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HAN-Dolakha Chapter to enhance disaster resiliency of hotel sector business
The Hotel Industry in Nepal shares a major stake of national economy and is considered to have the highest local private sector investment in Nepal with the recorded investment of around Rs. 100 billion.A half-day discourse held at Hotel Sangam, Charikot, Dolakha District on Friday, 26th Sep 2014 was focused on "Earthquake Risk of Nepal & Need for Preparedness of Hotel Industry in Nepal". This was a continuation of National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal (NSET) and Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) MoU-collaboration on working together for the disaster resilience of hotel industry in Nepal.
Mr. Surya Bhakta Sangachhe, Program Manager (3PERM/NSET), set the stage by emphasizing earthquake hazards, vulnerabilities and risk of damages. Numerous ways of earthquake preparedness, response and risk reduction activities/procedures were discussed in the event. He also pointed out that the hotel buildings which were constructed without building codes compliance are at highest risk if/when an earthquake strikes.
Mr. Sundar Shrestha, Structural Engineer (3PERM/NSET), discussed various earthquake events from around the world and their relevance to the Nepalese context. From the earthquake risk perspective, Nepal ranks 11th globally most vulnerable country and Kathmandu valley is placed in the first place in seismic vulnerability ranking.
Mr. Shrestha also presented potential impacts of natural disasters including earthquake on country's tourism business. Mr. Suresh Raut, Engineer, Bhimeshwor Municipality, Dolakha, disclosed that although 50 new buildings are constructed every year in the area, there is minimum compliance to the government building codes. He showed the need and importance of strict building code implementation in the area.
Mr. Amit Shrestha, PPP-Specialist (3PERM/NSET), talked about a comprehensive management approach; Business Continuity Planning (BCP) to disaster risk reduction which included risk prevention & mitigation, emergency preparedness & response and disaster recovery planning. He highlighted the short/long term benefits of BCP and briefly described the methodology of BCP implementation in the Hotel Businesses.
Mr. Prahlad Pokharel, Chief District Officer, Dolakha District, majorly emphasized the need of public awareness towards disaster risk reduction and preparedness planning. Mr. Sundar Karki, Regional President, HAN-Charikot Chapter, discussed the importance of such community programs to bring awareness among the hotel community of the area and the public in general.
Mr. Raghunath Mahat, Officer, District Development Committee, felt the need to spread the words to various local government and non-government communities.
The program was attended and well received by around 50 participants including invited citizens, hotel owners and various media personnel.
Towards the end, a Disaster Risk Reduction Survey Questionnaire was circulated around the room to receive a baseline disaster risk perception of the participants representing hotel sector.
The half-day interactive presentation session was jointly organized by Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) and National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal (NSET) under promoting "Public Private Partnership for Earthquake Risk Management" Program (3PERM) supported by USAID/OFDA.
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