MP Sarita Lama Demands Scientific Research on Bhote Koshi and Trishuli Flood Disasters

Kathmandu. Rastriya Prajatantra Party MP Sarita Lama has demanded that the government conduct serious scientific research on the causes of floods and disasters in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli regions. Speaking at a meeting of the special parliamentary committee on 'Impact of Climate Change on Himalayas, Climate Justice and Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Disasters' held at Singh Durbar on Tuesday, she drew the government's attention to the unusual chemical odor and powder-like substance seen during the disasters. MP Lama stated that the floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli regions have caused damage to the extent of wiping out the settlements of the local communities and urged for the immediate resettlement of the affected people in safe locations. She emphasized that a scientific investigation should be conducted at the government level into the chemical odor seen during the floods and the presence of a substance different from soil or sand. Pointing out the need for an immediate Bailey bridge over the Furke Khola, which connects the settlements across the Trishuli in Dhading, Gorkha, and Nuwakot, MP Lama said, 'First, it is necessary to resettle the disaster-affected communities in safe locations in a way that their identity and homeland are protected. Also, scientific study and testing should be done on the unusual odor and powder-like substance seen after the flood. Second, it is necessary to facilitate the movement of citizens of Dhading, Gorkha, and Nuwakot by constructing a Bailey bridge over the Furke Khola immediately. Also, the Tipling-Sankos-Somdang road should be upgraded sustainably and kept ready as an alternative route.' She also drew the government's attention to arranging for the performance of post-death rituals for Buddhists within 49 days in a community manner in coordination with local levels and Lama gurus. She stated that shelters should be arranged for children who have lost their guardians and for the elderly. Speaking about rituals and long-term protection, she added, 'Third, coordination should be done with the local level to arrange for the performance of necessary rituals collectively within 49 days, especially for the Buddhist community, so that the families of the deceased can perform post-death rituals according to tradition. Fourth, the state should arrange for long-term protection and rehabilitation according to their wishes for children who have lost their guardians and the elderly who have lost their support. In case of such disasters in the future, scientific study is necessary regarding the government's preparedness, the actual cause of the disaster, and the reasons for glacial lake outbursts.' In the review meeting, MP Lama mentioned that disasters occur due to working without technical basis in infrastructure construction and suggested discouraging the bulldozer culture in the coming days. She emphasized that development construction work should be carried out only on the basis of scientific and technical reports. Questioning the delay in relief distribution, she demanded that relief amounts be distributed promptly after identifying the actual beneficiaries and that technical studies, scientific standards, and risk assessments be made mandatory bases for road, bridge, and large infrastructure construction, rather than local pressure.