'Preparedness in management of epidemic and natural disaster a must'

LALITPUR, September 22: Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Suresh Acharya, has said that it is very necessary to be prepared in managing epidemic and natural disaster.  

At a programme 'Role of science and technology in management of epidemic and natural disaster' organised by Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) on the occasion of week-long programme of Science Day here today, Acharya shared that the preparedness would help a lot in minimization of risk. 

He pointed out that the NAST should take the help of other scientists as well as technology to resolve such problems.  

Similarly, Clinical Research Unit Coordinator of Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Dr Sher Bahadur Pun, expressed the view that a time has come where the scientists of the country should do something rather than looking up to foreign scientists. 

Pun added, "It is necessary to move ahead taking science as the weapon in management of epidemic and natural disaster." 

Likewise, NAST Academician, Prof Dr Bishal Nath Upreti, opined that NAST as well as concerned universities should necessary to make arrangement of technology for the safety of people's lives and property. 

Upreti further said, "It is necessary to set up meteorological station in every local level and to increase number of scientists in NAST for the management of epidemic and natural disaster."

Academician Prof Dr Ramesh Kant Adhikari pointed out the need of forming a group of scientists for emergency forecasting monitoring system while Associate Academician Ranjan Dahal suggested to move ahead correcting the past mistakes taken place in epidemic and disaster management sector. 

Chief scientific officer Dr Kanti Shrestha advised to having foods providing Omga-3 and Nepali traditional foods in our kitchen so as to boost up stamina to fight with possible pandemic in the future. 

Senior scientist Dr Ramchandra Poudel highlighted the need of further research in the pandemic and natural disaster management.  As he stressed, the management of required number of laboratories would help cope with pandemic.  

Chief of Faculty of Technology, Dr Rabindra Prasad Dhakal, said that they were using waste in biochar and doing study and research about probable opportunities in the field of small hydropower. He said, "We are working to find ways for connecting soil energy to the grid." 

As he shared, the presence of micro plastic in the highlands has its impact in drinking water and wind, suggesting gravity of the issue which needs to be addressed on time.

NAST Vice Chancellor Dr Sunil Babu Shrestha spoke the need of introducing implementing the risk sensitiveness plan and also the climate change cooping strategy in high Himalayan region.   But before that we need data, their archiving and proper utilisation to deal with these issues effectively.  He stressed the need of maximum utilisation of information and technology to advance towards prosperity.