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As the reporters reached the Pulchowk-based quarters of Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply, Lekharaj Bhatta, he was found to be engaged in finding the best way to smoothen the supply chain of the daily essential goods.
He was talking with the stakeholders on how 16 trucks of medicine and medical items stuck at Raxaul of Nepal-India border could be brought into the country. Information about this was earlier shared with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Ishwor Pokhrel, and noted by cardiologist, Dr. Bhagawan Koirala. On inquiry with the Ministry secretary, Minister Bhatta informed that the trucks stuck in the border are now on their way. The truck obstructed at the border would arrive in the Kathmandu Valley by this evening.
"The government is actively working with effective communication and coordination with ministers, secretaries, subordinate bodies, NGOs and the private sector to supply essential goods such as medicine and petroleum products which will not stop during the lockdown," Minister Bhatta informed. He also added, "We need help from people and media in this situation. The government was also seriously thinking about providing for daily wagers who have been affected by lockdown."
29 mini trucks are made ready to supply daily essential goods. According to him, over two dozen mini trucks were made ready to supply goods, 15 in Kathmandu and seven each in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. "Rice, pulse, cooking oil, salt, potato, onion are being supplied to the areas in need," he added. In case of scarcity of daily essential goods, one can call the toll free number 1137 so that the government team reaches there with the supply. The mini trucks would reach the most convenient places for people. Similarly, big stores such as Bhatbhateni, Big Mart, SalesBerry and others are asked to supply the goods accordingly.
Concerned district administrations have issued passes for the transport of supplies. Milk tankers are coming unobstructed from the neighboring districts of Kavrepalanchowk, Dhading and Nuwakot to the Kathmandu Valley. "I've discussed with The Truck Entrepreneurs Federation and urged it not to delay and stop the supply of essential goods," he shared. The Federation has also been asked to provide incentives to the truck drivers and other employees who work in the crisis.
The government has taken special initiatives to ensure a smooth supply of cooking gas in view of the 21-day lockdown imposed by the Indian government since Tuesday night, he said. "This has added to the challenges. Gas bullets are imported from India. Around 22 gas bullets were imported from India on Tuesday. The government is serious about seeking alternatives if Indian drivers deny supplying gas bullets. We have made efforts to hold diplomatic talks with the Indian side in this regard." Arrangements have also been made to organize regular talks between commerce secretaries of Nepal and India to facilitate regular supplies so that no supplies from India into Nepal will be obstructed.
A study has been conducted to find food availability in districts outside the Kathmandu Valley. "Foodgrains have been transported to three districts. Now we have enough food stocks to last six months. We have asked districts outside the Valley to report the situation of food grains there so as to determine what amounts are needed," he said.
Mugu, West Rukum and Jajarkot are facing a shortage of food according to a report on Tuesday evening, he said. He said he has directed the concerned authorities to supply to the districts. The Food Management and Trade Company Limited has stocked 25,000 metric tonnes of rice and 20,000 metric tonnes of paddy. Similarly, Salt Trading Corporation Limited has stocked salt that would last approximately 10 months and sugar that would last for around three months. Industrialists have been directed to keep 100,000 filled gas cylinders ready and be prepared to supply additional cooking gas if need be, he added.
