Discussion Program on Strengthening Disaster Communication through Media and Information Sharing on Heat Wave
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.
Post Earthquake Discussion at West Rukum
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.
Post-Earthquake Discussion Program at Jajarkot District
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.
NDRRMA Welcomes DPNet's New Executive Committee
On march 18th, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) hosted a program to extend a warm welcome to the newly elected committee led by Dr. Raju Thapa of the Disaster Preparedness Network Nepal (DPNet), following the successful conclusion of its 15th General Assembly.
DPNet Nepal Hosts 15th General Assembly
On March 15, 2024, DPNet held its 15th General Assembly at the Alpha House in Baneshwor, Kathmandu. The event was chaired by Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, DPNet Chairperson, and Mr. Anil Pokhrel, Executive Director, Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA) served as the chief guest of the program. The program was honored by the presence of officials from the government such as Mr. Dhruba Khadka, Joint Secretary, Mr. Rishi Raj Aacharya, Joint Secretary, Ms. Ranjana Rai, Section officer at Disaster Study Risk Reduction and Recovery Section, MoHA, Mr. Chandra Prakash Gharti, Mayor Bheri municipality along with DRR experts such as Dr. Bishal Nath Upreti and representatives from various organizations working on DRR.
Virtual Discussion on Draft Climate Change Bill
DPNet organized a virtual discussion program on March 14th to solicit feedback on the draft Climate Change Act introduced by the Nepal Law Commission. The event saw the participation of 71 stakeholders, including civil society organizations and climate change experts. The program was chaired by Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, Chairperson of DPNet, who emphasized the importance of the draft Climate Change Bill. He highlighted the ongoing virtual discussion on DPNet's webpage to collect further feedback on the draft act and encouraged participants to contribute their written feedback.