Kanchanpur, Dec. 2 -- Every year, Jogbuda River causes floods and erosion in Mahakali Municipality, turning swathes of arable land into sand-beds and settlements into islands.

But three years ago, the municipality started constructing embankments on either side of the river in an effort to prevent flood water from spilling out. The construction of the embankments has now reached a phase wherein the locals have been encouraged to be a part of it.

Hiradevi Jaishi, a local, has been working at the construction site for the two months. She says she makes up to Rs1,200 per day filling the nets with stones.

"I come to the river right after my morning meal," she said. "I get paid according to the work I do; the more I perform, the more I get ...