NUWAKOT: Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration, Pratibha Rawal, has underscored on carrying out exemplary works in the post-disaster recovery phase as well.
She said so during a discussion with the district-based stakeholders here on Thursday. The discussion centred on search and rescue, relief distribution and rehabilitation of the people affected by the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi river on August 26.
Minister Rawal, who arrived in Nuwakot on Thursday, visited various areas of Bidur Municipality—which suffered the most severe damage from the flood surging down the Trishuli River via the Bhote Koshi—and held discussions with relevant officials regarding the loss of life and property, the resulting problems, and necessary immediate solutions.
During a discussion with district stakeholders—including elected representatives from Bidur Municipality— Minister Rawal commended the rapid search and rescue operations carried out amidst an unimaginable disaster, as well as the establishment and management of ‘holding centers’ to shelter displaced citizens in safe locations.
“The contribution made to alleviate the hardships of flood victims—working day and night even while the elected representatives and staff themselves were affected—is truly commendable,” said Minister Rawal.
According to her, the rescue operations carried out during this unimaginable disaster, the efforts to provide safe shelter for displaced citizens, and the initiatives taken to ease the difficult situation have set an exemplary standard for all. “Now, this same spirit must be demonstrated through recovery and rehabilitation efforts as well.”
During the discussion with Minister Rawal, Rajan Shrestha, Mayor of Bidur Municipality, emphasized the need for continuous collaboration and special initiatives among the three tiers of government to ensure immediate relief, as well as long-term rehabilitation and safe housing, for flood-affected citizens.
Mayor Shrestha emphasized that, although immediate rescue operations have concluded, it is essential to assess the condition of homes and structures belonging to flood-affected citizens and to restore blocked roads and access routes to facilitate movement in the affected areas. He also urged that priority be given to the immediate construction of Bailey bridges at locations where bridges previously existed.
Mayor Shrestha noted that effective coordination and collaboration among the three tiers of government are essential to create an environment for the safe and dignified return of flood victims currently residing in ‘holding centers’ to their homes, while ensuring a long-term solution.
“Towns as Betrawati, Bhainse, Akkare, Trishuli, and Devighat have been devastated and many people from there have been displaced by the floods. We are seeking the federal government’s support to identify suitable locations for new settlements and to arrange the necessary land,” said Mayor Shrestha.
According to him, if flexibility is shown regarding loans taken by citizens in the affected areas—who have also suffered financial setbacks due to the disaster—and if grants and additional assistance are provided, the recovery process could be completed within the target timeframe.
Nuwakot’s Chief District Officer Shambhu Prasad Regmi and representatives of district security agencies, including Superintendent of Police Bipin Regmi, briefed Minister Rawal on various matters.
These included the status and management of the district’s holding centers, the relief materials received and their equitable distribution, as well as issues affecting citizens’ daily lives, such as healthcare, transportation, electricity, and drinking water supply.
