Pokhara: The Nepal Army (NA)’s Western Division Headquarters in Pokhara has started a mock programme focused on disaster response and management in the high mountainous region. This initiative is conducted in collaboration with the Gandaki Province government and is named ‘Abhyas Hatemalo, 2082’. It aims to enhance disaster preparedness and response in high hills and mountains.
According to National News Agency Nepal, NA Colonel Bikram Dev Giri stated that the mock practice on high mountain disaster management took place in Pokhara on Sunday and Monday. The applied practice is set to continue in Jomsom (Mustang) starting Thursday. The exercise will also extend to the Nilgiri mountainous regions. The NA team engaged in the mock practice has already arrived in Mustang to further their efforts. The initiative seeks to bolster support and cooperation among various stakeholders for managing disasters in mountainous and high hill regions.
Chief Secretary of the Gandaki Province, Raghuram Bista, noted that the provincial government is providing assistance to the three security agencies involved in the practice for disaster preparedness and response. He emphasized that the NA-initiated practice would aid in managing and mitigating disasters in high mountainous areas. Additionally, the programme is expected to effectively address the potential impacts of natural disasters on the Himalayan tourism of the province.
During the closing session of the mock practice, Chief Secretary of Gandaki, Surendra Raj Pandey, committed to gradually increasing resources and support for plans related to disaster management and response.