DRRMNC Urges Swift Action to Tackle Forest Fires and Speed up Reconstruction

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management National Council (DRRMNC) has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Forests and Environment, provincial governments, and local levels to step up efforts to prevent and control forest fires, citing worsening air pollution.

Forest fires across the country in the ongoing dry season has increased air pollution across the country, particularly affecting the Kathmandu Valley.

Data from air quality monitoring stations indicate that the air in the Valley is dangerously polluted. High levels of PM2.5 particles—comprising fine dust, black carbon, carbon monoxide, and ozone—pose serious health risks.

The 17th meeting of the Council, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday, also reviewed progress on the Western Nepal Earthquake and Monsoon Disaster Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Plan, 2024 (2081 BS).

Officials briefed the meeting on the implementation of the plan, which was approved by the 16th Council meeting on January 12, 2025. Reconstruction began after agreements with beneficiaries started on February 15, 2025.

The Council decided to include additional reconstruction proposals not covered in the original plan, based on need and a realistic assessment by the relevant ministry.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has prioritized rebuilding in sectors such as roads and transport, government buildings, urban infrastructure, electricity and alternative energy, irrigation, private housing, education, healthcare, drinking water and sanitation, and archaeological structures.

Prime Minister Oli emphasized the urgency of speeding up reconstruction and rehabilitation. He instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies to prepare for timely rescue and relief operations.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister Prakash Man Singh, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, ministers, provincial chief ministers, CPN (Maoist Centre) Deputy General Secretary Shakti Bahadur Basnet, the Chief Secretary, the Chief of Army Staff, and heads of security agencies. -- RSS

Forest fires across the country in the ongoing dry season has increased air pollution across the country, particularly affecting the Kathmandu Valley.

The Council decided to include additional reconstruction proposals not covered in the original plan, based on need and a realistic assessment by the relevant ministry.