DRRMNC Urges Swift Action to Tackle Forest Fires and Accelerate Reconstruction Efforts

In response to rising air pollution triggered by widespread forest fires, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management National Council (DRRMNC) has directed all relevant authorities to intensify efforts for fire prevention and control. The directive was issued during the Council’s 17th meeting, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, on Monday.

The Council instructed the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Forests and Environment, provincial governments, and local bodies to coordinate immediate action, emphasizing the growing environmental and public health concerns caused by unchecked forest fires.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of the West Nepal Earthquake and Monsoon-induced Disaster Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Plan, 2081 BS. Approved during the Council’s previous session on January 12, 2025, the plan has since moved into its implementation phase, with reconstruction activities launched on February 15 after beginning the beneficiary agreement process.

The Council decided to allow the inclusion of additional reconstruction proposals for structures previously omitted from the plan. These will be reviewed based on urgency and necessity by the concerned ministries. Key priority sectors identified for rebuilding include transportation infrastructure, government buildings, electricity and alternative energy, irrigation systems, private housing, education and health facilities, drinking water and sanitation, as well as archaeological heritage.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Oli emphasized the importance of expediting reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. He urged the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) to accelerate its efforts and directed the Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies to ensure readiness for rescue and relief operations in the event of future disasters.

The session was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Prakash Man Singh, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, ministers, provincial chief ministers, senior leaders from coalition parties including Shakti Bahadur Basnet of the CPN (Maoist Centre), as well as top officials including the Chief Secretary, Army Chief, and heads of security agencies.