KATHMANDU: A parliamentary special committee under the National Assembly has asked the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment to provide a detailed assessment of flood damage to agriculture, livestock, aquatic life, farmland and biodiversity in affected areas.
At a meeting on Wednesday, committee chair Krishna Prasad Poudel urged the ministry to submit ward-level damage details as soon as possible. The committee plans to conduct field inspections after receiving assessments from all 49 affected wards.
Ministry Secretary Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra said assessments were underway, with the final data and report yet to be completed. Crop losses are being calculated using cultivation records, crop values, past productivity and current market prices. Further studies are also being conducted to assess damage to livestock, aquatic life and farmland washed away by floods.
Ministry spokesperson Dr. Maheshwar Dhakal said Nepal had been offered an opportunity to submit a USD 20 million proposal to the international Loss and Damage Fund. He also stressed fair domestic relief distribution, climate justice and cooperation with neighboring countries on river-basin protection and reconstruction.
The committee has scheduled field inspections in flood-affected areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading from October 3 to 7, following discussions with relevant ministries and agencies through October 2.
