Kathmandu:Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel has highlighted the necessity for a clear ‘chain of command’ with defined responsibilities during disaster response, based on experiences in the Bhotekoshi and Budhigandaki corridors.
According to National News Agency RSS, CoAS Sigdel addressed the Parliamentary Special Committee on Study and Monitoring of the Disaster in the Bhotekoshi and Kaligandaki Corridor Disaster, noting some improvements in coordination but emphasizing the need for more effectiveness. He advocated for categorizing disasters by nature and responsibilities to avoid delays caused by a long chain of command.
CoAS Sigdel pointed out that despite coordinating roles assigned by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2074, and Regulations, 2076, the Emergency Operations Center Operation Procedure, 2025, lacks a clear command structure, resulting in confusion over leadership among army, security, and civilian bodies during initial response stages.
He cited challenges in managing airspace during the Bhotekoshi floods, where 21 helicopters were deployed, and emphasized the need for effective airspace management and the development of integrated air capabilities. He suggested strengthening the army’s airbases and upgrading its air assets, as well as identifying locations in each province to establish immediate disaster response camps.
Sigdel underscored the importance of readying specialized teams and equipment, such as high-capacity ‘sludge pumps’ and thermal LiDAR drones, for immediate disaster response. He recommended conducting needs assessments before deploying foreign rescue teams and controlling uncoordinated site entries.
He also proposed that district-level authorities lead disaster response efforts, with support from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, and highlighted the importance of continuing search and rescue operations during recovery, clearing debris, restoring structures, and expanding health and education systems.