Bhotekoshi Flood Recovery Bill: NRS 95.42 Billion Needed Just to Clear Debris

The debris left behind by the devastating Bhotekoshi floods, including rocks, soil, sand and collapsed building structures, is estimated to require NRS 95.42 billion for removal and related recovery efforts. The estimate is included in the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) Report prepared by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The report outlines the costs required for immediate as well as long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction. Under the cross-cutting sector, the estimated amount will cover the removal of collapsed structures and debris, disaster risk reduction measures and inclusive rehabilitation. The floods have left building debris worth approximately NRS 48.24 billion, along with around NRS 2 billion worth of accumulated soil. More than NRS 300 million is estimated to be required just to remove the soil deposits. For disaster risk reduction, the report estimates a requirement of NRS 947.5 million, including NRS 350 million for immediate measures and NRS 944 million for long-term initiatives. These activities include clearing debris from waterways, river management and settlement protection, command-area development, controlling riverbank erosion and landslides, restoring irrigation systems and developing multi-hazard early warning systems. The report also estimates NRS 150 million will be needed over six months for inclusive rehabilitation, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups including women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. According to the assessment, around 31.1% of debris removal work involving collapsed buildings, rocks, soil and sand could be completed within six months. However, only 0.4% of disaster risk reduction and management activities are expected to be completed during the same period. Inclusive rehabilitation and reconstruction, meanwhile, could potentially be completed within six months. For immediate infrastructure recovery, the report estimates a requirement of NRS 67.42 billion. This includes hydropower and electricity grids, household renewable energy, roads, bridges, communications, sanitation and drinking water, irrigation and river-related works. The social sector is estimated to require another NRS 8.29 billion for immediate recovery, covering private homes, public buildings and facilities, education, health and cultural sectors. Similarly, NRS 5 billion is estimated for immediate recovery of the productive sector, including agriculture, fisheries, livestock, banking, economic activities and livelihoods. Overall, the assessment estimates that NRS 6.60 billion will be required over the next six months specifically for debris removal and disaster risk reduction measures.