KATHMANDU, May 24: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has said that the removal of squatter settlements along riverbanks is expected to reduce river-related disasters this year.
According to KMC Senior Superintendent of Municipal Police Bishnu Prasad Joshi, settlements located along riverbanks near wards 11, 14, 31 and 32 have been cleared, which is likely to lessen incidents caused by floods and river overflows.
“In previous years, flood-related incidents mostly occurred in settlements located near riverbanks. Since those settlements have now been removed, we believe river-induced disasters will decrease this year except for a few isolated cases,” he said.
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He added that areas from Samakhusi to Khadipakha still require caution. Joshi said the metropolis has already identified vulnerable locations and prepared strategic plans to minimize other water-related disasters during the monsoon season.
According to him, KMC has completed works related to preparedness for urban disaster risk reduction, emergency response management during disasters, post-disaster rehabilitation, and capacity development at ward and community levels. Coordination among internal bodies and development partners has also been included in the plan.
Joshi stressed the need for participatory mechanisms to make the city safer. He said the strategic plan aims to reduce risks through the development of collective knowledge, skills and awareness. The metropolis plans to begin implementing the strategic plan next year, and related programs and budgets will be proposed accordingly.
He said discussions have also been held on how to operate effective disaster response services through coordination between municipal-level and ward-level preparedness mechanisms.
“There is a need to introduce policies that forecast risks, including those linked to infrastructure development, and strengthen the capacity of both the metropolitan center and ward-level disaster management systems,” he said.
Joshi also said fire remains the biggest disaster risk in the city, with electrical fires increasing in recent years. “Fire engines leave the station within 30 seconds after receiving information about a fire incident. However, traffic congestion on roads makes it difficult to reach destinations quickly,” he said.
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