KATHMANDU: Ganesh Parajuli, Deputy Leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) parliamentary party, has called for sustained efforts to advance Himalayan conservation through a common global approach.
Speaking during the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, Parajuli said coordinated efforts at both the national and international levels were necessary to make the Himalayan conservation campaign meaningful and results-oriented.
Parajuli said he would place Himalayan conservation at the center of his work after being entrusted with the responsibility of chairing the Parliamentary Special Committee on the Impact of Climate Change in the Himalayas, Climate Justice and the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Disaster.
The committee was formed following a request from an all-party mechanism comprising communities. Its areas of focus would include the impacts of climate change, disaster causes, risk reduction, early assistance to families affected by recent floods and landslides, and restoring disrupted livelihoods and services the country’s senior political leaders.
He said the committee would conduct an impartial and evidence-based study, drawing on scientific findings and the experiences of affected communities rather than prejudice or preconceived conclusions.
Parajuli said the committee would work with experts, universities, research institutions, government agencies, security bodies, the media, local governments and affected communities. Its areas of focus would include the impacts of climate change, disaster causes, risk reduction, early warning systems, rescue and relief, rehabilitation and sustainable reconstruction.
He also called on the government and all concerned stakeholders to prioritize saving lives, providing timely assistance to families affected by recent floods and landslides, and restoring disrupted livelihoods and services as soon as possible.
“The relocation of people from high-risk settlements must be safe, dignified and properly managed,” he said. “Relief distribution should be based on need and objective criteria, rather than access or influence.”
Parajuli stressed the need for effective coordination and clearly defined responsibilities among the three levels of government, security agencies, political parties, civil society organizations and local communities in rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
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