Kathmandu: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to fully support the government in making search, rescue and relief efforts more effective following the devastating Bhotekoshi flood of August 26.
A central committee meeting held at the party’s central office on Sunday directed all party mechanisms to coordinate with the government and mobilize for disaster response.
Briefing the media on the decisions, RSP spokesperson Jagadish Kharel said the central committee, lawmakers, and party committees at the provincial, district and local levels would coordinate with the government and assist in search and rescue operations.
The meeting also issued a strict directive to party leaders, members and supporters not to engage in what it described as “disaster tourism”, including visiting affected areas merely to take photographs or selfies or engaging in activities that could add to the workload of security personnel and local residents.
“Our job is to provide relief to affected communities, not to become a burden on them,” Kharel said.
According to Kharel, party chair Rabi Lamichhane is currently coordinating the response from the party office around the clock rather than visiting the disaster affected areas himself.
He said Lamichhane decided to remain at the central command because his presence in the field could divert the attention of security personnel and rescue workers and potentially disrupt ongoing operations.
Lamichhane has also been receiving regular briefings on the progress of rescue and relief efforts in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan, among other affected districts.
The RSP has also pledged to support the government beyond immediate rescue and relief efforts, particularly in ensuring timely rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Kharel said the party would work to strengthen coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, while ensuring that relief reaches affected communities remains its immediate priority.
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