Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has called for stronger use of space technology, data sharing and regional cooperation to reduce disaster risks in mountainous regions that are increasingly vulnerable to climate change.
Addressing the opening session of the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday, Minister Shrestha said the effective use of technology and scientific information was essential to address disaster challenges in mountainous regions.
During his address, he briefed the conference on the avalanche in the Langtang Lirung area on August 26, the devastating flow of water in the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli river system, and the damage caused by a landslide in the Budhigandaki area on October 11. He said these incidents had severely affected settlements, roads, bridges, border crossings and hydropower projects.
Minister Shrestha said a rapid damage and needs assessment estimated disaster-related losses at approximately US$2.7 billion, while around US$4.8 billion would be required for recovery and reconstruction.
He noted that disasters originating in mountainous regions could spread hundreds of kilometres within hours, making it inadequate to rely solely on rainfall forecasts for risk management. He stressed the need for regular monitoring and preparedness to address multiple hazards arising from avalanches, glaciers, glacial lakes and unstable geological formations.
He urged regional partners to strengthen disaster early warning systems by integrating satellite imagery, geospatial analysis and ground-based measurements with local knowledge. He particularly emphasised the need to share information on mountain hazards promptly and ensure that clear warnings reach affected communities.
Nepal welcomed the draft Bangkok Ministerial Declaration and stressed the need to expand satellite data sharing, digital technology applications, early warning systems and technical assistance during the third phase of the initiative, covering 2026–2030.
Minister Shrestha expressed gratitude to ESCAP for providing satellite imagery and technical information following the Bhotekoshi disaster. He also emphasised the need to use technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) for disaster analysis and strengthen national technical capacity.
Stating that the protection of Nepal’s clean energy system and energy infrastructure was a government priority, he said space technology could also be used in hydropower development, irrigation projects and watershed management.
Noting that Nepal contributes only 0.01 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Minister Shrestha reiterated the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. He said regional cooperation was essential to strengthening climate resilience and developing clean energy alongside the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (2021–2050) and the Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Meanwhile, Nepal and ESCAP are jointly organising a regional dialogue on Thursday, October 29, titled “From Everest to the Sea: Lessons from the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli Disaster.” The event, to be held in Bangkok, will discuss the links between climate change, glaciers, geophysical and coastal hazards, as well as approaches to managing cross-border disasters.
The dialogue will also explore ways to strengthen disaster preparedness and early warning systems through satellite observation, geospatial analysis, artificial intelligence and youth-led innovation.
Nepalpurbadhar
