KATHMANDU, Sept 11: Removing rocks, soil, sand and building debris deposited by the Bhotekoshi flood is estimated to cost Rs 95.42 billion.
The Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) report prepared by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority estimates that the amount will be required for immediate and long-term recovery and reconstruction.
Under the report’s cross cutting sector, the estimated cost covers debris removal, disaster risk reduction and inclusive recovery. The flood left building debris worth Rs 48.24 billion. Around Rs 2 billion worth of soil deposits also accumulated, and removing them alone is estimated to cost more than Rs 300 million.
Sindhupalchowk flood: Debris in Bhotekoshi obstructs rescue ope...
For disaster risk reduction, the report estimates an immediate requirement of Rs 35 million and a long-term requirement of Rs 944 million, bringing the total to Rs 947.5 million. The amount will cover removal of debris from waterways, river management and settlement protection, catchment area development, control of riverbank erosion and landslides, restoration of irrigation systems and development of multi hazard early warning systems.
The report estimates that Rs 150 million will be required for inclusive recovery during the first six months. The money will support recovery and reconstruction based on the needs of vulnerable and marginalised communities, women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
It estimates that 31.1 percent of debris removal, including building debris, rocks, soil and sand, can be completed within six months. Only 0.4 percent of disaster risk reduction and management work is expected to be completed during the same period. Inclusive recovery and reconstruction, meanwhile, could be completed within six months.
Immediate recovery in the infrastructure sector is estimated to require Rs 67.42 billion. This will cover hydropower and electricity grids, household renewable energy, roads, bridges, communications, sanitation and drinking water, irrigation and river related works.
The social sector will require an estimated Rs 8.29 billion for immediate recovery, covering private homes, public buildings and facilities, education, health and cultural sectors.
Immediate recovery in the productive sector is estimated to cost Rs 5 billion. The amount will be spent on agriculture, fisheries, livestock, banking, economic activities and livelihoods.
An additional Rs 6.60 billion is estimated to be required during the first six months for debris removal and disaster risk reduction.
