Editorial
Reducing disaster risk
Local govt. should lead the way
EXPERTS recommended strengthening local government bodies and good coordination at the grassroots level for a better disaster management plan in our country. The idea is of course a good one in theory but in terms of implementation it is found wanting.
It is unfortunate that coordination among the ministries is often lacking. The local government and rural development ministry has to work closely with other ministries and vice versa to ensure that all good ideas and programmes are implemented with the best outcomes at the village level.
On the bright side, different village conservation forums and collaborative management committees have developed around forests and wetlands in the last decade. These forums and committees consist of local government representatives, concerned government department individuals and the local communities of given areas. These forums are learning about climate change and developing climate change mitigation plans with the assistance of non-profit and foreign organizations.
The work of disaster management has already started at the grassroots level. Our farmers and other local people already know the basics in facing disasters as they have been dealing with natural disasters throughout their lives. But to formalize this process and to bring in improved management, plans for the intervention of local government, concerned ministries and non-government organizations are highly essential.
We hope the coordination to mitigate climate change and reduce the effects of natural disasters will continue, and our local government bodies will be leading these efforts with the NGOs and communities standing by their side.
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