This book explores the reconstruction after the 2015 Gorkha Nepal
earthquake, on the basis of the author's first-hand experience that has
been validated with empirical evidence. Unlike other advocacy and
academic literature, the book takes readers close to the ground where
the activities took place. This book describes Nepal's efforts to
rebuild private housing from the preparatory to the concluding stages,
and the obstacles faced and overcome along the way. It assesses the
consequences of the policy level decisions and also examines the
relevance, utility and future use of damage assessment surveys that were
carried out in the country. In addition, lessons from the housing grant
payment through the banking system, impending reasons for housing
non-compliance to building standards, experimentation with resilient
resettlements and unresolved issue of urban regeneration have been also
delved in. The ground realities revealed that the aid architecture
requires further carving out. The last three chapters have attempted to
capture the macro level picture of the reconstruction and recovery
endeavors: contribution to national economy, structural resilience and
comparative overview of Nepal's delivery in global context.
As an intimately involved professional with the 2015 Nepal Earthquake,
Dr Shrestha is the authority from whom a holistic understanding can be
attained regarding the response of Nepal's state and society to the
Earthquake. His study will have ramification at national and global
scale in handling with inescapable natural calamities.
Kanak M. Dixit, Journalist and Heritage Conservationist
Dr. Shrestha's book provides rare insight and perspective on the issues
and challenges of governance during the complex journey to
reconstruction and future resilience, reflecting his long and intense
engagement in the post disaster recovery and reconstruction.
Vivek Rawal, Director, People-in-Centre, Ahmedabad, India
This collection of balanced insightful essays methodically explores
topics such as government decisions and aid during the earthquake
recovery combining lived experience and a research approach to reveal
lessons and future considerations.
Loren Lockwood,
Former National Coordinator,
Housing Recovery and Reconstruction Platform Nepal
