Shrinking Soti Wetland Raises Environmental Concerns in Sarlahi

Sarlahi, Sept 22: The Soti wetland in Sarlahi has been steadily shrinking due to unchecked encroachment, raising concerns among local residents over the drying water sources and declining biodiversity.

The wetland, which serves as the source of the Soti stream, covered around 16 bighas of land until about a decade ago. Locals say its gradual shrinkage has affected the natural flow of the stream and altered the surrounding ecosystem.

Bhuwan Niraula of Bagmati Municipality-9 said the wetland had traditionally functioned as a natural reservoir that sustained the Soti stream throughout the year.

“The wetland used to hold enough water to keep the stream flowing continuously. Now, the wetland itself is struggling to retain water, let alone sustain the stream,” Niraula said.

The Soti stream flows for about 1.5 kilometres before reaching Barahathawa Municipality. However, increasing construction and encroachment along both sides of the stream have narrowed its course, according to local residents.

Bishwonath Mahato of Murtiya in Barahathawa Municipality-9 said the stream was once known for its clean and steady flow but had been deteriorating year after year.

“The Soti stream seems to be crying out for help,” Mahato said, noting that the stream also holds religious significance for the local community.

Residents traditionally used water from the stream for household needs and livestock. However, the flow has been declining in recent years. The stream also attracts large numbers of people during festivals such as Chhath, when devotees gather along its banks to worship Chhathi Maiya.

Locals also say the stream has a distinctive natural feature: its water feels relatively warm in winter and cool in summer.

Local youth Sonu Kumar Yadav said repeated concerns raised by residents had failed to stop encroachment and construction along the wetland and stream.

He said the declining water quality and reduced flow were also threatening aquatic life, with several fish species becoming increasingly scarce.

Locals have warned that continued degradation of the Soti wetland and stream could increase the risk of water shortages and land degradation in several municipalities in the area.

Bikram Yadav of Barahathawa Municipality-8 said farmers were already experiencing disputes over access to water for irrigation as the stream’s flow continued to decline.

Residents have called for effective measures to control encroachment, conserve the wetland and restore the natural flow of the Soti stream.