Thousands of men, women and children lost their lives in the recent earthquake. Many survived while others lost their house and property. The incident also showed the government and people the need for precautions and visions to retrofit, renovate and reconstruct. In yet another bitter memo, many property owners and tenants are still dwelling in damaged buildings. In all, the state now carries a taxing onus because a people’s government has to specify its role in difficult moments.

Inconvenient nature takes a heavy toll although humans put their conscious efforts to minimise her hazards. Take the example of how Europe, America and Australia with unbalanced snow, flood, hurricane, and bushfires are on high alert. Nepal too faces such terrible conditions. What it needs in such cases then is disaster preparedness for an immediate response and rescue and relief measures.

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake the government and victims had high expectations from a seminar of international donors and NGOs. A new government agency ‘Earthquake Reconstruction Authority’ (ERA) also was established to address the disaster although some administrative hassles lingered and hampered the degree of performance. Now with the recall of the former CEO, one hopes that this executive chief will be proactive to ‘get set ready and go’, One expects from him to reach the goals to provide prompt relief works. When the document is ready and sites earmarked, an excuse in application or its slow action cannot be tolerated.

The government figures by now know how many victims have the trauma, and how many buildings stand in peril. Such damaged buildings could put other buildings in the vicinity at risk. Before further aftershocks, they need an immediate cure – either dismantle or retrofit them.

There is a demand for new safe buildings in Kathmandu. In case they sink or fall over others, they are sure to take a heavy toll of lives and property too. In this event, simply reconstruction and renovation can be unbalanced like “Uncle Podger hangs a picture”. Until now, no policy decision regarding dismantling or retrofitting them has come into effect. Hence, Kathmandu municipality, NRA and the government have to make policy decisions to ensure the safety to the inhabitants. As we carry out reconstruction the derelict sections must be demolished.