Kathmandu: The World Bank is supporting Nepal to expand the safe and effective use of drone technology for disaster response, infrastructure development, and job creation.
Nepal has been among the early adopters of drones in disaster management, using them for damage assessment and emergency response after the 2015 earthquake, the Melamchi flash flood in 2021, and the Jajarkot earthquake in 2023. Recently, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the drone association to institutionalize drone use in disaster response.
Drones are also being used to support risk mapping and monitoring of major infrastructure projects, including road stabilization, irrigation modernization, and water supply planning. Applications of drone technology have expanded across sectors such as logistics, health, agriculture, construction, environmental conservation, and tourism.
To address regulatory and capacity challenges in the sector, the World Bank launched the Drone Ecosystem Acceleration Program (DEAP) in 2023 with funding from the Korea–World Bank Partnership Facility. The program supports policy reforms, strengthens institutional capacity, develops training systems, and promotes innovation among drone enterprises.
Through DEAP, the World Bank has supported training for drone operators and trainers, policy dialogue on drone regulations, and platforms such as the South Asia Drone Forum to encourage regional knowledge exchange. The program has also provided mentorship and technical support to drone-based small and medium enterprises and created opportunities for youth employment.
The World Bank said strengthening Nepal’s drone ecosystem can help build resilience, create jobs, and support sustainable development, while positioning emerging technologies as drivers of inclusive growth.
