Disaster Management

 Discuss the Disaster Management capacity of Nepal with legal provisions

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Model Ans:

Nepal faces significant disaster risks due to its geophysical and climatic conditions, including earthquakes, landslides, floods, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The disaster management capacity of Nepal involves a combination of institutional frameworks, legal provisions, and community-driven initiatives.

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Disaster Management Capacity

1. Institutional Framework:

   • National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA): Established as per the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act, 2017, it oversees disaster risk reduction, response, and preparedness.
   • Local Level Governance: Municipalities and rural municipalities play an active role in preparing local disaster management plans.
   • Humanitarian Assistance: Nepal collaborates with international organizations like the UNDP, World Bank, and NGOs to enhance disaster preparedness.

2. Key Strengths:

   • Community-based disaster risk reduction programs are implemented to empower local communities.
   • Integration of GIS and remote sensing for hazard mapping and early warning systems, particularly for floods and landslides.

3. Challenges:

   • Limited financial resources and infrastructure for disaster response.
   • Inadequate coordination between federal, provincial, and local governments.
   • Insufficient capacity for urban disaster management amidst growing urbanization.

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Legal Provisions for Disaster Management

1. Constitution of Nepal (2015):

   • Recognizes disaster management as a shared responsibility among federal, provincial, and local governments.
   • Ensures the right to live in a safe and clean environment.

2. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, 2017:

   • Replaces the Natural Calamity Relief Act (1982) to adopt a proactive approach focusing on risk reduction rather than relief alone.
   • Establishes the NDRRMA and mandates preparation of disaster management plans at all government levels.

3. Environment Protection Act, 2019:

   • Includes provisions to mitigate environmental hazards contributing to disasters.

4. Local Government Operation Act, 2017:

   • Empowers local governments to formulate and implement disaster risk reduction plans.

5. Building Codes and Guidelines:

   • Nepal National Building Code (NBC) includes seismic safety standards for construction to mitigate earthquake risks.

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Key Examples of Disaster Management Efforts

1. Earthquake Preparedness:

   • After the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, the government implemented the Post-Disaster Recovery Framework, focusing on reconstruction and resilience.
   • Initiatives like retrofitting public buildings and schools are ongoing to minimize future risks.

2. Flood and Landslide Management:

   • Early warning systems for floods, especially in the Koshi and Gandaki river basins, have been enhanced with international support.
   • Afforestation and slope stabilization programs are underway in landslide-prone areas.

3. Pandemic Response:

   • The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of health disaster preparedness. Efforts are ongoing to integrate health risks into disaster management plans.

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Improving Disaster Management in Nepal

To strengthen disaster management capacity, Nepal needs:

• Enhanced investment in infrastructure, training, and technologies.
• Better coordination among government tiers.
• Awareness campaigns to prepare communities.
• Stronger enforcement of building codes to reduce urban vulnerabilities.

By integrating these measures with existing legal frameworks, Nepal can build resilience against future disasters.

·        Legislation and Policies: The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2017 provides the legal framework for disaster management activities. The National DRRM Policy (2075) and the National DRRM Strategic Action Plan (2018-2030) outline comprehensive strategies for risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery.

    https://bipad.gov.np/np/rules-and-regulations 

    http://drrportal.gov.np/document/category/ndrrpsap