Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Kulman Ghising has highlighted the significant loss of life and property due to disasters, attributing it to the inability to identify geographical risks and establish safe areas for relocating vulnerable communities. Speaking at a programme organized by the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, Minister Ghising emphasized the urgent need for effective planning on the occasion of World Habitat Day.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Ghising pointed out that the Integrated Settlement Programme has not been successful due to the failure to integrate social, environmental, and economic aspects for the people. He expressed concern over the current challenge of making unorganized settlements in both rural and urban areas safe and well-managed. Despite early warnings being issued to prevent monsoon-induced disasters, significant losses continue to occur due to the failure to map risky locations and relocate affected populations.
Minister Ghising urged for a serious approach to this issue and suggested the development of a master plan to create a model city, which could then be replicated in other areas. He criticized the practice of haphazard land plotting for urban development and called for an integrated settlement plan to prevent land fragmentation. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of making riversides attractive to maintain urban beauty and managing settlements along river corridors in the Kathmandu Valley.
He also voiced concerns over the declining settlements in rural areas, despite the expansion of infrastructure and amenities like roads, electricity, telephone, and drinking water. Minister Ghising reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, irregularities, and delays within his ministry and its agencies, warning of immediate action against any misconduct. He stressed that the Ministry of Urban Development should concentrate on developing major cities rather than engaging in fragmented plans beyond its scope.