Ravi Lamichhane Calls for ‘Internationalization’ of Rasuwa Floods in Main Proposal as RASWPA Chairperson
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Ravi Lamichhane, chairperson of the ruling National Independent Party (RASWPA), called for a powerful initiative towards climate justice by turning the tragic loss of lives caused by the climate crisis into a matter of justice, stating that “it is not enough just to mourn the lives lost disproportionately to the climate crisis.”
Addressing the House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon, Lamichhane, who is also a RASWPA member of parliament, said, “The battle for climate justice will not be easy going forward. If we do not fight or fail to win this struggle, we will not be able to protect ourselves.”
During his speech, Prime Minister Balindra Shah ‘Balen’ was also present in the assembly.
Lamichhane urged all parties and parliamentarians to unite and ensure that the national crisis is not politicized or used as a political weapon by anyone.
“This is a time not to raise voices against each other but to raise a united question globally,” he emphasized.
According to official reports, approximately 1,400 bodies have been recovered and more than 5,000 people remain missing following the catastrophic flood triggered by a glacier break on September 10 in Nepal-China border region of Rasuwa.
Authorities estimate the physical damage to exceed NPR 4 trillion based on preliminary assessments.
Addressing the Root Cause of the Disaster Is Essential
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Lamichhane emphasized that relief and reconstruction efforts alone are insufficient; addressing the core issues and causes of the disaster is necessary.
“This is not just a natural disaster but a clear indication of a severe crisis triggered by climate change. Hence, it is imperative that we engage in the struggle for climate justice,” Lamichhane stated.
He stressed the need for the Nepal government to coordinate with governments of other countries and also to have parliamentary influence in decision-making processes.
Lamichhane underscored the importance of leveraging global parliamentary networks and urged Nepal’s parliament to play a distinct role in this regard, highlighting the necessity of parliamentary diplomacy.
“While the government dialogues with international governments, Nepal’s parliament must also maintain communication with parliaments and representatives of other countries,” he said.
In his parliamentary proposal, he added: “Let us work to obtain international recognition of the Himalayas as a special climate and disaster risk zone.”
He also emphasized the need to focus on easier financial access to climate funds, research, and information exchange.
Lamichhane appealed for both parliamentary houses to pass a special parliamentary resolution on “Himalayan Climate and Disaster Emergency” to ensure just international cooperation and compensation from funds related to climate change damages.
The Need for ‘Historic Leadership’
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“Nepal must take historic leadership to awaken the world’s conscience regarding the crisis evident in the Himalayas,” said Lamichhane.
He remarked, “Open debates must take place in parliaments worldwide about the future of the Himalayas. Representatives worldwide must question their governments: What is our country doing to protect the Himalayas and safeguard Himalayan communities?”
Noting that some countries remain indifferent and reluctant to offer responsible assistance on climate justice issues, he stressed the need to create public opinion and build pressure to address this.
“We must help the world understand that the abnormal floods, glacial lake outbursts, rapidly melting glaciers, intense rainfall, and landslides occurring in the Himalayas today are not merely local accidents, but a grave indication of an evolving critical climate and disaster condition in the Himalayan region,” he explained.
Lamichhane advocated that Nepal should be portrayed on the global stage not only as a disaster-affected nation but as a timely alert system and voice for the future of the Himalayas and human civilization.
He highlighted that along with the Rasuwa disaster, Nepal is paying a heavy price for securing a significant position internationally, and that now is the right time to advance the climate justice agenda.
He also called for the formation of a unified parliamentary committee representing all parties to push for compensation and internationalization of the issue.
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