Kathmandu valley in high risk zone: experts

Kathmandu, June 8: With the presence of a large number of very old houses including the ancient cultural and historical heritage structures, Kathmandu valley continues to remain in a high risk zone in the event of a disaster like earthquake.

Furthermore, as road access for fire engines and ambulances is available only to around 30 per cent houses in the valley, casualties are likely to be high, said Surya Bhakta Sangache of Nepal Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET), Nepal.

Speaking at an interaction on ‘Post-quake condition of the city and state’s responsibility’ organized by CPN (UML) constituency No 7 here today, speakers stressed the need of city re-development, heritage protection and disaster management among others to avoid a situation like the current one.

Also speaking at the programme, CPN (UML) leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal pointed out the need of eco-friendly safety settlements and serious attention on the part of all to save the different heritages and infrastructures. He added that there should be a clear Land Use Policy, Settlement Construction Policy and Building Code.

Similarly, Party secretary Gokarna Bista said that post-disaster situation should be transformed into an opportunity for reconstruction.

UML Politburo member Prakash Jwala said that the party launched temporary sheds construction campaign has provided shelter to a large number of people living under the open sky since the devastating quakes. He further said that the party would launch a city clean-up campaign in the valley very soon.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Executive Officer, Rudra Singh Tamang shared that the Metropolis was consulting with the Department of Archaeology to shift the quake affected physical infrastructures of the metropolitan city.

The party volunteers’ campaign conducted in the constituency so far has constructed 116 temporary houses and has removed the debris of over fallen 100 houses. RSS