KATHMANDU: Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said that discussions are underway to facilitate trade activities through alternative border crossings with China. He shared this information during a meeting of the parliamentary special committee on the Bhote Koshi and Kaligandaki Corridor disaster study and monitoring held at Singha Durbar on Monday.
Secretary Rai stated that while the Tatopani border remains a priority, the government is actively discussing ways to make trade activities and road networks more effective via the Korala and Lamabagar border points in Dolakha. He noted that due to global warming and melting glaciers, existing crossings like Tatopani are at high risk, necessitating the development of alternative or river basin-based routes in the future.
The government is working to establish a reliable early warning system and a joint mechanism in collaboration with China to mitigate future risks, Rai added. Regarding the response to the recent Bhote Koshi floods, he explained that despite difficulties in landing helicopters and evacuating people in remote areas, security forces assessed the situation and initiated rescue operations promptly.
Beyond the 20 million fund allocated for disaster management and relief, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment is coordinating project-based assistance and relief distribution, he said. During the meeting, committee members emphasized the need for effective diplomatic initiatives on international platforms to address the damage and impacts caused by climate change in Nepal.
