Kathmandu, 13 Shrawan 2082.
Amidst the severe drought and water scarcity affecting the Terai–Madhesh region, Madhesh-centric political parties have urged the government to formulate long-term strategies to address the crisis. A central committee meeting of the Federal Democratic Front was held under the chairmanship of Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal president Upendra Yadav at the parliamentary office in Singha Durbar, where crucial resolutions were passed to ensure both immediate relief and long-term protection for affected communities.
Key Decisions from the Meeting:
1. Immediate Relief and Agricultural Support:
Due to the absence of rainfall, farmers in the Terai have been unable to plant rice crops, exacerbating food and economic insecurity.
The Front has demanded the government to:
Provide exemptions on agricultural loans for farmers in drought-affected areas.
Ensure proper drinking water supply.
Install deep borewell systems for irrigation on an emergency basis.
Make essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, irrigation tools, and pesticides available at subsidized rates.
Deliver all these resources in the form of grants or special relief packages.
2. Long-term Structural Solutions:
The Front emphasized the need to protect the Chure forest range and build water reservoirs as part of a sustainable long-term strategy.
It further highlighted the growing environmental imbalance in the Terai region and called for comprehensive policy measures to prevent future droughts and climate disasters.
3. Upcoming Programs by the Federal Democratic Front:
The Front also finalized its upcoming programs in coordination with different Madhesh-based parties. The scheduled programs are as follows:
Shrawan 18: Kathmandu – Joint Program
Shrawan 21: Bhairahawa – Led by NUPA
Shrawan 23: Nepalgunj
Shrawan 25: Kailali – Led by NUPA
Bhadra 16: Biratnagar – Led by JSP Nepal
Bhadra 18: Rajbiraj – Led by Rastriya Mukti Party Nepal
Bhadra 20: Janakpur – Led by TMLP
Bhadra 22: Birgunj – Led by LOSPA Nepal
4. Initiating New Political Dialogues:
As part of its strategy to build alliances with parties advocating for identity and rights-based federalism, the Front has decided to initiate dialogues with the Federal Democratic National Forum and Nepal Janamukti Party in the first phase.
The prolonged drought in the Madhesh region cannot be resolved through short-term interventions alone. The Madhesh-based parties have clearly stated that environmental and structural reforms are urgently needed. The government must act decisively—not just through declarations but by taking concrete steps to safeguard the livelihoods and futures of the affected populations.
Source: Media & Keshav Jha
