SATV 12 June, Kathmandu: Unlike in the past, the people of Mustang complained about the impact of climate change when Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister, who arrived in Mustang to attend a two-day party programme this time.
In the past, Prachanda would receive requests for budget allocations for development projects, but this time, during public meetings held in Ghasa, Lete, Jomsom and other areas of Thasang Rural Municipality bordering Myagdi, most people complained about the hardships like unexpected floods they have faced due to climate change.
According to Mutuk Gurung, a leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Mustang, and member of the Gandaki Province Assembly, locals requested support in mitigating issues caused by climate change, such as floods and landslides, wildfires, irregular snowfall, drying water sources, crop losses, biodiversity decline, and rising incidences of diseases and pests.
Gurung said, “People complained the party chairman more about the damage caused by climate change than anything else. Chairman Prachanda listened to all the concerns and was deeply worried.”
Dhirendra BK, Chief of the CPN (Maoist Centre) District Coordination Committee, said that due to rising temperatures in Mustang, agricultural output, including the region’s traditionally abundant apples, has decreased, pushing already vulnerable communities into further economic hardship.
He said that the representatives from all five rural municipalities of the district briefed Chairman Prachanda about these challenges.
“He also pledged to fulfill previous commitments. His two-day visit focused on listening to community issues and was successful,” BK said.
Chairman Prachanda, who arrived in Mustang on Wednesday, returned to Kathmandu on Thursday after participating in various events including meetings with communities and students, discussions with party workers and officials, training sessions, an oath-taking ceremony and the foundation-laying of the party’s office building.
