Task force formed to rehabilitate flood-affected citizens

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has formed a task force to help restore normalcy for citizens affected by the Bhotekoshi River floods in Rasuwa.

According to the Ministry, the task force has been formed with the objective of carrying out initial rehabilitation and necessary management works within 21 days.

The task force will facilitate the identification, coordination and implementation of necessary works related to roads, bridges, drinking water, rehabilitation, suspension bridges, debris management, communications and health services in the affected areas.

Relevant stakeholders and agencies will also be mobilised to regularly monitor the progress of the works and submit reports.

The Ministry said the task force will coordinate with all concerned bodies to expedite the rehabilitation of affected areas, restore essential infrastructure and help return affected citizens to normal life.

The major responsibilities of the task force are as follows:

Conduct a rapid, technical and objective assessment of disaster-related damage and risks.

Identify emergency rehabilitation measures and essential services that need to be restored immediately and mobilise the relevant agencies.

Classify affected areas, structures and families based on risk and priority.

Prepare immediate, short-term and long-term action plans.

Assess the requirements for human resources, equipment, materials and financial resources.

Coordinate and facilitate cooperation among federal, provincial and local governments, security agencies, the private sector and development partners.

Apply the ‘Build Back Better’ principle during reconstruction by taking into account geological conditions, climate change, floods, landslides and other disaster risks.

Use integrated planning and information systems to prevent duplication of investment, misuse of resources and unnecessary repetition of work.

Recommend necessary policy, legal, administrative and budgetary measures to the concerned agencies and the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Submit regular reports on progress, challenges and proposed solutions.

Monitor and evaluate the quality of works carried out within the task force’s scope and ensure that required standards are maintained.

Provide policy recommendations for future disaster risk reduction based on lessons and evidence gathered during the rehabilitation process.