Bhote Koshi flood caused by climate change; let us assert our rights: Lawmakers
KATHMANDU:-Lawmakers have suggested that Nepal should demand compensation from the international community for the floods in Rasuwa’s Bhote Koshi, attributing the disaster to climate change. During the ‘Zero Hour’ and ‘Special Hour’ sessions of the House of Representatives, they expressed the view that Nepal should assert its rights rather than merely seeking international aid.
Manish Jha, a Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, expressed the view that Nepal should seek compensation from the international community regarding the devastating floods. He maintained that the international community bears responsibility for the destruction caused by the floods in Nepal.
He noted that Nepal’s contribution to carbon emissions is less than one percent, whereas emissions from nations such as the United States, China, and India are significantly higher. MP Jha stated that the time has come for all political forces to unite in drawing attention to this issue and demanding compensation. He also suggested that the Prime Minister should personally represent the government and raise this voice on international platforms.
Deepak Bohora, a lawmaker from the ruling RSP, urged the government to show urgency in the search for citizens missing due to the floods. He drew the government’s attention to the delays occurring in rescue and search operations. He also questioned who could confirm whether or not the individuals missing in the tunnels of hydropower projects were still alive.
Balawati Sharma, a Member of Parliament from the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), sought the government’s stance regarding the decision not to accept foreign assistance for post-disaster rescue operations. She questioned why the government refrained from accepting aid for five days, even when foreign experts had offered support. Meanwhile, Hari Panta, an MP from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), drew the government’s attention to the need for search operations for citizens from Parsa who went missing during the floods.
