Kathmandu, November 19
The government has prepared two separate action plans targeting snowfall in Himalayan and high-hill districts and cold waves in the Tarai, marking the first time such national plans have been introduced.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the national action plans were finalised after consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal had directed the authority to complete necessary preparations to reduce risks from cold waves and snowfall. Based on this directive, the action plans were formulated, said Dinesh Prasad Bhatt, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.
The plan identifies 29 Himalayan and high-hill districts as being at higher risk of heavy snowfall, and outlines special strategic measures for risk reduction.
A total of 21 districts are projected to be most affected by cold waves. These include Jhapa, Sunsari, and Morang in Koshi Province; all eight districts of Madhes Province – Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, and Parsa.
Similarly, Nawalparasi (East), Nawalparasi (West), Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, and Bardiya in Lumbini Province; Kailali and Kanchanpur in Sudurpaschim; and Udayapur, Makwanpur, Sindhuli, and Surkhet are also expected to be affected.
Snowfall is typically experienced from Mangsir to Falgun in Himalayan and high-hill districts, while cold waves heavily impact Tarai districts, the authority said.
In Koshi Province, seven of the 14 districts — Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Okhaldhunga, Solukhumbu, Panchthar, Tehrathum, and the upper region of Bhojpur — face higher snowfall risk. Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhupalchok, Rasuwa, and Dhading in Bagmati Province are also expected to be affected.
In Gandaki Province, Gorkha, Manang, Mustang, Baglung, and Kaski are listed as high-risk districts. Rukum East is expected to be the most affected in Lumbini Province.
Dolpa, Jumla, Mugu, Humla, and Kalikot in Karnali Province, along with Bajura, Bajhang, Darchula, Baitadi, and Dadeldhura in Sudurpaschim Province, also fall under high-risk zones.
Bhatt added that the plan aims to ensure special protection for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant and postpartum women, persons with disabilities, and poor households living in Himalayan and high-hill regions.
The action plan includes provisions for advance arrangements of relief materials to help minimise the impact of snowfall.
“Based on this plan, provinces, districts, and local levels affected by snowfall can prepare and implement their own localised action plans,” the CEO said.
By December 1 (Mangsir 15), local authorities must identify at-risk areas and target groups, update data, and set priority lists for beneficiaries.
The plan also aims to strengthen forecasting and early-warning systems to ensure timely and accurate delivery of information throughout the month of Mangsir.
