are engaged in Agriculture to sustain their Livelihood.
Land degradation in Deukhuri Valley is increasing Day by day as people are leaving land bare
because they are getting engaged in official works and youths are leaving the place and country.
As, most of the agriculture land is drained by West Rapti River and whereas during Rainy season
floods affect the fertile land of riverbank which is washed away. According to Local District
Administration Office Dang (Deukhuri) much of the land is left unplanted because of the land
sell process is going on.

OBSERVATIONS OF LAND DEGRADATION

Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to visit and study various regions facing land
degradation issues. Some of the key observations include:
1) Flooding
2) Soil and water Erosion
3) Deforestation
4) Excessive use of Insecticides and Pesticides
5) Increasing population and economic pressure
6) Rapid Urbanization and Industrialization
Heavy Construction works are increasing day by day thus leading to soil compaction. Various
lands are becoming less productive due to infertile soil due to excessive use of Chemical
fertilizers. People are avoiding the use of organic fertilizers nowadays because of increasing
demand that leads farmers to use chemical fertilizers excessively.
Overgrazing is seen nearby farmlands, people herd buffaloes and goats mostly. People are using
tractors for plowing lands in dry soils which is causing wind erosion. Skilled manpower is
decreasing in Deukhuri valley because youths are heading towards foreign countries to earn
income.

Measures to Combat Land Degradation

Addressing land degradation requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. The
following measures can play a significant role in combatting the degradation issues:
1) Promote Sustainable Agriculture
2) Bio-engineering techniques should be followed to minimize the flooding effect of
farmlands.
3) Agroforestry design of farming
4) Afforestation, Reforestation, and Restoration must be done for Degraded land
management.
5) Land-Use Planning and Regulation
6) Pollution Control and Waste Management
7) Rangeland Management
8) Government and NGO Collaboration
9) Promote Sustainable Agriculture
10) Conservation of Wetlands and Watersheds

CONCLUSION
Land degradation is a pressing global issue that demands immediate attention and concerted
efforts. Based on my internship experience, I have witnessed the alarming consequences of land
degradation on the environment and communities. Lamahi municipality, Gadhawa Rural
Municipality, Rajpur Rural Municipality, and Rapti Rural Municipality are the municipalities that
are facing the issue in Dang District. West Rapti River flows through these local levels and thus
the flooding is affecting productivity every year. People have been found to use insecticides and
pesticides that is affecting the soil fertility. Municipalities should encourage people to apply
bioengineering and Agroforestry techniques for plantation. People should be encouraged to apply
these types of techniques for rehabilitation of land degradation issues.

REFERENCES:
 Wikipedia
 Google Scholar