Disaster Risk Reduction Efforts in Nepalgunj Proving Effective: Executive Chief Bhatt

By Siraj Khan, Nepalgunj, Feb 1: Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Dinesh Bhatt, has stated that the disaster risk reduction programs being implemented in Nepalgunj have been found to be effective.

While inspecting the disaster management activities carried out by Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City on Friday, Executive Chief Bhatt said he was pleased to see that volunteers trained in earthquake response and fire control are actively working within their communities to reduce human and physical losses after completing their training.

Under the Urban Disaster and Earthquake Preparedness Project being implemented in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, around 400 local volunteers have received training and are currently engaged in disaster management activities whenever required in their communities.

During the inspection, trained volunteers at Ward No. 3 Office of Nepalgunj also demonstrated a simulation of extinguishing fire caused by a gas cylinder.

On the occasion, Executive Chief Bhatt conducted an on-site observation of the expansion of fire hydrant lines in narrow alleys of the city and the arrangements made for water supply required for fire engines.

Praising Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City for its exemplary work in inter-local level coordination, fire services, and related activities, Executive Chief Bhatt expressed his appreciation.

During the discussion held on the occasion, Mayor of Nepalgunj, Prashant Bista, informed that several initiatives are being implemented in Nepalgunj under the Super Project, including a residential insurance program, expansion of fire hydrant lines in narrow alleys, and partnerships with the private sector for disaster risk reduction.

Emergency Operations Center Information Management Officer Rupan Gyawali stated that the Super Project, being implemented in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, is working on disaster preparedness and response with financial support from the European Union, in partnership with UNDP, UNICEF, UN OCHA, and HI, and with technical support from CDM Nepal.

Those present on the occasion included Samir Pratap Singh, Coordinator of the Disaster Management Committee of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City; Ayub Siddiqui, Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 3; Prahlad Bishwakarma from the Nepal Red Cross Society; and representatives from UNICEF, among others.