Mansoon disaster mitigation drive launched

Kathmandu, June 21: In a concerted effort to mitigate monsoon-induced disasters and ensure road safety, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office (KVTP) has formally launched the Monsoon Disaster Mitigation Campaign-2025.

The inauguration ceremony held at the New Bus Park in Gongabu in the presence of Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Tek Bahadur Tamang, Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office on Friday. 

Other notable attendees included Bijay Bahadur Swar, President of the National Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, Bhim Jwala Rai, President of the Nepal Transport Independent Workers Union, former AIGP Dr. Govinda Thapa, and several representatives of the transport sector.

In his address, AIGP Tamang emphasised the importance of receiving accurate and timely information on weather conditions and road status before undertaking travel during the monsoon season. He highlighted that such precautionary measures are crucial for ensuring safe journeys.

Echoing similar concerns, President Swar noted the likelihood of heavy rainfall this year and urged transport operators and travelers to closely monitor official updates and verified weather data—especially before traveling along the highways or other high-risk routes.

Senior Superintendent of 

Police (SSP) Adhikari warned that night buses operating on highways in defiance of red-alert monsoon warnings would face penalties and legal action. 

This measure follows last year’s tragic incidents at Simaltaal and Nagdhunga, where two night buses and several smaller vehicles were swept away or buried by floodwaters.

Help desks established 

To support this initiative, 12 Citizens’ Help Desks (CHDs) have been established at key exit points of the Kathmandu Valley. These include: New Bus Park, Kalanki, Nagdhunga, Balkhu, Pharping, Koteshwor, Bhaktapur, Chapagaun, Sankhu, Tokha, Tinpipley, and Bhimdhunga. 

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Navaraj Adhikari of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, these help desks will provide real-time information on monsoon-triggered disasters such as floods and landslides, as well as updates on road conditions.

Staffed by trained traffic police officers, the CHDs will not only disseminate critical information but also guide vehicle drivers, conductors, and passengers on essential preparedness and safety measures, said, SSP Adhikari.

He further explained that the initiative aims to minimise the risk of road blockages, accidents, and potential loss of life and property caused by monsoon-related disasters.

“These information centres will empower road users to make informed decisions and adopt necessary precautions during travel,” SSP Adhikari emphasised.

The launch event drew a crowd of over 500 participants, including officials from Nepal Police, transport entrepreneurs, civil society members, media personnel, and the general public.

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police further announced that all medium- and long-distance vehicles departing from the valley will have access to updated information on flood and landslide risks, as well as road conditions, through the 12 Citizens’ Help Desks.

SSP Navaraj Adhikari expressed confidence that the campaign will play a crucial role in reducing travel-related disruptions and casualties during the monsoon season, ensuring a safer and more coordinated response to natural hazards.

Binayi River flood 

Meanwhile, a night bus traveling from Kathmandu to Bardiya (Ba 1 Kha 4085) was swept nearly 500 metres downstream by a flash flood in the Binayi River at Binayi Triveni along the East-West Highway on Thursday night.

According to Police Inspector 

Rajan Timilsina, all 38 passengers were safely rescued—13 had existed before the bus reached the river, 

while the remaining 25 were rescued using five excavators after the bus became stuck midstream around midnight.

The flood also washed away the diversion at Dumkibas, 

completely halting vehicular movements. Vehicles were stranded 

at various points, including 

Painsatthi Mode and near the 

Bishwakarma Temple uphill, police reported.

This marks the eighth time the Binayi diversion has been swept away. A new bridge is currently under construction and is expected to open by June 30, said Road Project Chief Shashank Mishra. 

Authorities recently instructed contractors to dump 500 

truckloads of gravel and sand starting Friday.