A Comprehensive Investigation
This study aimed to carry out a comprehensive study of fire risk management in five critical areas of the Kathmandu Valley. Fundamentally, the four pillars - policies and plans, infrastructure and mechanisms, human resources and capacity building, and resource management or finance - required for fire risk management have been the scope for the study and investigation. In addition, "Bipad Sambad" (Disaster Dialogues) programs on five thematic areas have been conducted subsequently to support the effective coordination and mitigation of potential fire risk in the Valley.
Key Risks Identified
The report identified several critical risks facing the Kathmandu Valley. These include:
- Fuel Infrastructure Vulnerability: The large, single-site storage at the NOC Thankot Depot presents a significant systemic risk.
- Limited Capability: Many municipal fire units have limited or no chemical/foam capability, which is essential for fuel-based fires.
- Access Constraints: The dense neighborhoods and narrow alleys of the valley make it extremely difficult for large, heavy fire trucks to access incident sites quickly.
Priority Actions Recommended
Based on the comprehensive findings, the study puts forward several priority actions for stakeholders:
- Conduct regular drills, training, and inspections to improve readiness.
- Strengthen IT/ops protocols and create robust evacuation plans.
- Enforce stricter petrol pump safety standards, including mandatory bonding during unloading.
- Boost foam/DCP stocks and procure specialized narrow-profile trucks for better lane access.