Nepalgunj, a city known for its sweltering temperatures, has begun constructing “cooling centers” to protect residents from heat waves. The first center is underway in Children’s Park, located east of the Bageshwori temple. Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City has allocated Rs. 20 lakhs for this initiative, with plans to establish additional cooling centers in the city’s Bus Park, Dhambozhi, and Ramlila Ground areas.
This program is a joint effort between the Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, the American Red Cross, and the Nepal Red Cross Society Banke branch, focusing on reducing the risks of “loo” (heat waves). Similar programs are being launched in other heat-prone Terai cities, including Dhangadhi.
Prashant Bista, head of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City, emphasizes that the “loo” action plan is a crucial disaster preparedness measure. Representatives of the Red Cross Climate Center and American Red Cross commended Nepalgunj for its pioneering efforts to mitigate heatwave risks, noting that the program will soon expand to three other Terai cities.
Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City is currently finalizing procedures for implementing its “loo” response plan, setting a precedent as the first local government in Nepal to take such proactive measures against heat waves.
