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Dhangadhi, June 9, 2023 – Ten local governments of the Doda Watershed in Sudur Paschim Province have signed an agreement to collaboratively work towards mitigating disaster risks in the Doda Watershed area. This region encompasses the Chure and Terai parts of the province. The understanding involves local bodies from Kailali, Kanchanpur, Doti, and Dadeldhura. These local bodies have shown their commitment to mitigate disaster risks and carry out associated activities, considering climate change, sustainable development, and resilience. The signatories of the agreement include mayors from Chure and Godawari Municipalities in Kailali, Laljhadi, Belauri, Purnavas, Krishnapur, and Shuklaphanta municipalities in Kanchanpur, Jorayal rural municipality in Doti, and Alital rural municipality and Parashuram municipality in Dadeldhura.

In the agreement, the signatories have agreed to identify key stakeholders in the Doda Watershed area, assess natural resources and socio-economic data, and develop strategies for climate and disaster resilience. The agreement also includes providing various training programs for affected communities, establishing a technology-friendly multi-hazard early warning system, and managing disaster risk reduction. DPNet, Mercy Corps, and NEEDS Nepal have expressed their commitment to support the local governments in building resilience in the Doda Watershed.

After the signing of the agreement, discussions were held with the Finance Minister of the Far Western Province, Mr. Naresh Kumar Shahi, to prioritize disaster preparedness and risk reduction during the planning and budget allocation processes. Minister Shahi ensured that he will do the needful to allocate budget for the watershed and such collaborative effort. Further discussions were also conducted in the presence of the Minister for Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, Mr. Basanta Pratap Singh and Chief Minister, Mr. Kamal Bahadur Shah regarding the role of the provincial government in disaster preparedness and risk reduction, including the condition of disasters in Far Western and Nepal as a whole. Dr. Raju Thapa, DPNet Vice Chair, emphasized the NPDRR as a vital platform unifying all disaster risk reduction stakeholders. He asserted the necessity of such a platform at the provincial level, to foster improved coordination and effective disaster management. Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa, the Chair of DPNet, underscored the importance of implementing an NPDRR-like structure in the province. He expressed his dedication towards nurturing a resilient Sudur Paschim Province through cooperative and strategic disaster management efforts. Dr. Ganga Lal Tuladhar, former Education Minister, requested special budget allocations and programs for disaster risk reduction. On this occasion, he also handed over the signed agreement for the Doda Watershed and the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction Guidelines to the Chief Minister.

Minister Prithivi Bahadur Singh expressed support for a Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction platform in Sudur Paschim Province, emphasizing the importance of proactive preparedness and planning to protect the vulnerable Doda Watershed. He acknowledged the potential of the Provincial Platform for DRR to unite stakeholders and promote a common interest in effective disaster management. The Minister's remarks highlighted the need for foresight and proactive measures to mitigate the impact of disaster, shifting the focus from post-disaster relief to pre-emptive measures for the humanitarian cause.

The Chief Minister, Kamal Bahadur Shah, in his role as a pivotal decision-maker for the Sudur Paschim Province, illustrated a compelling interest in the proposed disaster risk reduction platform. His recognition of the platform's potential to unify efforts and strengthen disaster management at a provincial level was evident. Looking ahead, he made a firm commitment to collaborative action, promising to work in conjunction with significant stakeholders including DPNet, Mercy Corps, and NEEDS Nepal, among others, in their pursuit of disaster risk reduction. His readiness to lend his support to these development partners reflects his proactive stance towards the cause, underscoring his commitment to secure a resilient future for the province. This promise marks a significant milestone in strengthening alliances and reinforcing the collective endeavor to mitigate the devastating impacts of natural calamities.