Public outcry grows over ministerial apathy over monsoon havoc

Kathmandu, October 6 — Despite significant damage to life and property in most districts of Bagmati Province due to the floods and landslides on September 27 and 28, complaints about the federal government's lack of presence in the affected areas are rising. In response, some ministers have begun to take action.

After the rain stopped and weather conditions improved, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak visited areas including Tika Bhairav in Godawari Municipality for an inspection on Sunday. Similarly, Health and Population Minister Pradeep Poudel visited Dhulikhel Hospital to assess the condition of those injured in the floods and landslides.

According to the ministry, Minister Poudel gathered information about the free treatment and quality of services for patients receiving care at Dhulikhel Hospital, which is treating flood and landslide victims. He also expressed the government's commitment to continue treatment until full recovery.

He mentioned efforts to resolve the issues faced by health workers providing services in tents due to damaged health centers. During his visit to the affected areas of Bethanchok, Dhulikhel, and Panauti, Minister Poudel urged the effective distribution of purification and sanitation materials provided by the ministry to prevent the spread of infectious diseases post-disaster and to raise health awareness.

He also affirmed his commitment to providing additional necessary support immediately. The floods and landslides have caused extensive damage to both highways and local road networks. Meanwhile, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Devendra Dahal remains focused on the Singha Durbar, despite being responsible for assessing road conditions.

Minister Dahal's personal secretary, Prakash Archaya, stated, "Currently, the conditions outside are not favorable for travel; the minister is working from the ministry." Agriculture and Livestock Minister Ramnath Adhikari is also centered in Singha Durbar. Complaints are growing as he has not been able to visit farmers' homes to understand their situation, despite the devastation of rice and other crops due to the floods and landslides.

Minister Adhikari is scheduled to hold a Zoom meeting with agriculture ministers from various provinces on Monday, according to his personal secretary, Nawaraj Timilsina. He mentioned that the ministry is currently gathering information on the damage to farmers' crops and livestock, and once this information is received, it will be recommended to the cabinet for relief efforts.

So far, 244 people have lost their lives due to the floods and landslides, 19 are missing, and 179 have been injured. The estimated damage from this disaster exceeds 20 billion.