Occupy Tundikhel

The Himalayan Times

14 November 2019

Occupy Tundikhel

Located in the central of the Himalaya range, Nepal is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world due to its topography and climatic conditions. Earthquakes, landslides, floods, fire, thunderbolts are the major causes of disaster events which have caused major damages in the past, weakening the fragile ecosystem of the country. Nepal, at regular intervals, has witnessed earthquakes. Seismological studies have clearly indicated that the entire region of Nepal is prone to earthquakes because of its location in the active seismic zone. According to Global Report on Disaster Risk, Nepal ranks the 11th position in terms of earthquake risk.

 

When the devastating earthquake measuring 7.8 in magnitude struck the nation in 2015, around 9000 people lost their lives and about 23000 people were injured. Thousands of people were made homeless and had to take shelters in the available open spaces. People from around the Kathmandu city area had to take shelter in Tundikhel or Khula Munch until the aftershocks had receded. Seismologists opine that an earthquake like the ones that rocked the nation in 1934 and in 2015 will also likely occur in the future as the Himalayan region lies in a major seismic zone. Considering this, such devastating earthquake could shake the nation on a massive scale at any time for which the government seems to be either unaware or pretending to be unaware. 

  

I am just wondering whether the people have to come out to the streets to draw the attention of the government and its concerned organisations to safeguard the available open spaces for emergency needs, or if the government itself must take initiatives to protect such open spaces “Save public spaces” (THT, November 12, Page 8). I salute the “Occupy Tundikhel” campaigners who had organized this event a few days ago demanding the government to return the Khula Munch to the people. This event should be an eye opener to the government to safeguard such open spaces elsewhere in the country, including Khula Munch for emergency and many other good purposes.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj