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VOL. 03, NO. 11, Oct. 30 2009 (Kartik 13, 2066)
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We work for a risk-free Nepal
PHANINDRA ADHIKARY
PHANINDRA ADHIKARY, country representative of the International Relief and Development in Nepal, is also a steering committee member of the Association of International NGOs (AIN), a key stakeholder in disaster risk reduction. A natural disaster-prone zone, Nepal recently observed the International Year of Disaster with various programs, some of which under the aegis of AIN. In that context, Adhikary spoke to NEW SPOTLIGHT on various related aspects. Excerpts:
How did Nepal take part in the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR)?
Some of the key stakeholders in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Nepal like DIPECHO partners, AIN, DPNet and NDAC joined hands to mark the 2009 ISDR Day. We gave opportunity to the people from the grassroots, who are affected and impacted by disasters and who live under constant threat of disasters, to raise their concerns directly with the policy makers in the country.
What is the situation like in terms of natural disasters in Nepal?
Nepal is prone to a multitude of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, landslides, hailstorms, droughts and famines. The country loses infrastructure and property of common people worth of millions of rupees. From epidemics, floods, heat and cold waves, landslides, droughts to earthquakes, Nepal has been facing a number of problems. For instance, Koshi flooded large areas in eastern Nepal last year. Similarly, the torrential rainfall damaged property worth billions of rupees in far western region. Flood damaged large swathes of land in far west in the first week of October. Similarly, drought is threatening the life of people. Because of Nepal’s physical location and limited service delivery, any disaster adds burden to the people. With more than 30 percent of population living below the poverty line, the recurring natural disaster has worsened the situation.
Has climate change further increased Nepal’s vulnerability?
It is adding more woes. Not just the climate change, the rising food prices and global economic crisis have pushed the country into deeper trouble. Poor people of Nepal have suffered a lot. Many people are forced to leave their homes and live in temporary shelters in Koshi areas as well as in far west.
As Nepal is one of the highly vulnerable countries, what does it need to do to reduce the risks?
Nepal needs a strong and efficient Disaster Management structures and procedures. Since Nepal is one of the mountainous countries with no access to road in remote areas and many communities are living in isolation, what the country needs is a system focusing on local realities. Such initiative must start from community levels and communities should be given prime role in immediate response, rescue and rehabilitation and trained in doing so.
How serious is the situation?
Increasing incidences of disasters and their impact on people's lives and livelihood is a matter of serious concern to all of us. People in Nepal have shown considerable strength to live with disasters.
What role are international non-governmental organizations playing in addressing the concern?
We, the INGOs, NGOs and civil society work very closely with the people. We are working with them on relief, rehabilitation and preparedness and contributing to the DRR process in Nepal. Other than people themselves and their representatives, no one understands people’s concerns better than I/NGOs, NGOs, and CSOs.
It is said that INGOs and NGOs organize programs in urban areas rather than working in rural parts of Nepal. How do respond to this view?
I don’t agree with this. We have been actively supporting activities in rural parts of Nepal through NGOs and civil society organizations. Whenever disasters occur, you can see our presence in immediate response, relief, and rehabilitation work. While INGOs, NGOs, and CSOs have been putting their best efforts, both in response and risk reduction, a strong policy framework, Act, and appropriate operational directives will ensure that issues and concerns are rightly addressed.
What is your view on the recently released national strategy for managing disasters?
We are pleased that the national strategy for disaster management has now been approved. This is the beginning, and more intensive efforts are required by all of us, starting with strong advocacy for the Act to implement the national strategy for disaster management.
What needs to be done to make it effective?
We call for action following the strategy, implementation directives, increased investment in DRR and people's voices in decision making should be there now. We encourage continuing and more concerted collective efforts and would like to assure our continued commitment and support to the DRR process that enhances community resilience and their capacity to manage risks. We want to work together for a 'risk free Nepal'.
