Government distribute first lot aid

The survivors of last year’s Gorkha earthquake in some VDCs of Nuwakot district have been deprived of the government-pledged grant for reconstruction of their quake-damaged houses. Although over a year has elapsed since the government started signing grant agreements with quake victims, as many as 804 registered quake survivors in Ghyangfedi, 400 in Sikharibesi and 854 in Lachyang VDC have yet to receive the grant. The delay in distribution of grant has been attributed to the dispute regarding ownership and management of land since many quake-damaged houses in these VDCs were built on the lands owned by Guthi. Ghyangfedi VDC Secretary Raju Adhikari said signing of agreements with quake victims had been delayed as many quake-damaged houses in the VDC were build on land plots owned by Gosaikunda Trust. He further explained, “The distribution of grant has been halted in Ghyangfedi VDC because the government has yet to issue directives on the usage of land for the same purpose.”