KATHMANDU, June 4: As the monsoon begins across the country, the government has launched early preparations to respond to potential disasters that could affect daily life. Concerned agencies have gone on high alert to stay ready for any monsoon-related emergencies.
Over the past few days, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has received briefings on disaster management and preparedness. He has actively participated in programs organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, as well as in events conducted by the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Tuesday visited the Nepal Police Headquarters in Naxal and received a briefing on disaster preparedness. As the monsoon arrived a week earlier than usual this year, Lekhak inspected the preparations to assess possible risks. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deepak Thapa and other senior officials briefed him on the ongoing readiness for disaster response.
The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal has also intensified its monsoon preparedness. It presented a detailed plan to the Home Minister, which includes deploying around 2,500 trained personnel equipped with rescue materials across the country. During a program at the APF Headquarters on Sunday, Minister Lekhak praised the force for its proactive planning ahead of the monsoon season.
NDRRMA introduces ‘Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plan’

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak instructed all security agencies to stay on standby for immediate deployment during disasters. "When security agencies, local governments, and provincial governments coordinate and cooperate to ensure swift information flow and rapid deployment of rescue teams, we can accelerate rescue and relief efforts for disaster-affected citizens," he said.
He stressed the importance of identifying high-risk areas in advance and preparing for rescue operations based on early warning systems.
During the program, Acting Chief of the Armed Police Force (APF), Additional Inspector General (AIG) Narayan Dutta Paudel, announced that the APF had already prepared the Monsoon Response Plan 2082 based on past experiences. Following the plan, the APF deployed its personnel with advanced rescue equipment at eight brigade headquarters, two training centers, one battalion, nine bases, and two rescue towers.
AIG Paudel said the Armed Police Force (APF) has placed all its personnel on standby and deployed 2,481 disaster management-trained personnel and 128 trained divers with specialized rescue equipment across all seven provinces.
He added that the APF plans to set up at least 35 temporary monsoon response bases for the upcoming monsoon season, in addition to the nine disaster management bases currently operating as key responders. During the program, all provincial brigade headquarters of the APF briefed the Home Minister on their preparedness and efforts for managing monsoon-related disasters.
Likewise, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration directed all local governments to carry out the responsibilities outlined in the Monsoon Preparedness and Response National Action Plan 2082 BS.
The ministry instructed all local governments to draft and implement municipality-level monsoon preparedness and response plans and report these plans to the ministry. It also directed them to run awareness programs to educate local communities about monsoon-related disasters and raise public awareness.
Similarly, the ministry issued a circular to activate local emergency operation centers and establish monsoon response command posts at the municipal level to ensure effective disaster response during the monsoon season.
The ministry called on local governments to manage essential search, rescue, and relief materials; keep municipal police on standby with necessary resources, and mobilize local volunteers. It emphasized the need to clean drainage systems in urban areas, remove debris from rivers and streams, and clear water outlets before the monsoon begins. Furthermore, the ministry directed local governments to coordinate and collaborate with government and non-government agencies, private sector actors, humanitarian organizations, local communities, and volunteers to improve preparedness and response efforts.
In the circular, the ministry has given instructions to curb criminal activity in the market, black marketing, and fabricated shortages during disasters. This action plan for this year's monsoon was approved by the Executive Committee for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management on May 28.