External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj embarked on a two-day visit to Nepal to attend an international donors' conclave where she is likely to announce a major financial package by India for reconstruction of the quake-hit Himalayan nation
New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday embarked on a two-day visit to Nepal to attend an international donors' conclave where she is likely to announce a major financial package by India for reconstruction of the quake-hit Himalayan nation.
The International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction (ICNR) has been organised by the Nepalese government to raise funds for carrying out rebuilding of areas devastated by the massive earthquake of April 25 which claimed over 8,000 lives.
ADVERTISEMENT
Nepal's Prime Minister Sushil Koirala had earlier this month called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi to invite him for the conclave. However, Modi decided to nominate Swaraj for ICNR.
At least 35 countries are expected to attend the conference to be held in Kathmandu tomorrow. Ahead of the meet, the Nepalese Prime Minister said there has been a 'big gap' between what Nepal was able to do and what needs to be done. He said Nepal's resources alone are not enough to meet the "unforeseen and pressing challenges" and called upon international community to help the country.
Nepal's Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey said there was an urgent need to upscale investment in the infrastructure sector.
"There are some immediate and long-term priorities from the perspective of reconstruction. We need to ensure that the rubbles of the collapsed buildings are removed in an environmentally friendly way.
"Building transitional shelters for people is also a pressing priority. We will need to explore options for low-cost housing, reinstate bridges, roads, schools and health posts. For this, there is an urgent need to upscale investment in the infrastructure sector," he said.
A report on post-disaster needs assessment will be presented at the conclave specifying the country's requirement for financial and technical support from donor countries and international aid agencies.
India had responded promptly after the quake struck Nepal, despatching a large number of rescue teams, doctors and disaster relief experts. The Indian Air Force and Army had also deployed helicopters and transport aircraft for rescue efforts and to reach relief.
Rescue workers from over 30 countries had come to Nepal to help the people affected by the quake, the country's worst in more than 80 years.
The land-locked nation's weak economy, with tourism as its main source of revenue generation, has been further enfeebled by the 7.9 magnitude quake.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
