News

Kathmandu, January 22: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) hosted a welcome program on January 22 to congratulate the newly elected Executive Committee of the Disaster Preparedness Network Nepal (DPNet-Nepal), led by Dr. Basanta Raj Adhikari, following the successful conclusion of DPNet’s 17th General Assembly.

The program was attended by Er. Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, Executive Chief of NDRRMA, Mr. Amrit Shrestha, Joint Secretary, along with senior officials and staff from NDRRMA. The DPNet delegation included Dr. Basanta Raj Adhikari (President), Mr. Keshab Datta Bhatta (Vice President), Er. Suraj Gautam (General Secretary), Mr. Harshaman Maharjan (Deputy General Secretary), Ms. Amika Rajthala (Treasurer), and Executive Committee Members Ishwar Datt Upadhyay, and Shyam Babu Kattel.

During the program, Executive Chief, Er. Dinesh Prasad Bhatta emphasized the important role of DPNet in strengthening the Provincial Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and bridging gaps between civil society and government institutions. Er. Bhatta also expressed his appreciation for the outgoing Executive Committee of DPNet, led by Dr. Raju Thapa, acknowledging the team’s swift actions, effective coordination, and valuable contributions to disaster risk reduction efforts. He encouraged DPNet to continue serving as a constructive secretariat by offering informed feedback and recommendations to strengthen disaster risk governance. Expressing confidence in the newly elected committee, he reaffirmed NDRRMA’s commitment to close collaboration and its trust in Dr. Adhikari’s leadership to further enhance coordination and networking in disaster management.

Speaking at the program, Dr. Basanta Raj Adhikari, President of DPNet-Nepal, highlighted the network’s key contributions over the years, including serving as the Secretariat of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR), observance of national and international DRR-related days, maintaining vigilance during the monsoon season, and supporting the preparation of national disaster reports. He reaffirmed the newly elected committee’s readiness to ensure swift coordination and technical support to NDRRMA.

Similarly, the Executive Committee also outlined several proposed areas of collaboration with NDRRMA. These include engagement with NDRRMA’s e-Learning Platform, mobilization of DPNet human resources for first responder and volunteer trainings, strengthening linkages between Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs) and Local Emergency Operations Centers (LEOCs), continuation of BIPAD Samvaad with senior practitioners and pioneers, and systematic documentation of best practices and lessons learned to preserve institutional memory. The committee also shared that DPNet-Nepal will align its annual plan and priorities with NDRRMA and formally share them with the Authority.

The newly DPNet Executive Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting NDRRMA whenever required, demonstrating a strong spirit of collaboration in disaster risk reduction and management.

The program concluded with closing remarks and appreciation from the Executive Chief of NDRRMA.