The newly established Parliamentary Special Committee on Climate Change in the Himalayas and the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Disaster has started its work after Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Ganesh Parajuli was elected chairperson unopposed.
The House of Representatives created this high-level special committee to investigate the devastating effects of climate change in the high altitude region and to develop disaster management strategies for the country.
- The parliamentary panel has been tasked with carrying out the following responsibilities:
- Himalayan Climate Impact Analysis: Examine scientific data, temperature variations, glacier melting patterns, snowfall changes and the vulnerabilities of high altitude watersheds in the Himalayan region.
- Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Disaster Study: Conduct a thorough fact-finding mission into the causes and effects of the recent Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods and landslides.
- Relief & Reconstruction Roadmap: Assess ongoing search, rescue and rehabilitation efforts with the aim of developing a model for climate resilient rebuilding of settlements.
Early Warning & Policy Reforms: Recommend the latest Early Warning Systems and review the nation’s disaster mitigation policies along with legal and institutional reform needs. - Cross-Border Climate Diplomacy: Identify options for regional cooperation and climate diplomacy to mitigate downstream impacts.
Speaking after taking over leadership of the committee, Parajuli said the committee will consult experts, conduct field visits and assess the situation in order to present a scientific and people friendly report to the Parliament.