KATHMANDU: Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have urged the government to immediately announce a relief package for drought-affected farmers in the Tarai-Madhes region.
Farmers in these districts are struggling with both drinking water shortages and severe drought due to lack of rainfall. Speaking during Thursday’s House session, lawmakers called for urgent measures, including subsidies and concessions on electricity used for irrigation.
Janardan Sharma of the CPN (Maoist Centre) emphasized the need to offer electricity tariff discounts to farmers using power for irrigation. Similarly, Ram Prakash Chaudhary of the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party Nepal called on the government—through the Speaker—to promptly introduce relief and subsidy programs for drought-hit farmers in the Tarai-Madhes.
Lawmakers Yogendra Mandal and Prakash Adhikari highlighted the escalating impacts of climate change and stressed the need for a targeted relief package in crisis-affected areas. Sanjay Kumar Gautam noted that paddy fields are drying up due to the drought and urged the government to identify affected areas and provide necessary support.
Purna Bahadur Gharti Magar raised concerns over transportation challenges in Rukum district, where many roads have been damaged during the rainy season. Likewise, Bhagawati Chaudhary questioned the unchecked use of groundwater for drinking purposes without proper testing, while Chandra Bahadur Bishwokarma demanded free medical treatment for people injured in road accidents.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party reiterated its demand for a high-level judicial commission or parliamentary committee to investigate the visit visa scam. Binita Kadayat said the issue has drawn national and international attention.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dhawal Shumsher JB Rana expressed hope for a fair investigation and verdict regarding the Tinkune incident of March 28.
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