MPs call for better disaster preparedness

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, June 24: In Sunday's session of the House of Representatives, parliamentarians from various parties strongly urged the government to prioritise disaster management preparedness ahead of the impending monsoon season. The members highlighted the critical need for preventive measures to lessen potential floods, landslides, and inundation threats, stressing the importance of effective rescue and rehabilitation strategies.

Drawing attention to an urgent international issue, MP Abdul Khan urged swift government action to repatriate six Nepali youths entangled in the conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces, underscoring the need for diplomatic initiatives to secure their safe return.

MP Achyut Prasad Mainali opened the floor with concerns over Nepal's struggling carpet industry, attributing its downturn to what he criticized as detrimental tax policies. He called for immediate VAT exemptions for carpet traders to revitalize the sector.

Cybersecurity concerns were highlighted by MP Ashok Kumar Chaudhary, who pointed out the rising incidents of bank account hacking due to inadequate cyber defences, calling for urgent government intervention.

MP Ammar Bahadur Thapa decried insufficient budget allocations for ongoing road projects, asserting that inadequate funding jeopardizes their timely completion and operational effectiveness. MP Ambar Bahadur Rayamajhi demanded comprehensive relief and compensation measures for affected communities. MP Asma Kumari Chaudhary stressed on employment rights, demanding policies that promote local job creation to reduce dependency on foreign employment.

MP Asim Shah raised the issue of malfunctioning clocks in Kathmandu's clock tower, urging authorities to rectify the timekeeping problem.

MP Arjun Narsingh KC turned the discussion towards cultural heritage, lamenting the neglect of Nuwakot Palace's reconstruction, urging immediate talks with the Chinese government to resolve the issue.

MPs across various constituencies also voiced concerns ranging from budgetary inefficiencies to infrastructure shortcomings, urging the government to address these pressing issues promptly. MP Bishwa Prakash Sharma accused Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane of delaying the arrest of GB Rai, who is wanted in a cooperative fraud case. Sharma disapproved Minister Lamichhane's handling of the situation involving a fugitive associated with the Gorkha Media Network.

Sharma questioned the delay in apprehending Rai despite claims of locating him, raising doubts about the government's commitment to justice. He asserted that despite the absence of an extradition treaty with Malaysia, where Rai is believed to be hiding, it remains feasible to secure his return, citing past instances.

MP Gagan Thapa opposed proposed cuts to allowance grants for local governments, emphasising their constitutional entitlement. He expressed discontent over potential reductions due to fiscal constraints, urging the federal government to uphold its financial obligations to local bodies.

MP Mahesh Bartaula demanded justice for Shuk Bahadur Tamang, fatally shot by security personnel at Parsa National Park, calling it a grave injustice. 

He condemned the excessive use of force and urged swift identification and prosecution of those responsible, advocating for improved development cooperation in the park's vicinity.

Likewise, Forest and Environment Minister Nawal Kishore Sah Sudi acknowledged gaps in governmental responsiveness, promising a more concerted effort towards disaster management and cultural preservation. However, during the deliberation on the ministry's budget, Minister Sudi's inability to recall the government's tenure sparked further criticism regarding governmental accountability.

Energy Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet presented the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Bill to ensure affordable energy access while Défense Minister Hari Prasad Upreti clarified the Nepali Army's industrial involvement amidst financial scrutiny.