Disaster Preparedness Network-Nepal (DPNet), established in 1996, stands as a key national umbrella organization dedicated to enhancing disaster management in Nepal through a unified approach involving national and international agencies. The core focus of DPNet is on fostering coordination, collaboration, learning, and sharing of experiences in strengthening disaster management practices. The organization plays a crucial role in knowledge management, capacity building, policy advocacy, and in facilitating networking among government and relevant stakeholders.
On April 5th, 2024, DPNet organized a significant discussion program titled "Strengthening Disaster Communication through Media and Information Sharing on Heatwave." This program was conducted in a hybrid format with financial and technical support from the Start Fund Network- FOREWARN and the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR). Dr. Raju Thapa, Chair of DPNet, chaired the program, which was attended by distinguished guests including Mr. Kedar Neupane, Former Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Mr. Prakash Adhikari from National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Dr. Samir Adhikari from the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), Mr. Govind Kumar Jha from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), Mr. Niroj Sapkota from Start Fund Nepal, as well as representatives from stakeholder organizations and members of the media.
DPNet in support of Welt Hunger Hilfe conducted a discussion program in West Rukum on March 25th, 2024. Most of the participants raise the concern about delay in second installment grant distribution. The provision of the first installment for temporary shelter construction, worth Rs. 25,000, initiated a wave of hope. However, the anticipation of a smooth process for receiving the second installment delayed due to the strict provision set on temporary shelter grant procedure, which ask beneficiaries to provide documents like land ownership certificates and other necessary documents. The District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) sits on Rs. 500 million, unclaimed by municipalities, leaving those who had borrowed money at high interest rates to complete their houses in a debt trap.
DPNet in support of Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) has conducted discussion program with the relevant stakeholders in Jajarkot District on 23rd March, 2024. This discussion revealed the challenges and complexities surrounding the construction of temporary shelters, highlighting the slow pace of reconstruction and the various factors at play that hinder the community's efforts to rebuild. One of the primary concerns voiced was the approach taken by local governments in declaring houses as collapsed, regardless of their actual condition. This overstatement, fueled by a combination of greed and inadequate verification processes, resulted in an inflated count of beneficiaries, surpassing the actual number of houses in the district. Initially, the government's leniency in distributing the first installment of NPR 25,000 to all claimants, without rigorous validation, transitioned to a more rigid requirement for dismantling houses according to the Temporary House Reconstruction Procedure. This change now requires proof of dismantled houses, additional documentation for those claiming separation while residing under a single roof, and compliance with procedural conditions, which many find difficult and unfeasible.
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