Kathmandu: The leaders of major political parties represented in the Federal Parliament have suggested that the government should focus more on disaster preparedness and prompt recovery measures. At an interaction organized today by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on recent glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in Rasuwa and the overall aspects of the disaster management, the politicians pledged to mobilize their cadres to act as volunteers and run campaigns for disaster risk reduction.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Nepali Congress leader and lawmaker Mohan Acharya emphasized the need for a strong government presence in recovery efforts, advocating for the empowerment of local governments to enhance disaster management effectiveness. CPN (UML) leader Khimlal Bhattarai highlighted the necessity for trained rescue teams and an adequate supply of search and rescue materials.
Similarly, CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Surya Subedi called for the government and NDRRMA to actively engage political cadres in disaster management, stressing the importance of making the NDRRMA more resourceful and powerful. Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Sajan Sharma proposed that disaster preparedness and management should be a regular function of the NDRRMA, with an emphasis on quick information dissemination and investment in essential goods warehouses.
Leader of CPN (Unified Socialist) Rajendraman Shrestha advocated for disaster-related training for all citizens and the inclusion of disaster safety content in school and university curriculums. Janata Samajwadi Party spokesperson Manish Kumar Suman raised concerns about the looming drought and its severe consequences in Madhes.
Lawmaker of Nagarik Unmukti Party Lalbir Chaudhary pointed out the issue of inundation in Nepal’s Tarai region due to dams constructed in bordering areas with India, urging the NDRRMA to take action to ensure timely opening of these dams. Prem Suwal of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party and Manoj Bhatta of Rastriya Janamorcha called on the government to eliminate policy-level barriers in disaster management.
Dinesh Bhatta, CEO of NDRRMA, shared that the agency is actively working on post-disaster reconstruction, policy reforms, enhancing the credibility of the early warning system, training, and other crucial issues related to disaster management.