Bhaktapur, January 16: The 22nd Earthquake Safety Day was observed today with the slogan of “Earthquake Safe Infrastructure, Foundation of Happiness and Prosperity”.
In a program organized in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa emphasized on the construction of stronger infrastructures for safety from earthquake risks. He mentioned that the reconstruction of private and public buildings are being carried out with focus on their strength. “The government has amended the National Building Code, since weak structures can cause human casualties as well as physical damage," the Home Minister said. "This will be implemented through all the municipalities and rural municipalities.”
Chief Executive Officer of the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) Sushil Gyewali informed that the earthquake-resilient houses are being built during the post-earthquake reconstruction by creating conducive environment for rebuilding private houses through the provision of grant distribution in instalment basis.
Member of Federal Parliament Prem Suwal emphasized on strong infrastructures since the Kathmandu Valley is the 11th most earthquake-prone area in the world and most of the damages are caused due to weak construction.
Chairing the program, Mayor of Bhaktapur Municipality Sunil Prajapati expressed that the support amount provided to the earthquake-affected should be increased and the amount should be provided in lumpsum.
Likewise, the newly-appointed Chief Executive of the National Disaster Reduction and Management Authority, Anil Pokharel, shared that the Authority has been established to reduce and manage disasters in Nepal and it has begun its work.
At the program, the representatives of NSET demonstrated the safety measures that should be adopted during an earthquake, for one’s safety. The students of Khwapa Engineering College and Khwapa College of Engineering had organized an exhibition on safe infrastructures.
Before the program, awareness rallies were organized from two locations in Lamgal Pukhu and Bhajya Pukhu. Before the rally, Khwapa College had presented an awareness raising theatre and Nepal Scout had made a special presentation on disaster management.
The rallies were participated by officials of the Organizing Committee of the National Earthquake Safety Day 2076, members of management committee, local representatives, students of various schools and colleges, Nepal Army, Police, and Armed Police.
