Kathmandu [Nepal], September 4 – Home Minister Sudan Gurung has defended himself on approach to disaster response after a photograph of him carrying a small oxygen cylinder during a rescue operation at the Upper Trishuli-3 ‘A’ hydropower project went viral on social media.
Gurung travelled to the project by helicopter on Friday after two workers trapped inside the tunnel were rescued alive.
The photograph drew criticism on social media with some accusing the minister of trying to visibly demonstrate his involvement in the rescue and describing the move as a publicity stunt.
Responding to the criticism Gurung said the traditional approach of ministers leading from an office chair while holding documents was no longer appropriate.
He argued that the country had suffered for years from leadership that operated without understanding realities on the ground.
Gurung said the Disaster Response Command Centre was fully operational with senior officials from relevant ministries. He said command operations and strategic meetings were being conducted online every four hours.
He also claimed that digital systems were making administrative and rescue operations faster and more effective than working solely from offices.
During a disaster he said, the focus should be on the results of rescue and response efforts rather than where the minister was working.
“Rather than worrying about where I am sitting, I request that you focus on the results” he said.
