KATHMANDU: The government has committed to the reconstruction of Thame settlement in the Sagarmatha region, which was severely affected by a glacial lake outburst flood last year.
The announcement was made by Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi during the Summiteers’ Summit held in Thame, Khumbu Rural Municipality-5, to mark International Earth Day.
Minister Shahi expressed grave concern over the damage caused by the disaster, which destroyed dozens of houses, farmlands, trekking routes, and key infrastructure.
“The flood in Thame is not a mere local event. It’s a direct consequence of global climate change. Nepal has contributed little to this crisis, yet we are suffering deeply,” he said.
He pledged that the government would adopt a clear and actionable strategy to support immediate rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction. He also stressed the need for Nepal to raise its voice more assertively on climate justice in international forums, saying, “Now the climate crisis demands action, not just debate.”
Minister for Defence Manbir Rai, local officials, mountaineers, environmental activists, and members of the media attended the event, organized by Sathsathai, a women-focused non-profit advocating for climate justice and sustainable development.
Despite the passage of seven months since the disaster, reconstruction in Thame has seen little progress. Many displaced families remain in temporary shelters or are staying with neighbors.
Sathsathai continues to lead initiatives in women’s climate advocacy, tourism promotion, and nature conservation in the region.
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