Demands of flood survivors will be addressed, says Minister Basnet

January 21, Kathmandu: The Melamchi Flood Survivors Struggle Committee has drawn the attention of the government regarding its demands. The committee submitted a 17-point demand to Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet in Sindupalchowk on Saturday.

Melamchi project affected and flood survivors have demanded that embankments should be built to control the river, vulnerable settlements should be supported, loans from banks and financial institutions taken before the Melamchi floods should be waived, families who lost members in the floods should be compensated, along with a Rs. 2 million subsidy for construction of new houses.

The committee members stressed that water from the Melamchi River cannot be taken to Kathmandu without meeting the demands of the locals. Handing over the memo, the chairperson of the committee, Pasang Lama, said that the demand of the committee is the right of Helambu residents.

Secretary of the Committee, Tsheringyalbo Hyolmo, urged Minister Basnet to take the demands to the Council of Ministers.

On the occasion, Minister Basnet expressed his commitment to take the demand to the Council of Ministers and also bring it to the attention of the Prime Minister. He said that the rights of the citizens of Helambu should be established and initiatives will be taken for it.