Heatwave Special: Provincial Disaster Dialogue Program Madhesh Province
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) organized a Provincial Dialogue Program on Heatwaves on 25th May, 2025 in Janakpurdham, Madhesh Province. This program was conducted with the support of key humanitarian and development partners including Start Fund Nepal, Mercy Corps Nepal, CARE Nepal, Rain Project, and DPNet Nepal in collaboration with Ministry of Home, Communication and Law. The objective was to bring together relevant government agencies, experts, civil society, and humanitarian actors to address the growing threat of heatwaves in Madhesh Province and to declare a set of coordinated commitments for preparedness and risk reduction.
The dialogue was chaired by Mr. Bed Nidhi Khanal, Under Secretary of NDRRMA, and graced by Dr. Gangalal Tuladhar, former Minister of Education and Member of the Constituent Assembly, who currently serves as an expert member of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Other special guests included Mr. Madan Bhujel, Principal Secretary at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of Madhesh Province; Mr. Bimal Prasad Baral, Secretary of the Ministry of Home, Communication and Law; and Mr. Kedar Neupane, former Secretary of the Government of Nepal, DPNet Chair, Dr. Raju Thapa.
The program was attended by over 70 participants representing various sectors, including government departments (health, agriculture, education), provincial and local disaster management authorities, humanitarian agencies, development partners, academia, media, and civil society. The presence of diverse stakeholders reflected a shared concern and growing awareness about the emerging threat posed by rising temperatures and intensifying heatwaves in the Tarai plains. The dialogue was facilitated by Mr. Suraj Gautam, General Secretary of DPNet Nepal. The formal session began with a security briefing, seat arrangements, and the National Anthem. The session then moved forward with a warm welcome speech by Mr. Bimal Baral, who contextualized the need for urgent and structured interventions against heatwave risks in Nepal.
