Prime Minister and Minister for Defense KP Sharma Oli has directed the concerned agencies to do their homework on the use of airplanes and helicopters to control fire, which is currently causing air pollution across the country.
Addressing a meeting of the Ministry of Defense’s quarterly (chaumasik) budget review and Ministry-level Development Problem Solving Committee held at PM’s residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday, Prime Minister Oli said the existing fire brigade and manpower would not be sufficient to control the fire on large scale and in remote forest areas.
“Homework should be done to bring in multi-purpose helicopters or airplanes, so that they can be used to control the fire and for other purposes as well,” the Prime Minister said.
He also directed the concerned bodies to start their work for immediate solution of the problem by installing fire extinguishers in the existing airplanes or helicopters in the country. “It will be useful for the Nepali Army to take the lead in this task.”
Highlighting the need for taking the situation of wildfire seriously, Prime Minister Oli asked all the concerned authorities to make preparations for the coming years as well.
Prime Minister Oli also stated it was unusual to witness the fire at 700 places at the same time.
He also warned that the air pollution caused by the fire would cause serious health problems.
He added that he had been feeling unwell for the past few days, adding, “What could have happened to the elderly and the sick?” he asked.
Stating that it is gratifying to see that there were no significant problems, other than normal problem seen in the development projects run under the Ministry of Defense, Prime Minister Oli said that it was commendable that the Nepali Army had now taken initiative to produce its own garments and biscuits.
The self-produced garments could be used in all security agencies, government offices and school uniforms, instead of imported ones, he added. “The garments should be made available by ensuring their quality by charging the cost of production.”
Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa said that the Nepali Army was moving towards fulfilling its development responsibilities as assigned by the government.
“The works are underway to upgrade the Birendra Army Hospital, so it can work in case of heavy losses of life, relocate bunkers to barracks and establish a National Defense University,” he said.
Presenting the quarterly progress report at the programme, Defense Secretary Reshmiraj Pandey said that the progress was in line with the target despite some common
challenges.
Source : THE RISING NEPAL
