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The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction (PPDRR) Workshop was held in Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim Province, on March 4, bringing together 95 key stakeholders, including experts and representatives from various sectors, to enhance disaster preparedness and coordination. The workshop was coordinated by DPNet, supported by Mercy Corps and organized by MoAIL Sudurpaschim. The event, chaired by the Honorable Minister of Internal Affairs and Law of Sudurpaschim Province, Hira Sarki. In his opening remarks, Minister Sarki emphasized the importance of working in synergy to build an effective disaster management system. He stated that disaster risk reduction requires the collective strength of all sectors, including scientists, indigenous communities, and senior citizens. He highlighted the significance of traditional knowledge in Sudurpaschim Province, where generations have relied on indigenous practices to survive disaster events. He further stressed the need for multi-stakeholder involvement in disaster management, assuring that his ministry would explore ways to make the PPDRR forum more functional in the coming days. He called upon development partners to extend their support to enhance disaster resilience in the province supporting mechanism like PPDRR.

Honorable Dharma Raj Pathak, Chairperson of the Social Development Committee of the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly, highlighted the major gap in disaster coordination, particularly in emergency situations. He stated that Nepal has experienced challenges in structured disaster response due to a lack of preparedness and practice before disaster events. He emphasized that effective coordination should be in place before a disaster occurs to ensure a timely and efficient response.

Dr. Gangalal Tuladhar, a member of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, provided an overview of the disaster management scenario in Nepal and Sudurpaschim Province. He pointed out that the region has a long-standing seismic gap and is at risk of various disasters, including earthquakes, landslides, floods, and fires. He stressed that a multi-stakeholder approach is essential in disaster risk management, as no single entity can handle disaster response alone. He called for increased collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community representatives.

Former Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Kedar Neupane, highlighted the necessity of synergy in disaster management, emphasizing that no sector should be left behind. He noted that disaster risk reduction efforts should be inclusive and incorporate all relevant stakeholders, from policymakers to community members. He further stressed the importance of integrating disaster management into broader development policies.

Goma Devi Chemjong, Under Secretary of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder platform like PPDRR at the provincial level. She explained that at the federal level, NDRRMA is effectively coordinated by the Chief Executive of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR), and a similar structure at the provincial level would enhance disaster coordination. She requeste provincial authorities to institutionalize PPDRR as a standing coordination mechanism.

Dr. Raju Thapa, Chairperson of DPNet Nepal and member secretary of NPDRR, delivered a presentation on the role of the Provincial Platform for DRR in enhancing coordination and response mechanisms. He stressed that disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility and that PPDRR provides a platform for collaboration among various stakeholders. He also emphasized the need to ensure that disaster risk reduction strategies are localized and that communities are actively involved in preparedness initiatives.

DRR focal persons from Parashuram Municipality and Laljhadi Rural Municipality shared their experiences regarding the role of local governments in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. They highlighted the challenges faced by municipalities in implementing disaster risk management plans and called for more technical and financial support to strengthen local disaster preparedness.

The workshop concluded with a shared understanding that disaster preparedness and coordinated action are key to mitigating future disaster risks.