Irresponsible decision
The Himalayan Times
20 May 2015
Irresponsible decision
It has been almost three weeks after the
killer earth-quake measuring 7.6 on the rector scale followed by two powerful aftershocks
rocked the nation killing more than 8000 people and displacing more than 8
millions. Now, the rescue operations are almost completed albeit did not remain
effective. Many lives could still be saved had the government have disaster
management plan ready.
All the government, semi government
organizations, I/NGOs efforts have now been diverted towards relief and
rehabilitation activities. There seems to be still something missing in
coordinating the relief activities. The government is still unable to meet the
demands for tents and tarpaulin sheets of the affected people “Tents, tarps
still in short supply three weeks on” (THT, 18 May, Page 1). Monsoon is
approaching fast. If the government and the concerned agencies fail to provide
temporary roofing materials to the needy people on time, there could be, for
sure, more human casualties.
It is sad to see the government’s decision
of providing NRs 15000/- cash to every effected household for buying corrugated
zinc sheets “Govt to provide each victim Rs 15,000/ for temporary shelter”
(THT, 17 May, Page 1). It should have purchased the sheets and arranged to
provide to the affected people using its machinery. There are many affected
places where road accessibility is almost nil. How can the people buy and fetch
zinc sheets to their places? It seems simply that the government is unwilling
to fulfil the responsibility of providing temporary roofing sheets to the
affected households.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
