Kathmandu: The government has finalized a draft National Action Plan-2083 to mitigate risks from snowfall and cold waves expected to impact 50 districts across the mountain, high-hill, and Tarai-Madhes regions this winter.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 29 mountain and high-hilly districts are likely to be affected by snowfall, while 21 Tarai districts may experience severe cold waves from mid-November to mid-March.

NDRRMA CEO Dinesh Prasad Bhatt said the draft action plan—prepared following consultations with concerned bodies—is ready for endorsement by the executive committee chaired by the Home Minister. The plan will be implemented immediately after approval.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal earlier instructed the Authority to strengthen preparedness measures ahead of the winter season.

Districts at Risk
The Tarai districts expected to be most affected include Jhapa, Sunsari, Morang, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, both Nawalparasi districts, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, and Kanchanpur.
Cold wave impacts are also anticipated in Udayapur, Makawanpur, Sindhuli, and Surkhet.

In the mountain and high-hill regions, snowfall is expected to strongly affect districts in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces. These include Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Okhaldhunga, Solukhumbu, Pachthar, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhupalchok, Rasuwa, Dhading, Gorkha, Manang, Mustang, Baglung, Kaski, Rukum East, Dolpa, Jumla, Mugu, Humla, Kalikot, Bajura, Bajhang, Darchula, Baitadi, and Dadeldhura.

Focus on Vulnerable Populations
Bhatt said the plan prioritizes assistance for underprivileged communities, senior citizens, children, chronic patients, pregnant women, new mothers, and persons with disabilities. Measures include pre-positioning essential relief materials, ensuring early warning systems function effectively, and preparing local action plans tailored to district-specific risks.

The strategy also calls for identifying vulnerable areas and target groups by December 1, updating data, and setting priorities for beneficiaries.

The National Action Plan marks the government’s first coordinated effort to reduce winter-related risks and minimize impacts on lives and livelihoods.