The other day I was listening to a conversation between two foreigners—one Japanese and another British—about Nepal. They were talking about how Nepali civil society contributed in the emergency and disaster response after recent earthquakes. They were of the view that Nepalis are really brave, with enormous ingenuity. It would not take many years, they said, for Nepal to achieve a paradigm shift in development, if Nepalis kept the same high spirit and hardworking nature.In wealthy countries, generally, the government is prepared to help people during and after disasters. People have very little role to play in this. Role of people and civil society is much greater during crisis in developing countries like ours as government response is often slow and sluggish.
Government presence was nonexistent in many remote villages ravaged by earthquake. People were left to fend for themselves for weeks and months. Three months since April 25 earthquake, people are not sure if government disaster response teams reached all affected villages.
It took long for the government to reach even districts close to Kathmandu—such as Gorkha, Dolakha, Dhading, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchowk. Local people rose to the occasion and contributed in search, rescue, relief and recovery in affected areas. The family members, neighbors, and relatives served as immediate lifeline.
The unwavering hard work and cooperation in recovery and rehabilitation phases has proved that Nepalis are self-made and self-sufficient to rebuild the country. Outside help is welcome but they are not the primary actors.
Some have compared Nepal's post-earthquake situation to that of Haiti, where a big tremor had shaken the country five years ago. To this day, around 150,000 people there still live in plastic and plywood structures built then. Rehabilitation and reconstruction have been derailed because they depended on international aid. They failed to exploit local knowledge and indigenous skills to rebuild.
Nepal's case is a little different. The Great Earthquake caused big damages. But it also created an unprecedented synergy among Nepalis. They worked collectively, irrespective of their caste, class, gender, belief, ideology and geographical difference, to rebuild their homes and communities. A number of initiatives were taken by the people and they were successful in coping with and adapting to the terrible disaster.
Nepal is rich with diverse cultures and traditions. It is equally strong in indigenous knowledge and skills. It was this strength that helped to normalize the situation after earthquake. They used such indigenous skills for building shelters, harvesting and storing crops and vegetables, keeping livestock and taking care of sick and vulnerable.
Security forces proved that they are there for the people in need. They saved many trapped and injured people. Many security persons deployed in search and rescue had lost their own homes, family members and properties. Yet this did not divert their attention from the vital task of saving life and property of affected people.
Neighboring and friendly nations also pledged generous support. Civil society members, NGOs and INGOs played a commendable role in search, rescue and relief. Their technical and material assistance made it easy to carry out rescue and relief for Nepalis as well.
Nepali security forces proved that they are capable of dealing with such big emergencies. Civil servants, party leaders, ministers, National Planning Commission and media were proactive in tackling the disaster's aftermath. The media not only educated people but also cautiously advocated speedy search, rescue and relief.
Nepal, although severely damaged by the earthquake, has proved that it still is a resourceful country. The 16-point agreement of political parties to bring the derailed constitution process back on track has inspired hope. The draft has been prepared and it has reached people's doorsteps for feedback.
These are positive signs. But the other side of the coin is not so inspiring. Commitment of Nepalis breaks down with the passage of time. The state fails to ensure good governance, transparency, accountability and rule of law. Corruption is institutionalized by political leaders and civil servants.
People have to bribe officials even to pay their taxes. People who want to work for public good are discouraged. Surging prices of basic health care, education and foodstuffs make life really hard for common folks.
On constitution, Madhesh-based parties, Mohan Baidya-led Maoist party and RPP-N are in protest mood. They seem to be trying to foil the constitutional process. The feedback collection program was marred by protests and vandalism in a number of Tarai districts. Personal interests rather than national interests guide those who take part in these violent acts. These disruptive activities are sure to affect the constitutional process.
Youths, considered the backbone of the country, are leaving the country in droves. In this situation, I wonder how Nepal will be able to build back better and prove those two foreigners I talked about at the start right?
meenraj.panthee@gmail.com
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