Foreign Minister Khanal declares Bhotekoshi community to be hit by ‘Himalayan Tsunami’

लगानी न्यूज

१ आश्विन २०८३, बिहीबार १३:५१September 17, 2026

TAG_OPEN_div_25 KATHMANDU — Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal has said that the time has come to rethink the country’s institutional structure and diplomatic role to face the serious risks posed by climate change.

In today’s meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives, Foreign Minister Khanal termed the recent floods in the Bhotekoshi River as a climate-induced disaster and a ‘Himalayan Tsunami’. Stating that this has raised serious questions on Nepal’s long-term prosperity and development infrastructures, he said that Nepal’s river corridors, settlement development, north-south road and hydropower projects are at high risk of climate change. He made it clear that the traditional style of administrative structure alone cannot deal with these challenges.TAG_OPEN_div_23

TAG_OPEN_div_21″The recent disaster has compelled us to collectively rethink the narrative of prosperity that we have been advancing for the last 25 years,” Minister Khanal said, adding, “It should not be taken as a single ministry or a separate incident but by prioritizing the entire government as per the concept of ‘whole of government’.” ”

Minister Khanal stressed on the need for advocacy based on scientific facts, data and evidence to establish Nepal’s strong presence and agenda in the international forums. He also said that forums like the United Nations General Assembly are a place to build a broader issue and prepare a global campaign in favor of Nepal rather than making immediate agreements or conclusions.TAG_OPEN_div_19

Pointing out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not directly institutionalized in forums like climate change and COP, Minister Khanal said, “We talk about climate diplomacy, but within the state structure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not so focused on climate issues. Therefore, we should work for the right institutional design and long-term policy formulation.”TAG_OPEN_div_17 ”

Referring to the physical and human losses caused by the disaster, Minister Khanal said that the government is preparing to make a formal appeal to the friendly countries and the international community for reconstruction after the post-disaster needs assessment. He said that the basis for this would be prepared in the bilateral and multilateral meetings to be held during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.TAG_OPEN_div_15

Minister TAG_OPEN_div_13 Khanal pledged that the suggestions raised by the lawmakers in the meeting would be seriously presented to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and the government would move ahead with determination for the country’s national interest and climate justice.