Organizing a press conference in the capital on Sunday, the lawmakers have suggested the government to immediately start clearing debris of demolished buildings, buy insurance cover for security personnel involved in search and rescue missions, classify earthquake-affected buildings to deterime whether they are safe to live in and distribute identity cards to all those affected by the earthquake. Also, they have asked the government to take immediate initiative to demolish buildings that are heavily damaged.The lawmakers have also urged the government to provide concessional loan to people whose houses were destryoed in the earthquake, ensure availability of basic necessities for those displaced and provide at least Rs 50,000 each to families whose homes were partially damaged during the natutal disaster.
They have also demanded setting up of a Cutural Heritage Rebuilding Fund with provisions on following traditional methods while rebuilding the cultural heritage destroyed by the earthquake.
Among other things, the lawmakers have urged the government to provide Rs 100,000 each to the family of those killed in the earthquake, distribute appropriate relief package to those living in rent in Kathmandu Valley and take help of experts and related organizations for disaster management.
The lawmakers have also suggested the government to form a political mechanism until the local level elections are held. NC lawmaker Nabindra Raj Joshi said the suggestions were made to the prime minister based on the consultations held with the local people in Kathmandu.
Joshi, who had held a series of interaction programs to get the views of ordinary people and experts on relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction works in the aftermath of earthquake in Kathmandu, said Prime Minister Koirala had positively responded to their suggestions. "Prime Minister Koirala has assured us that the government would consider our recommendations seriously," said Joshi.
Speaking during the press conference, NC lawmaker Gagan Thapa said that any reconstruction plan without the participation of local people would be unacceptable to them. He also pointed out the need to first develop a master plan of Kathmandu Valley.
Other lawmakers pointed out the need to equitably distribute relief packages to all people irrespective of their political leanings, ensure temporary shelters for those living on rent in Kathmandu and follow one door policy while carrying out relief and reconstruction works.
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