Govt may seek international assistance if necessary
KATHMANDU, JULY 23
The government has declared eight districts in Madhes Province as disaster-hit today for three months, as per the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2017.
The disaster-impacted areas were declared by the Cabinet today, following the recommendation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. Yesterday, the Madhes Province government decided to make a recommendation to the Federal government to declare the disaster area.
The Madhes Province government had urged the declaration of a disaster-hit area because the Madhes region has become dry due to lack of rain, groundwater has not been replenished, springs have dried up, and irrigation has also been affected due to extreme water shortfalls.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, because the decision had also been made by the provincial government, the districts must be declared disaster-hit areas for three months from the date of publication of the notice in the Nepal Gazette.
Drought is currently wreaking havoc on drinking water, irrigation, and agricultural sectors in eight Madhes districts. Subsection 2(d) of Section 14 of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act directs the government of Nepal to make a recommendation on whether a disaster-affected area should be declared a crisis area.
The act specifies the duties of the District Disaster Management Committee. It specifically directs the committee to create a disaster management information system, which includes the collection, analysis, and dissemination of disaster-related information throughout the district. It is critical for successful disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
Chapter 11 of the act outlines the steps that the government can take in response to such a declaration, including the formation and management of a dedicated fund to support disaster-related activities. It lays out the procedures for accessing and utilising the fund, ensuring that resources are available for effective disaster management on all levels.
Accordingly, if the situation resulting from the disaster cannot be controlled within the specified time frame, the government may extend the period of the declaration by publishing a notice in the gazette.
There is a provision that requires the notice of such a declaration to be published and broadcast through national media. If the situation stabilises, the government may withdraw the declaration at any time.
Although the act allows the government to close government or non-government offices, educational institutions, or other institutions for a set period of time if necessary, it appears that the government will not take this action at this time.
The act authorises the deployment of additional personnel in crisis areas. The government can mobilise resources to prevent a crisis. It can take action under Section 33 of the act to address Madhes' water problem. The section allows non-government offices, educational institutions, other institutions or individuals to use their vehicles in the disaster area while keeping records for a set period of time. At this point, vehicles such as tankers can be used to alleviate Madhes' drinking water shortage.
Similarly, there is a provision that allows the government to form a support team and dispatch it to the disaster-affected area. The Ministry of Agriculture has already dispatched a four-member government team to investigate the issues caused by a lack of irrigation.
Furthermore, if it is necessary to purchase relief materials or carry out construction work immediately under special circumstances, there is a provision in the Public Procurement Act that allows for this.
Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav has emphasised the need for immediate deep boring and pipe expansion, and the government can purchase the required equipment.
Also, there is a provision that requires foreigners to obtain permission to enter Madhes after it has been declared a disaster-hit area. Section 35 states, "If a foreign citizen or organisation needs to enter an area affected by a disaster, permission from the government of Nepal must be obtained."
If domestic resources and means are insufficient to deal with the disaster, the government may request international humanitarian and other assistance. If not needed, it may declare that such assistance is not required, as per Section 36 of the act.
According to the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of Madhes Province, only 46 percent of the province's total cultivable area has been planted.
