KATHMANDU: The Infrastructure Development Committee under the House of Representatives has directed the government to prepare for potential damage to infrastructure caused by floods and landslides during this year’s monsoon.
During a meeting held Tuesday at Singha Durbar, the committee warned that heavy rainfall this year could result in significant loss of life and property in certain areas. It called on the government to take precautionary measures to minimize the impact on roads, bridges, and other key infrastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh said the government is learning from past natural disasters and is making early preparations to prevent losses. He noted that specific plans are being made to prevent damage to settlements near the Bagmati River.
Singh said efforts are underway to protect local roads, bridges, and bailey bridges from flood damage and to ensure immediate reconstruction if any infrastructure is affected.
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal also addressed the meeting, saying pre-monsoon efforts have already begun to keep the national road network operational during the rainy season. He highlighted a recurring issue where projects proposed in one fiscal year remain incomplete and become neglected as new proposals emerge in the next.
Dahal recalled that last year, flooding had nearly blocked all major entry points to the Kathmandu Valley. To avoid a repeat scenario, the government is reviewing alternative routes and preparedness strategies.
He also said that while the Sita Paila-Dharke road is being prioritized as an alternative to the Nagdhunga route, some risks remain.
Committee members stressed the need for not just risk reduction but also for contingency planning in case damage occurs. They urged the government to be fully prepared with alternatives and emergency responses ahead of the monsoon season.
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