Federal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced that the federal, provincial, and local governments are working together on disaster management, a collaboration that will continue in the coming days. He made this statement during the virtual inauguration of a humanitarian assistance center constructed by the World Food Program (WFP) at Pokhara’s old airport.
Minister Lekhak expressed confidence that the operation of this new center would significantly enhance disaster management efforts in the region. The center is expected to play a vital role in streamlining disaster response and ensuring swift relief distribution.
At the same event, the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendraraj Pandey, unveiled a commemorative plaque. He mentioned that the province has been operating a disaster management fund and emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of security agencies while implementing a single-window policy for relief and rescue operations.

Kaski Chief District Officer Bharat Mani Pandey shared that a working procedure will be formulated soon to bring the center into operation. The Nepal Civil Aviation Authority has provided four ropanis of land for the center, which was constructed with financial support of $161,000 from the European Union.
The foundation stone for the center was laid in March 2024 by Kaski’s former Chief District Officer Basudev Ghimire. The center will store relief materials, rescue equipment, food supplies, and generators. It is expected to be a critical resource during humanitarian crises in the Gandaki Province.
The humanitarian assistance center will facilitate the collection, record-keeping, and distribution of relief materials, particularly during natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
The World Food Program has been active since 1961 and has been assisting the Government of Nepal in strengthening emergency preparedness and response capabilities across the country since 2013.