Dadeldhura, Mar 7 : Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has commenced the distribution of grants to beneficiaries affected by the Doti earthquake, which occurred one and a half years ago.
Minister Lekhak initiated this effort by handing over the first installment of Rs 50,000 to Prakash Raj Upreti, a resident of Amargadhi Municipality–3 in Dadeldhura, at the District Administration Office, Dadeldhura.
Speaking after the grant distribution, the Home Minister urged beneficiaries to complete the construction of permanent shelters by the end of June. He expressed concern over delays in reconstruction and strengthening efforts, stating that his ministry has worked on establishing guidelines, budget, and operational procedures for reconstruction over the past seven months.
“It has been one and a half years since the earthquake, yet no arrangements have been made for constructing permanent housing,” Minister Lekhak remarked. “We are here with a plan to accelerate reconstruction in the affected districts by establishing dedicated unit offices.”
The Minister further informed that unit offices for reconstruction and rehabilitation projects will be inaugurated on Friday in Bajhang, Saturday in Achham, and Sunday in Jajarkot. While detailed damage assessments have been completed in Bajhang, Doti, and Dadeldhura, Minister Lekhak stated that technical teams equipped with training will be deployed for damage assessment in Jajarkot.
“A trained technical team will be deployed in Jajarkot once the unit office is operational,” he said. “Local governments will play a crucial role in beneficiary selection and other related matters.”
Minister Lekhak also called on local governments to cooperate in earthquake recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Dr. Bhisma Kumar Bhusal, Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), highlighted that around 9,400 individuals were identified as affected by the Doti earthquake and emphasized that reconstruction activities will now gain momentum.
“We have initiated the distribution of funds for permanent housing construction,” Dr. Bhusal stated. “The starting point is Dadeldhura.”
Similarly, Dadeldhura Chief District Officer Chomendra Neupane informed that 78 beneficiary families—26 for reconstruction and 52 for strengthening—across various municipalities in Dadeldhura will be addressed as part of the post-earthquake reconstruction efforts. #earthquake #nepal #jajarkot
