Kathmandu, June 19 :
The Infrastructure Development Committee under the House of Representatives has given instructions to the government regarding the recent incidences of landslides and floods in various parts of the country.
The government has been directed to collect detailed information about the people affected by these natural disasters and ensure that relief and compensation reach the affected families.
A meeting of the Committee today expressed sorrow over the losses of valuable lives in the recent incidences of natural disasters that occurred in various parts of the country. It has instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs to undertake prompt rescue operations for the injured, and to address the immediate requirements for food and shelter for the affected groups.
The meeting headed by Committee President Laalbir Chaudhary directed the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to immediately repair the damaged structures meant for people’s movement and transport such as roads and bridges.
It is worth noting that Taplejung, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, and Tehrathum districts in the Koshi Province have been severely affected by recent floods and landslides, resulting in both human and physical losses. The committee’s directive came on the same backdrop.
Parliamentarians call for effective early preparedness for disaster risk reduction
Parliamentarians have drawn the attention of the government towards the urgency for making early preparedness regarding the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) more effective as monsoon has already set in the country and thus monsoon-induced disasters are likely.
It may be noted that monsoon entered Nepal on June 15 this year and has spread to eastern and central part of the country as of now. Monsoon-induced disasters are occurring in various areas in the eastern part of the country, causing the losses of lives and property.
Airing their voices in the Zero Hour of the House of Representatives (HoR) here today, the parliamentarians called for identifying vulnerable settlements and relocating the habitants there to safer places before the disaster take place.
They urged the government to devise and execute effective action-plan for minimizing the damages incurring from the disasters as well as to step up disaster operation such as search and rescue, relief distribution, resettlement and rehabilitation among others.
Rajendra KC viewed that the government should roll out action-plan for search and rescue, relief distribution and reconstruction of the infrastructures sustaining damages in the disasters.
Similarly, Bhanubhakta Joshi said that Bajhang district, a hilly district in the Sudurpaschim Province, was prone to natural disasters and thus demanded relocation of locals residing at such zones.
As he said, Bhopur of Jay Prithivi Municipality, Satyabadi School premises, Dadagaun of Bithadchir rural municipality, Deval and Kanda of Surma rural municipality were at high risk of natural disasters. “May the government pay timely attention towards disaster risk reduction.”
Man Bahadur Gurung appealed with the government to routinely monitor the watershed area of Madi and Seti River in Kaski district as well as the glacier lake and make early warning system more effective.
“Monsoon has already started. Disasters happen unexpectedly. Major disasters took place in the eastern area including Taplejung and Sankhuwasabha on last night. There are probability for such disaster to take place in the days to come. The government should pay its attention to it.”
Manish Jha stressed the need for relocating settlements vulnerable to disasters to safety stating that fear has taken over people of mountain districts. He also drew the attention of the government to make preparedness for disasters more effective.
Similarly, Manbir Rai demanded that the government informs the parliament about the disasters in the eastern districts. He also asked the government to provide reliefs to the affected people at the earliest.
Bimala Subedi called the attention of the government to the residents of Banchadanda facing various health problems due to the landfill site where waste is being duped in violation of set standards.
Mahesh Kumar Bartaula urged the government to provide equal access to health services for people.
Metmani Chaudhary demanded the government ensure a reliable market for farmers’ produce and take initiations to address their pressing issues while Menaka Kumari Pokhrel expressed concern over the government decision to withdraw a case concerning the physical assault against TU teacher Prem Chalaune.
Maina Karki drew the government attention towards the prompt need of implementing measures to reduce road accidents while Mangal Prasad Gupta urged the government to promptly address issues of sugarcane farmers.
Raghuji Pant demanded the government prevent possible physical assaults and abuses against University faculty members by students unions themselves. “Cases of physical assaults and abuses against University teachers and office-bearers are rising,” he said.
Sunita Baral expressed concern over the government decision to withdraw a case concerning the physical abuse against TU lecturer Prem Chalaune, demanding the government ensure a safe atmosphere in universities.
Meena Tamang, Mukta Kumari Yadav, Manju Sharma Ansari, Ranedra Baraili, Ranju Kumari Jha, Ram Kumar Yadav, Rupa Shoshi Chaudhary, Roshan Karki, Rekha Yadav, Lal Prasad Sawa Limbu and Leelanath Shrestha were among those drawing the government’s attention towards various contemporary issues in the House session today.
(RSS)
