KATHMANDU: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sobita Gautam has pledged to gradually amend existing laws and policies to promote disaster-resilient, safe and geographically appropriate infrastructure and reduce the loss and damage caused by disasters.
Addressing the inauguration of the Fifth National Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Lalitpur on Monday, the minister said recent devastating floods in Nepal had underscored the need to take warnings from disaster experts seriously.
“For the past 15 years, nature has repeatedly given us indications of unexpected disasters. Experts have warned that Nepal is at risk and called for reforms in laws and infrastructure. However, the recent floods in Rasuwa have compelled us to take these warnings seriously,” she said.
Gautam noted that although disasters are natural phenomena, the extent of the resulting loss and damage is largely determined by human activities, government policies, laws and the design and location of infrastructure.
Speaking at the conference, held to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, she said the damage caused by the floods in Rasuwa could have been less severe if structures along river corridors had been built in safer locations.
“We cannot always predict what kind of disaster may strike. However, the scale of loss and damage is also determined by our infrastructure, laws and policies,” she said.
The minister stressed the need to revise Nepal’s development framework in light of the country’s geographical conditions, vulnerability and growing disaster risks. She also called for greater investment in resilient infrastructure to minimize potential losses and damage.
Gautam pledged that future laws and policies would be formulated, and existing provisions revised, on the basis of scientific evidence, data and recommendations from experts.
She also recalled the challenges faced by the government during rescue and relief operations and in managing the bodies of victims following the devastating floods in the Rasuwa–Trishuli river system on August 26.
“The shortage of mortuary facilities made it difficult to make timely decisions regarding the management of the bodies,” she said.
According to Gautam, the government made a legal provision through a Cabinet decision to ensure the safe burial of bodies, taking into account World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on the management of human remains during emergencies.
“Disasters teach us many lessons. Timely decisions are often necessary during emergencies. However, legal provisions and social sensitivities must also be taken into account,” she said.
Gautam added that the government would also review laws concerning disaster-related situations, particularly the legal declaration of missing persons and deceased individuals, as well as matters relating to property, family relationships and other rights.