Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has announced that the government is actively working to develop durable solutions to the persistent issues caused by the Rapti River. Addressing concerns raised by lawmakers during a session of the House of Representatives, Minister Khadka emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the recurring challenges of flooding and inundation associated with the river.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Minister noted that despite a grant of Rs 350.3 million from the Government of India over the past three years aimed at constructing embankments along the Rapti River, progress has been stalled due to a delay in convening a bilateral meeting for three consecutive years. Minister Khadka assured the House that a date for the meeting will be set soon to advance the project.
In support of river control initiatives, the Asian Development Bank has provided Rs 1.43 billion to Nepal, complemented by a government allocation of Rs 419 million. Detailed studies of the Babai River in Dang and its tributaries, along with the western Rapti River across the Dang and Banke sections, have been completed. Based on these findings, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been developed and are being progressively implemented to mitigate river-induced disasters and enhance long-term resilience.
In a related session, Health Minister Pradip Paudel responded to lawmakers’ questions by emphasizing the importance of integrating government health service programs within the Health Insurance Board. He argued that such integration would ensure affordable, accessible, and free treatment for impoverished communities.
Minister Paudel informed the House that, despite the allocation of funds for health treatment across various headings, expected outcomes have not been achieved. Therefore, he advocated for the incorporation of the entire program into the health insurance board. From this fiscal year, community-level initiatives will commence to screen for non-communicable diseases, mental health issues, and to enhance awareness, diagnosis, and prevention of diseases.
The Health Minister highlighted the need for increased investment in healthcare management, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care to alleviate the growing personal financial burden. He also announced plans to recruit 2,500 additional medical staff and expand government hospital capacity by 500 beds.