The Ditible
Nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape, Nepal has long been recognized as a disaster-prone country, grappling with a myriad of both natural and manmade calamities. Despite being vulnerable to various crises, recent developments highlight the nation’s ongoing challenges in effectively managing and mitigating the impacts of disasters.
Approximately 80% of Nepal’s population constantly lives under the shadow of potential disasters, ranging from floods, landslides, and earthquakes to industrial pollution, road accidents, and more. The scale and intensity of these disasters have been exacerbated by unmanaged population growth, rapid urbanization, ecological destruction, political upheavals, and other contributing factors.
To address these challenges, Nepal has enacted laws and established councils dedicated to disaster management. The latest ‘Disaster Risk and Management Act, 2074 (2017)’ replaced the Natural Calamity Relief Act of 1982, emphasizing cooperation between national and local authorities through the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
However, despite international commitments, financial investments, and efforts by government and non-government organizations, Nepal’s progress in disaster risk reduction and management has been less than satisfactory. The country ranks at the bottom among South Asian nations in terms of performance.
One glaring oversight is the failure to establish the ‘National Council on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management,’ as mandated by the 2017 Act. This raises questions about the government’s commitment and political will in addressing the pressing issue of disaster management.
While substantial financial investments have been made by UN agencies, NGOs, government bodies, and the Red Cross in various disaster risk reduction projects, their operational scope remains limited. A comprehensive disaster auditing system is necessary, taking into account the diverse administrative and geographical regions of Nepal, to effectively address vulnerabilities, risk reduction, and management.
The lack of people’s participation, especially in urban areas, is a significant challenge. Urbanities are more susceptible to disasters, necessitating a shift in mindset to acknowledge the importance of community involvement in disaster mitigation and management. Public awareness campaigns must reach every corner of society, emphasizing the role of individuals, communities, and decision-makers in disaster resilience.
Furthermore, the disaster management unit of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) has yet to prove its effectiveness. Cross-border disasters require coordinated efforts, and Nepal should learn from neighboring countries with successful disaster management institutions.
Financial assistance is crucial for research in disaster risk reduction, technological innovation, early warning systems, and region-specific plans tailored to Nepal’s topographical diversity. The allocation of budgetary expenses for training and technological advancements at the provincial and local levels is imperative for building institutional capacity.
Nepal’s focus on response and recovery rather than risk reduction poses a significant challenge. Political leaders and officials must prioritize the interests of the Nepalese people over personal gains, redirecting public finances toward essential projects for disaster resilience.
As Nepal stands at a critical juncture in its disaster management journey, urgent and comprehensive actions are needed to safeguard lives, property, and the environment. The country’s unique challenges demand a tailored approach, emphasizing research, technology, public awareness, and international cooperation to build a resilient future for all Nepalese.
