Relief distribution begins for quake victims in Sudurpaschim

By Our Correspondent,Dadeldhura, Mar. 9: The government has started distributing relief to those affected by the earthquake that struck Doti two years ago. 

Efforts to distribute assistance have commenced in Dadeldhura, aimed at supporting the construction of permanent housing for the affected individuals.

Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak attended the relief distribution programme organised on Thursday. He began the relief distribution by handing over a cheque of Rs. 50,000 to quake victim Prakash Upreti of Amargadhi Municipality-3 as the first installment of the relief amount.

After collecting the detailed damage reports of the earthquake, relief distribution for permanent housing construction and house repairs has commenced in Dadeldhura, Doti, Achham, Bajura and Bajhang districts. 

This is part of the government's effort to promote private housing reconstruction and rebuilding, said Minister Lekhak.

Home Minister Lekhak assured that there would be no shortage of funds for permanent housing reconstruction for those affected by the earthquake. He said that the required budget for the reconstruction work had already been allocated.

Although there has been a slight delay in the process due to delays in creating standards and guidelines, Minister Lekhak emphasised that work on permanent housing has now resumed. 

In the programme, Dr. Bhishma Kumar Bhusal, Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, said that up to Rs. 400,000 will be provided for private housing reconstruction and up to Rs. 100,000 for house repairs.

Dr. Bhusal also said that relief distribution for the reconstruction of permanent housing for 9,400 households affected by the earthquake has started. 

After the distribution of the first installment and technical inspection, the second installment will be released. 

Likewise, Minister Lekhak inaugurated the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Project Implementation Units (offices) for the reconstruction and rehabilitation programme in Jajarkot, Doti and Bajhang. 

The earthquake that struck Doti on November 8, 2022, caused damage to six municipalities in Dadeldhura. Chief District Officer Chomendra Neupane informed that 78 households were primary beneficiaries, comprising 26 houses designated for reconstruction and 52 houses for retrofitting.

Attending the 'Parshuram Literary Festival' organised by Parshuram Municipality, Minister Lekhak said that the monarchy cannot be revived. 

He further remarked that although some people may talk about restoring the monarchy, the country has already transitioned into a federal democratic republic and cannot revert to any undemocratic system.