Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster: panel's short-term plan, 44 sites picked for resettlement

The parliamentary special committee formed to study the impact of climate change in the Himalayas and the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disaster has released a short-term action plan for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of those affected.

After discussions with representatives of the Army, Police, Armed Police Force and the disaster authority at Singha Durbar on Friday, the committee prepared recommendations based on four main pillars. The committee has directed that relief funds be sent directly to victims' bank accounts and that a mechanism for quickly hearing grievances be set up at the local level with the participation of local elected representatives.

To prevent duplication of relief or genuine victims being left out, the committee also said an integrated database should be created by linking affected families' details with the national identity card system. It suggested distributing relief only under uniform criteria and activating coordination officers at the local level.

According to committee secretary Dr. Rojnath Pandey, a proposal to implement a single-window system for relief distribution will be submitted to the government. The committee has also directed that an industrial hub be developed for flood victims.

Meanwhile, geologist Prakash Pokharel of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said that following a study of the affected areas, 44 safe sites have been identified for the relocation of settlements. A committee led by the Director General of the Survey Department has moved ahead with the relocation work. The authority said preparations are underway to bring in a special relief package for displaced citizens.