Minister Khadka Insists on Coordination with China to Minimize Disaster Risk

Kathmandu: In the wake of devastation caused by the flash flood in Rasuwa district, bordering the northern neighbour, Minister for Energy, Water Resource and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, has insisted on establishing effective coordination with the Chinese government to minimize damages from disasters.

“As many rivers flow from northern neighbour China to Nepali territory, coordination and collaboration with China is essential to minimize the impact of river floods and landslides in Nepal,” Khadka said during a ministry level discussion on Thursday. The discussion dwelt on preparedness and management of monsoon related disasters.

Minister Khadka reminded, “There was no rainfall nor the breach of the lake. But why was there a flash flood in the Bhotekoshi in Rasuwa district? If the siren was installed by the Weather Forecasting Division, information on the disaster could be received on time so as to reduce damages,” he stressed. The Minister argued that although a proper system for data and information was repeatedly raised in the ministry, it was not put into practice, creating such problems.

“The Nepal government has given priority to the conservation of glacial lakes. If the glacial lakes in China burst, it poses serious threats to Nepal. So, coordination with the Chinese side is necessary,” he underlined.

The Minister, however, said, “The government is facing a resource crunch. We need an early warning system in place. If such a facility is ensured in the projects like hydropower to canals, it would help minimize damages.” 

He directed the subordinates and concerned officials to move ahead by forming a committee to smooth the preparedness.

Similarly, he informed that he would hold a discussion with the Finance Ministry to allow a discount on import of materials used for reconstruction of infrastructures damaged by the landslides and floods. He urged the employees to work in a way to ensure results that satisfies service seekers. 

Ministry Secretary Sarita Dawadi said time has come to add stations in mountainous and hilly regions for early warning systems. The activities relating to disaster in the ministry need an integrated approach to address the problems, she reminded. 

On the occasion, Executive Director at NEA, Hitendra Dev Shakya, said the floods in Bhotekoshi caused a huge damage in hydropower- Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, Trishuli-III (B).

Other speakers in the discussion underlined the need of reinforcing coordination at all three tiers of government.

(RSS)