As Dashain, the major Hindu festival, approaches, many city dwellers are returning to their villages to celebrate with loved ones. However, the journey home is fraught with challenges. Despite a weakening monsoon, which is expected to bring less rain than last week, road travel remains perilous. Although the government and local officials have deployed dozers and excavators to improve conditions, the risks associated with traveling—such as ongoing landslides and unpredictable rain—persist.
Travelers face significant difficulties on their way home for Dasain. While the monsoon may soon depart from the Far West, it is unlikely to leave the entire country immediately. The government must prioritize citizens' safety, acknowledging that road travel remains unsafe due to natural disasters. It may be wise to encourage families to celebrate Dasain where they are this year, as life is precious, and future festivals will come.
Despite these challenges, many are critical of the government's inability to ensure safe travel during such an important festival. The sight of dozers working along riverbanks and the construction of alternative routes offers some hope for those eager to return home.
The state had previously issued a red alert, warning 56 districts of heavy rainfall expected from October 9 to 12. However, it appears that adequate safety measures were not implemented. Mismanagement led to thousands of vehicles being stranded, as the government failed to regulate non-essential travel despite being aware of potential disasters. When the rains began, transport services were halted, revealing a lack of foresight and preparation.
The government's expectation that citizens would stay home due to warnings underestimated people's willingness to venture out, even in unsafe conditions. While individuals have a responsibility for their own safety, the state also has an obligation to protect its citizens. It is a failure of the government to allow people to travel to hazardous areas, and it must enforce safety measures more effectively.
The criticism of the government in times of disaster is not new. Every agency should prioritize the safety of citizens, a common expectation that seems to be overlooked. The root of governmental criticism often lies in the mindset of those in power, who may forget their duty to the public.
In response to the need for better disaster management, the Government established the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority in November 2076, tasked with preparing for disasters and managing relief efforts. Despite early warnings of heavy rainfall as far back as October 7, the agency's response was insufficient. Damage reports began to surface by October 11, yet key officials appeared distracted by other obligations, demonstrating a troubling lack of responsibility.
This ongoing neglect underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements in how the state prepares for and responds to disasters, ensuring that citizens' safety is always the top priority.
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