Parliamentary Committee Studies Climate Change Impact and Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Flood

Kathmandu. A parliamentary special committee on climate change impact in the Himalayas, climate justice, and Bhote Koshi-Trishuli disaster has begun its study by creating 9 terms of reference (TOR). A devastating flood in Bhote Koshi-Trishuli on Bhadra 10 caused great loss of life and property in districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. A special committee of 15 members, chaired by Ganesh Parajuli, deputy leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) parliamentary party, was formed on Asauj 5 through a meeting of the House of Representatives. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal had informed that the special committee has the TOR to study the impact of climate change in the Himalayan region and the Bhote Koshi flood in Rasuwa, recommend the resettlement of flood-affected citizens, sustainable reconstruction, risk reduction, legal and institutional reforms, and the state's course of action for climate justice. The committee will present a report to the House of Representatives within three months, including study findings, immediate issues to be addressed, a roadmap for sustainable reconstruction, legal and institutional reforms, and priorities for climate justice and diplomacy. The report will also mention the responsible body, timeline, required resources, and monitoring indicators for the implementation of recommendations. It can also present an interim report or short-term recommendations on issues that need immediate attention. The committee, in the presence of representatives from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force Nepal, and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, provided short-term suggestions to the government based on the decisions of the committee meeting. Secretary Dr. Rojnath Pandey informed that the fifth meeting of the committee held on Asauj 23 gave 4 short-term suggestions to the government. According to Secretary Pandey, correspondence has been sent to subject matter experts, non-governmental organizations working in the climate sector, and each ministry regarding the 9 TORs. 'We monitored the flood-affected areas before Dashain and gave short-term suggestions to the government. We are discussing with each ministry by creating 9 work areas. We have corresponded with subject matter experts and various non-governmental organizations working in the climate sector. The committee will hold a meeting in a few days and make further decisions public,' Pandey told Ratopati. Committee Chairman Ganesh Parajuli informed that the committee meeting held on Asauj 23 gave short-term suggestions to the government. Parajuli clarified that further processes would be advanced after returning to the country following his China visit on Monday. He stated that based on the monitoring of the affected areas, it is necessary to amend the law for the rescue, resettlement, and reconstruction of flood victims. 'The committee held five meetings before Dashain. It is necessary to amend the law for immediate relief, resettlement, and reconstruction for the flood-affected victims. We have given suggestions to the government on issues that need immediate attention, including legal amendments,' said Chairman Parajuli.

4 Decisions Made by the Committee: