KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has said practical cooperation between Nepal and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is essential to reducing the growing risks of natural disasters caused by climate change, building safer infrastructure and developing the mountain economy.
Shrestha made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled “Advancing Disaster Resilience in Asia through Research, Innovation and Partnerships: Resilient Recovery and Reconstruction in Nepal,” jointly organised by the Nepali Embassy in Thailand and AIT in Bangkok.
The minister proposed cooperation with AIT in five areas to enhance disaster resilience and develop a green economy in Nepal. These include joint research on safe mountain development, the development of effective early warning systems, human resource capacity building, identification of implementation-ready projects, and technology transfer in clean energy and sustainable agriculture.
Shrestha said scientific studies of disaster causes, vulnerable slopes, glacial lakes and infrastructure should inform development planning and engineering decisions. He also stressed the need to integrate satellite-based and ground-based monitoring with early warning systems that deliver information to local communities, mobile phones and hydropower plant control rooms.
He said joint research, professional training and exchange programmes should be conducted to strengthen the capacities of hydrologists, engineers, planners and local officials. He also proposed preparing a list of implementation-ready projects with the participation of the government, communities, the private sector and financial partners.
$4.8 Billion Needed for Reconstruction
Shrestha said Nepal is increasingly facing new disasters before it can fully recover from previous ones. According to a preliminary post-disaster assessment, approximately US$4.8 billion will be required for recovery and reconstruction following the recent disasters.
He said the amount covers more than damage to physical infrastructure. It also includes the rehabilitation of families who have lost their homes, businesses that have lost income and communities facing uncertainty about their future.
The minister said post-disaster reconstruction should not be limited to rebuilding the same structures that existed before. Scientific risk assessments, safe infrastructure, effective early warning systems and the restoration of livelihoods in affected communities must be addressed through an integrated approach, he said.
Shrestha emphasised the need to rebuild the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli Corridor as a model of safe mountain development. He said roads, bridges, hydropower projects, settlements and transmission lines should be planned as interconnected systems rather than as separate infrastructure.
According to him, bridge safety depends on conditions in upstream watersheds, hydropower project safety is linked to surrounding geological conditions, and the future of settlements depends on safe land and livelihood opportunities. Therefore, safe settlements, reliable transport, disaster-resilient hydropower infrastructure and effective early warning systems must be developed in an integrated manner.
Emphasis on Early Warning Systems and Climate Justice
Shrestha said effective early warning systems are essential for disaster risk reduction. Merely disseminating information is not enough; people must receive clear guidance on what actions to take, where to go and how much time they have to reach safety, he said.
He stressed the need for continuous monitoring of glaciers, glacial lakes, unstable slopes and mountainous terrain, alongside river flows and weather conditions. He also emphasised that climate change-related risks must be incorporated into the design and construction of hydropower projects, roads, bridges and transmission lines.
The minister said reconstruction must restore not only physical infrastructure but also the livelihoods and dignity of affected people. If settlements need to be relocated, affected communities must be involved in the process and provided with safe housing, basic services and livelihood opportunities, he said.
Although Nepal contributes negligibly to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is suffering severe impacts from climate-related disasters, Shrestha said. Such disasters cause loss of life and destroy development gains, forcing the country to divert resources intended for education, healthcare and employment towards reconstruction, he added.
He stressed the need to appropriately value the environmental benefits of forest conservation, carbon storage and clean energy. Adequate support to address loss and damage, along with stronger institutional and technical capacities, is also necessary, he said.
Exploring Economic Opportunities in the Mountain Economy
Shrestha said Nepal must pursue economic prosperity for mountain communities while protecting natural resources and ecosystems.
Highlighting the country’s significant potential in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, medicinal and aromatic plants, forest products and responsible tourism, he said technology, financing, skills development and market access must be expanded to turn these opportunities into economic gains.
The minister stressed that each proposed project should clearly identify its lead implementing agency, required resources and benefits for local communities to ensure results-oriented cooperation.
Stating that collaboration between Nepal and AIT could contribute to building a safe and green mountain economy, Shrestha said he was committed to realising the vision of establishing an AIT centre in Nepal.
Nepalpurbadhar
