Government committed to building disaster-resilient Nepal: PM Oli

Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building disaster-resilient Nepal, emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness and ensure safer settlements across the country.

Speaking at a commemorative event organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) at the Dharahara premises on the 10th anniversary of the Gorkha earthquake today, Prime Minister Oli stated that the government is actively working to build integrated safe settlements under the People’s Housing Program. He also announced plans to enact new laws to support these efforts.

Reflecting on Nepal’s progress since the devastating 2015 Gorkha earthquake (7.6 magnitude), the Prime Minister noted the extraordinary reconstruction of millions of structures, including archaeological and historic monuments, and expressed gratitude to the national and international community for their support.

Likewise, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who also addressed the gathering, highlighted the government’s proactive steps in disaster risk mitigation, stressing the need for strict adherence to building codes, especially in a country as seismically vulnerable as Nepal.

Dr. Bhishma Kumar Bhusal, Executive Chief of NDRRMA, shared that the authority is leveraging information technology to enhance its disaster management capabilities.

The event concluded with a memorial ceremony, where the Prime Minister, along with the Home Minister, Urban Development Minister, and other dignitaries, lit lamps in honor of those who lost their lives during the 2015 earthquake, held at the symbolic Dharahara complex.