Kathmandu: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, stressed the importance of transferring disaster management knowledge and skills to future generations. Speaking at a program organized by the Nepal Geological Society in Kathmandu on the occasion of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Minister Dahal highlighted the need for future infrastructure to align with Nepal’s unique geography, soil conditions, and geological structure.

The event, held under the theme “Empowering Future Generations for a Resilient Tomorrow,” was organized in collaboration with various organizations. Addressing the audience, Minister Dahal underscored that geoscience research should not remain confined to universities and academic institutions but must be implemented at the field level.

He also emphasized the government’s efforts to create jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities to retain youth within Nepal, stating that having youth present in the country is essential for effective disaster response. The minister posed five critical questions to experts, urging them to reflect on whether Nepal’s geological and environmental studies are future-oriented, whether the design of new structures is appropriate, if technology has adapted to Nepal’s terrain, whether the current development model requires change, and whether the nation’s disaster preparedness is sufficient.

Keshav Kumar Sharma, Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, also spoke at the event, emphasizing Nepal’s high vulnerability to geological disasters and the need for focused efforts on damage mitigation.

Experts from various sectors discussed the global challenges posed by climate change, highlighting the urgent need to protect Nepal’s glaciers in the face of rising global temperatures.