KATHMANDU: The National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET), Nepal has unveiled its 10-year strategic action plan with the aim of helping in disaster risk reduction.

The action plan was unveiled at a function in Kathmandu on Thursday by senior litterateur Tulsi Diwas and historian Dinesh Raj Pant. The NSET which has been contributing to the enhancement of seismic safety for the past 28 years is now working on other disaster mitigation and management plans, according to the forthcoming action plan.

On the occasion, Executive director of NSET Suryanarayan Shrestha said that an action plan has been development to make Nepali citizens safe from earthquakes by 2020 BS.

He said that although the scheme started in 2014 it was delayed due to the subsequent earthquake and the recent impact of COVID-19.
According to the strategic plan, the organization will run programs to reduce the risk of earthquake as well as floods, landslides and incidents of fires. To achieve the goal, NSET will use traditional knowledge, skills, conduct responsible, disciplined and sustainable programs, work for impact and results-oriented work, and focus on collaborative and participatory initiatives.

In the first phase, the program to be implemented by 2030 has been made public, mainly with the strategic plan outlined for until 2050. The implementation of the program is expected to enhance disaster safety with significant cooperation between the public and private sectors and maximum use of technology.

The strategic plan made public by NSET states that it will play a supportive role in strengthening the government. It will also work to develop itself as an active, sustainable and learning model organization through the promotion of study and research work.

Strategic planning includes risk mapping and assessment, disseminating accurate information in the event of a disaster, setting standards for preparedness materials, raising awareness for risk mitigation, assisting in the preparation and implementation of national disaster risk mitigation programs, and testing and revision of existing plans.

Speaking on the occasion, senior litterateur and historian Pant expressed confidence that the public strategy would be implemented effectively to increase the awareness of the locals for disaster risk reduction.

Chairman of NSET Dr. Amod Mani Dixit shared that the strategic plan has been introduced to develop awareness at the local level through the use of science and technology to enhance security against disasters. “NSET will focus on multidisciplinary impact, climate change adaptation and climate change risk reduction and management,” he said.