Kathmandu, August 1:

The Readers’ Club today feted canyoning guides and 13-year-old Kamal Nepali for rescuing two-and-a-half-year-old Aradhana Pradhan from a 60-feet gorge in Pokhara on June 25.

Constituent Assembly member Nilambar Acharya felicitated canyoning guides Kabindra Lama, Rajesh Tamang, Jangbu Sherpa, Domi Sherpa and Sumek Adhikari and Kamal Nepali for their feat.

Speaking at the programme, canyoning guide Kabindra Lama said, “Instead of seeking help from foreign countries during emergencies, the government should form a national rescue squad to mitigate effects of natural disasters,” Lama suggested.

Local youths can be given training and pressed into service during disasters, he said.

CA member Acharya hailed the contribution of rescue team and young Kamal Nepali. He said the new Nepal should protect the rights of Nepali citizens that contribute to mankind by their brave acts.

Raghubir Mahaseth, a central committee member of the CPN-UML, said the state should honour and motivate brave youths.