Minister Khadka Urges Nepal-China Cooperation to Prevent Future Floods

 Kathmandu, July 10 — After a devastating flash flood hit Rasuwa district near the Chinese border, Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Dipak Khadka called for better coordination with China to prevent similar disasters in the future.

He pointed out that many rivers start in China and flow into Nepal, so close cooperation with the northern neighbor is necessary to reduce the risks of floods and landslides. Speaking at a high-level meeting on Thursday focused on disaster preparedness during the monsoon, Minister Khadka questioned the cause of the recent Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa.

“There was no rainfall or glacial lake outburst. So what triggered the flood?” he asked. He also criticized the lack of early warning systems like sirens that could have alerted people in time and reduced the damage.

Minister Khadka highlighted the serious threat posed by glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), especially if a lake in China bursts. He emphasized the importance of working with China to be better prepared for such emergencies.

Admitting that the government is facing a shortage of resources, he stressed the need to set up early warning systems in hydropower and canal projects. He also ordered the formation of a committee to improve disaster preparedness.

The minister said he would talk to the Ministry of Finance about possibly waiving import duties on materials needed to rebuild infrastructure damaged by floods and landslides. He urged ministry staff to work efficiently and deliver real results for the public.

Ministry Secretary Sarita Dawadi supported his views and pushed for expanding early warning systems in mountainous areas and adopting an integrated disaster management approach.

Hitendra Dev Shakya, Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), reported that several hydropower projects — including Rasuwagadhi, Chilime, and Trishuli-III (B) — had suffered serious damage from the Bhotekoshi flood.

Other officials at the meeting also stressed the importance of better coordination between local, provincial, and federal governments to improve disaster response and build resilience.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

First National Bamboo Conference Happening Now

KHOTANG, February 28 – The First National Bamboo Conference is currently being held in Diktel Bazaar, running from February 27 to March 1. The event was officially opened at the Khotang Multi-Purpose Covered Hall, and an exhibition showcasing various bamboo products is taking place nearby at the Matikore playground. The event is organized mainly by Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality. Even the welcome gate and stage at the venue are built using bamboo. The exhibition features 51 stalls displaying items made from bamboo, along with local agricultural products. Mayor Tirtha Raj Bhattarai shared that traditional Nepali bamboo swings—lingle ping and rote ping—have been set up for entertainment. Over 300 guests from outside the district are attending the conference. During the event, bamboo experts will present 23 papers under the theme: “Where there is bamboo, there is life; where there is life, there is bamboo.” Other co-organizers include the Forest Research and Training Centre (Bab...
Read more

Gold prices keep going up

  Kathmandu, June 18 — Gold prices have been rising in the international market since June 10, and this has also pushed up prices in Nepal. When the market opened today, the price of gold had gone up by Rs 900 per tola (11.66 grams) compared to Tuesday, while silver rose by Rs 65 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is now being traded at Rs 195,500 per tola, and silver at Rs 2,225 per tola. International reports show that gold is currently priced at 3,393 US dollars per ounce in the global market.
Read more

Dengue cases are spreading rapidly in Chitwan.

Narayangadh (Chitwan), July 20 In the fiscal year 2024/25, a total of 3,889 people were confirmed to have dengue in Chitwan district. According to the Public Health Office, 3,020 of these cases were local residents—1,548 men and 1,472 women. The remaining 869 cases involved people from other districts—412 men and 457 women. Bharatpur Metropolitan City recorded the highest number of cases with 1,171 infections, while Madi Municipality had the fewest, with just 37 cases. One person died from the disease during the year. A total of 17,353 dengue tests were conducted throughout the year. Ram KC, a Vector Control Inspector at the Public Health Office, mentioned that the previous year had 1,831 confirmed cases out of 23,840 tests. Dengue was first detected in Nepal in 2004, in a Japanese tourist visiting Chitwan. The Public Health Office emphasized that the best way to prevent dengue is by protecting yourself from mosquito bites.
Read more