Hydro-torrential hazard vs. anthropogenic activities along the Seti valley, Kaski, Nepal: Assessment and recommendations from a risk perspective

The Seti River originates from the Annapurna Massif in Higher Himalaya of Nepal and flows through Pokhara valley Lesser Himalaya. witnessed a disastrous flash flood on May 5th, 2012 causing death 72 people, obliterating dozens homes damaging infrastructures worth millions dollars. Despite event several warnings by scientists for more yet bigger scale future floods valley, fluvial risk is being aggravated anthropogenic activities such as unplanned human settlement, encroachment riverbanks, haphazard construction road, drinking water, hydropower projects potential hazard areas addition to increased impacts climate change geological hydro-metrological hazards other parts Hindu Kush Himalayan Range. Covering some 40-km distance headwater (Sabche Cirque) down city, study carried out based hydro-geomorphological mapping, analysis land-use land-cover change, hydrological including HEC-RAS modelling, historical archives, interviews with local people. shows significant land use cover catchment, mainly urban/built-up area, which 405% 24 years period (1996 2020) 47% 7 (2013 2020). Further reveals that along have are likely invite disasters. From analysis, two motor bridges built over were found insufficient freeboard safely pass highest discharge 100 return-period. Instead relocating people safer places, government authorities rather seem encouraged live floodplain providing basic amenities electricity access road. Given context catchment high-seismic gap zone, there strong possibility similar or even greater River. Though can be managed sustainable way application functional space concept, i.e., allowing (freedom) rivers, this economic environment friendly approach management has not been implemented nor Nepal. Rather floodplains an increasing trend. Many settlements identified vulnerable hydro-torrential hazards, therefore it utmost necessity implement river plan policy, early warning system public awareness education order mitigate manage impact valley.