According to Taranidhi Bhattarai, a geologist and lecturer at Tribhuwan University (TU), Nepal can ensure good disaster management and safety measures only through research activity and studies conducted by Nepali students.
"Government should play a vital role in endorsing multiple research programs solely aimed at the study of disasters so that experts are produced right here. Success in doing so will translate into better management of disasters and speedy solutions without having to bring in help from other countries," said Bhattarai.When it comes to planning for earthquake survival, a team of experts is a must for any country. Such a team should comprise at least one geologist who studies earthly physical structures, a seismologist who reads the waves of energy produced during tremors, and a geo-technical engineer to test the quality and rigidity of soil that supports houses.
However, the number of such experts in Nepal can be counted on one's fingertips. There are only a few seismologists around and there are no experts in geo-technical engineering.
"Only a few people are aware of the importance of soil rigidity and testing while constructing buildings. Research and study can provide answers," said Bhattarai.
He also suggested that these things should be included in the courses taught in schools, colleges and universities.
TU and Tri-Chandra College are the only two educational institutions in Nepal that teach students of geology. However, in-depth study of earthquakes, seismology, engineering geology and the like are not included.
Sunil Babu Shrestha, an urban development planner, said that the immediate need is for building codes based on topography. "The building code which we now have is applied generally to every house regardless of the topographical location. The nature of the soil is different in the Terai, the Hills and the Mountains. New building codes should be developed to suit the three different topographies," said Shrestha.
Spokesperson at the National Planning Commission (NPC), Pursotham Ghimire, admitted a lack of funds for research into mitigating disasters in Nepal.
"As we have now realized the need, we are working to secure sufficient funds and to include research at the policy level," said Ghimire.
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