Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal has handed over 21 temporary shelters built by YCL Nepal for families affected by floods and landslides in Belkotgadhi and Bidur municipalities of Nuwakot district.
Dahal handed over the house keys to affected families on Tuesday morning in Mahadevsthan, Belkotgadhi Municipality-7. The homes, each featuring two rooms and a toilet, were built under the initiative of YCL Nepal.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dahal said the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa and the unimaginable damage it caused were not merely the consequences of natural disasters. He said that Nepal was bearing the consequences of the flawed development model adopted by so-called developed nations.
Dahal, a former prime minister, noted that although Nepal's contribution to global carbon emissions is negligible, the country is suffering the effects of climate change caused by those emissions. He recalled raising the issue of climate justice at the United Nations General Assembly and during a meeting with the UN secretary-general when he was prime minister.
Recalling his visit to areas affected by the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi flood and the announcement made in his presence to build housing for the affected families, Dahal thanked the YCL for its efforts in constructing the houses.
After receiving the houses, the affected families said that the structures were not just temporary shelters, but a foundation for a secure life. They expressed happiness and gratitude, saying the YCL had come forward to support them during a difficult time.
Shree Krishna Nepal, 63, of Belkotgadhi-7, said that the flood had buried half of his house.
“The flood buried half of my house. The YCL built a house for me. To me, this is Singha Durbar,” he said, referring to Nepal's central government complex.
Pradeep Rai, also from Belkotgadhi-7, said that he would be able to celebrate this year's Dashain festival in the house built by the YCL. He said that the construction had inspired the affected families to carry on with their lives and begin anew.
Local resident Shambhu Sigdel said that YCL had done a great favor to their village.
YCL Nepal Chairman Pushpa Oli said that the housing initiative was launched to provide safe accommodation to families affected by floods and landslides.
According to Dhiraj Uparkoti, head of the organization's publicity department, the temporary homes consist of two rooms and a toilet. Each home cost an estimated Rs 400,000 to construct, he said.
YCL Vice-chairman Hari Dhakal said that the structures were built using construction materials donated by supporters, along with technical assistance.
More than 600 YCL leaders and activists were mobilized for housing construction, sanitation, rescue, relief, and reconstruction work.
The families listed as recipients of homes built and handed over by the YCL include Motiram Rai, Surendra Nepal, Shree Krishna Nepal, Gopi Adhikari, Loknath Nepal, Ramesh Rai, Pradeep Rai, Mina Rai, Som Prasad Rai, Shivaram Nepal, Harihar Nepal, Ram Kumar Magar, Naresh Nepal, Sarita Nepal, Muktiram Nepal, Komal Prasad Nepal, Tikaram Nepal, Lal Prasad Nepal, Dandapani Ghimire, and Buddhalal Chitrakar.
Although the YCL reported handing over 21 homes, the available details list only 20 recipient families.
In addition to constructing homes, the YCL said that it had carried out relief distribution, rescue, sanitation, and rehabilitation work in flood- and landslide-affected areas. Its members have continued working in the affected areas since the disaster.
According to a statement issued by YCL Chairman Pushpa Oli, essential supplies, including food, tarpaulins, medicines, clothing, solar lights, and mobile phones, were distributed to the affected families. A blood donation program involving 11 participants was also organized to help provide medical support to the affected residents.
The YCL said that it had provided food, tarpaulins, clothing, kitchen utensils, and medical assistance to affected families living in Kathmandu. The organization also made efforts to supply cooking gas and food to approximately 100 families.
According to the YCL's statement, more than 10,000 volunteers were mobilized nationwide for relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts in flood- and landslide-affected areas.
The organization said that it would continue its campaign to provide relief to affected families, build safe housing, and help them return to normal life.
