KATHMANDU: Lawmakers in the House of Representatives during today’s zero hour drew the government’s attention to the urgent need for reconstructing road infrastructure damaged by monsoon disasters and relocating vulnerable settlements to safer areas.

They further suggested ensuring basic infrastructure in remote regions and implementing measures to control black marketing of essential goods during the festive season.

Members of the Rastriya Swatantra Party urged the government to empower the national disaster risk reduction and management authority to combat climate-induced risks. They also called for the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by floods in the Kaligandaki and Andhikhola regions, and requested basic services such as health and water in Malas village, Dadeldhura. Additional demands included assessing risk-prone areas in Lalitpur, developing infrastructure in Sarlahi, and engaging in diplomatic efforts with India to protect the jute industry in Biratnagar.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Ninu Kumari Karna drew the government’s attention to the risk of artificial shortages, adulteration, and black marketing of daily essential goods during the upcoming festivals. Lawmakers from the Nepal Communist Party expressed concern over agricultural land in Kanchanpur converting into settlements and urged for resolving issues related to road, electricity, and education in Kailali’s Mohanyal rural municipality. Questions were also raised regarding the implementation of constitutional provisions for special areas and the transparency of the Prime Minister’s disaster relief fund following the Bhotekoshi disaster.

Several lawmakers demanded that the government brief the House on the Prime Minister’s recent visit to the United Nations and his address at the 81st General Assembly, noting that the address helped elevate Nepal’s image globally. Other members raised concerns regarding floods, landslides, and the need for immediate government action to address rising prices and restore obstructed roads.