Kathmandu, Aug. 15
Experts have urged
the government to increase the number of meterological stations in the
mountains and care about the people living there.
Speaking at an
interaction on the Melamchi Dissaster organised virtually by the Nepalese Forum
of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) on Sunday, they said that effective early
warning system is the only way to save life and property from climatic
disasters.
Dr. Arun Bhakta
Shrestha, a Climate Change Specialist at the International Centre for
Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), said that the government must not
forget people who are affected by the disaster.
People of poor
economic conditions are in the area and many of them have lost their fields and
means of income. “National debate is going around the Melamchi Water Supply
Project which is a pride project of the government but there is less discussion
about the victims of the disaster,” he said.
He said that more
meterological stations and effective early warning system is urgently needed.
Dr. Shrestha also suggested use of drones to collect information and for
emergency supply.
Geologist Prof.
Dr. Bishal Nath Upreti also demanded for more meterological stations. According
to him, hydropower companies should be encouraged to install meteorological and
hydrological stations in their catchment area and share dataset with Department
of Hydrology and Meterology.
He lamented that many
works and requirements are not designed and developed unless the government
receives foreign grant or support and installation of meterological stations
has met the same fate.
Shiva Baskota,
Senior Divisional Geologist at the Department of Mines and Geology, said that the
floods triggered by the landslides had deposited 10-12 feet thick debris at Bhremathang,
an area below the confluence of the Melamchi and Pemdang rivers.
He warned that there
are chances of further landslides and floods in the Melamchi River.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 August 2021.
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