Home Minister’s diktat to book vehicles running despite disaster alertness

Kathmandu: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has warned of actions to those- both driver and officials allowing the drive- violating early warning over disaster and its impact. Even the Chief District Officer, Police Chief and traffic police officers responsible for allowing the transportation despite disaster warning would not be spared, he reminded.

Home Minister Lekhak was making such a warning in a meeting the ministry held on disaster preparedness and response on road sector in the wake of monsoon. He stressed strict adherence of transport and driving code and decisions made for reducing the road accidents. 

The Home Minister also urged all sides concerned to ensure spreading disaster information to all citizens, especially those possibly facing disaster. “If anyone- CDO, Police Chief and traffic police- found permitting vehicular movements even after the restriction citing heavy rainfall and possible disaster, would be booked,” he reiterated, adding that the ambulance or an emergency service could, however, be considered based on situation. 

He directed the ministry Secretary and Inspector General of Nepal Police to make circular accordingly. 

According to him, the first agency people contact when they face problems especially road disruption is security and local representatives. So, spreading right information at right moment and acting swiftly are imperative, Lekhak underlined.