Disaster and climate change induced forced migration in Nepal

Abstract (English)

The paper highlights the phenomenon of forced migration in Nepal, driven by various factors such as natural disasters, climate change, and human activities like hydropower projects. Despite records kept by the Ministry of Home Affairs on disaster incidents, there's a lack of official documentation on the relocation of affected individuals. Traditional migration analysis methods are inadequate to understand disaster-induced migration complexities, and there's a research gap in this area in Nepal. The paper's objective is to investigate and analyze forced migration dynamics due to disasters and climate change, utilizing secondary data and empirical observations. Historical instances of forced migration in Nepal, such as due to smallpox outbreaks and landslides, are cited.
Forced migration holds a significant historical precedent in Nepal. During the late 19th century, a substantial portion of the Kathmandu Valley's population was compelled to leave due to the outbreak of smallpox. Similarly, in the 1980s, inhabitants of the hilly regions were forced to relocate to the Tarai region following severe landslides. More recently, residents of high mountain areas have migrated due to the scarcity of potable water. This study concludes that forced migration in Nepal stems from a confluence of anthropogenic and climatic factors, manifesting across diverse locations within the country. The incidence of cascading hazards is increasingly prevalent in Nepal. However, there are minimal efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts on local communities. Furthermore, there is a notable absence of comprehensive studies focusing on forced migrants within the Nepalese context.