Parliamentary committee begins onsite study of disaster-hit areas

KATHMANDU: The Parliamentary Special Committee on Impacts of Climate Change in the Himalayas, Climate Justice and the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Disaster has begun an on-site study of areas affected by recent disasters.

A delegation led by committee Chair Ganesh Parajuli on Wednesday began its assessment in Bidur Municipality, Nuwakot, visiting the Nepali Army barracks in Bidur and meeting representatives from the three tiers of government involved in disaster management and coordination. The team asked officials about the current situation and post-disaster response.

Parajuli said the committee collected suggestions from local representatives on search and rescue, temporary shelter, restoration of communications, safe rehabilitation and resettlement, sustainable reconstruction and risk reduction during the visit.

"People's representatives of local levels have openly appreciated the readiness shown by the federal government and concerned bodies in search, rescue and relief," he said.

Local representatives urged swift restoration of basic services and connectivity and called for immediate amendments to laws to address outstanding issues, Parajuli added.

The committee is gathering recommendations on measures for restoration, rehabilitation and reconstruction, and on policy arrangements for disaster risk reduction in the coming days.