Experts suggest legal protocol for disaster early warning, reconstruction law

Experts have suggested that a national legal protocol be created to clarify who should do what after a disaster early warning is issued.

The suggestion came during an interaction on legal provisions and implementation status of disaster risk reduction and management, held in Kathmandu on Monday. Dr. Rajan Bhattarai said such a protocol would fix the responsibilities of citizens, local administration and hydropower projects.

Senior hydrologist Vinod Parajuli said the current early warning system would not be sufficient given that disaster events will increase in coming days. He pointed out the need for technology such as a Himalayan monitoring system.

At the program, CPN-UML lawmaker Padya Aryal said separate laws are needed for temporary rehabilitation and permanent reconstruction. She said that while relief and rescue work can be run through directives and procedures, a clear law is needed to manage reconstruction. She said the Home Ministry should not be given charge of reconstruction, arguing instead for a separate, autonomous and empowered mechanism. Such a new mechanism, she argued, would speed up reconstruction work and allow people to receive relief sooner.

Shanti Mahat, spokesperson of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, said three laws — the Disaster Act, the Civil Code and the law related to registration — are in the process of being amended.