Over Rs 550 billion demanded for reconstruction of damages caused by disaster

Over Rs 550 billion demanded for reconstruction of damages caused by disaster

Kathmandu, Oct 14: The government has forwarded 504 different projects for reconstruction and restoration of the damages caused by Bhotekoshi, Kaligandaki and Budhigandaki flood and other monsoon-induced disasters.

Total Rs 559.72 billion budget for these projects has been recommended at the Finance Ministry for the approval.

The 21st meeting of National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management held few days ago decided to recommend the Finance Ministry for the approval of the budget.  

Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Dr Dharma Raj Upreti, shared that budget categorized by ministerial headings has been sent at the Finance Ministry for approval. 

Under the Ministry of Information and Communications, four programmes have been included for short-term planning and implementation which needs Rs 418 million budget. A total of Rs 452.4 million has been demanded for five planning and programmes involving medium and long-term planning and programmes. 

The programmes—mobile BTS tower construction and operation, internet, satellite backup communication system development, among others have been incorporated.  

Similarly, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment, six programmes of Rs 218.2 million budget has been demanded for short-term programme while Rs 993.7 million has been asked for six medium and long-term programmes. 

The budget would be spent for the office management and service delivery of Fishery Research Centre, overall restoration and operation of province-based Livestock Service Office.

Likewise, Rs 606.8 million budget has been demanded for three short-term programmes while Rs 193 billion for five medium and long-term programmes under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

The budget would be spent for reconstruction of water-level measurement centre, controlling Narayani River, solar installation, irrigation project restoration and construction.