KATHMANDU: Nepali Communist Party (NCP) lawmaker Barshaman Pun has drawn the attention of the government to bring clear plans and programmes for the temporary rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction along with immediate rescue and relief in favour of the flood-affected people.

In today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, lawmaker Pun urged the government to come up with clear policy and programmes to address the irreparable loss of lives and property in the flooding in the Trishuli River via Bhotekoshi, the loss of lives of people in almost all districts including foreigners and the loss of property of the people in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts.

He also urged the government to expedite the reconstruction of flood-damaged roads, bridges, schools, health institutions, drinking water projects and electricity infrastructures by setting a timeframe. “It is not enough to reconstruct the houses of the affected families like during the Gorkha Earthquake of 2072,” he said, adding, “It is also the responsibility of the state to build the houses of the flood-affected people and manage the safe land. ”

He also drew the government’s attention to make arrangements for the immediate safe temporary housing for the displaced families and to identify risk-free settlements and relocate them to safer places in long-term manner.

Lawmaker Pun stressed the need to develop an effective system to identify the risks before disaster strikes and to give timely advance information to the citizens. He said that regular study and monitoring of the risks arising from glacial lakes, avalanches, rivers and climate change should be done.

Stating that Nepal has been suffering a huge loss due to climate change, lawmaker Pun, who is also the former minister, stressed the need to raise the issues of climate justice and compensation in the international forum in an effective manner. He expressed the view that although Nepal’s contribution to climate crisis was minimal, as a mountainous country most affected by its impact, more initiatives should be taken for international support and compensation.

Lawmaker Pun stressed the need of developing a national system based on preparedness, risk minimization, scientific surveillance and institutional disaster management by getting away from the tendency of focusing on rescue and relief efforts only after disaster strikes every year.