KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane held a telephonic conversation with the chiefs of various local governments of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts affected by floods and landslides.

Lamichhane had a telephonic conversation with the chiefs of the local levels affected by the devastating floods and landslides on August 24 and enquired about the situation of the damage, the ongoing rescue and relief work and the problems being faced by the local level. The central level leaders of the RSP also participated in the dialogue.

During the dialogue, Kaisang Nurpu Tamang, chairman of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa, said that the damaged road network should be immediately restored and Rasuwa should be connected to the main road. He said that there is a shortage of necessary materials for the management of the bodies of the disappeared and the deceased and pointed out the need for immediate management and alternative arrangements for electricity supply.

Buchung Tamang, chairperson of Ama Chhodingmo Rural Municipality, said that more effective measures should be taken to rescue the people trapped inside the tunnel of the hydropower project. He demanded that electricity supply should be ensured by arranging generators even if it is limited.

Chairman of Kalika Rural Municipality Hari Krishna Devkota said that the road network should be brought into operation immediately and at least one thousand gas cylinders should be provided immediately as there is a shortage of gas for cooking hot food. He demanded that the Nepal Electricity Authority should immediately start the work of erecting electric poles and pulling wires. He also complained that the performance of the Chief District Officer and the police chief was not effective.

Chairman of Uttargaya Rural Municipality Madhav Prasad Aryal presented the management of dead bodies as the main problem that needs to be resolved immediately. He also demanded the deployment of more security personnel saying that the deployment of security personnel has affected the regular public security activities.

Jagat Bahadur Gurung, chairman of Belkotgadhi Municipality in Nuwakot, said that an alternative road should be opened immediately and temporary accommodation should be arranged for the displaced people. He also informed that they are facing difficulties in coordinating with the Chief District Officer.

Similarly, the chairman of Gajuri Rural Municipality of Dhading said that at least 100 tents are needed immediately for the affected people. He demanded the arrangement of alternative accommodation.

After listening to the problems, demands and suggestions raised by the local government chiefs, President Lamichhane pledged to take initiatives to resolve the issues related to rescue, relief, road, electricity, housing and dead body management by coordinating with the government and bodies concerned.

According to RSP, Lamichhane has started coordinating with various ministers and office-bearers of the bodies concerned.