On 16th January 2010, main day programs of 12th Earthquake Safety Day celebration held at different parts with the view of commemorating devastating earthquake of the year 1934 in Nepal and Bihar region. Rt. Honorable Prime Minister Mr. Madhav Kumar Nepal inaugurated National Meeting of 12th Earthquake Safety Day 2010 amongst the large public gathering at Lalit Mandap, Jawalakhel. In his noteworthy address, Prime Minister Mr. Nepal stressed the need of and asserted the commitments from the side of Nepal Government to enhancing institutional capacities, strengthening relevant policy instruments and promoting collaborative efforts to achieve the desired level of safety. Prime Minister Nepal highlighted the vulnerabilities of Nepal to disaster and noted the recent quake in Haiti. He expressed his serious concerns on the need of developing and executing disaster risk reduction initiatives more in coordinated and sustainable ways and also showed the commitment of government to implement the policies to make the settlements safer. On the occasion, Prime Minister also franked the Commemorative Envelope to mark the 12th Earthquake Safety Day 2010 and unveiled the National Disaster Report 2009.

From the chair, Honorable Home Minister and Chairperson of Earthquake Safety Day National Committee Mr. Bhim Bahadur Rawal highlighted the government initiatives to Disaster Risk Reduction and also for earthquake safety despite number of adversities and prevailing political transition in the country. Dr. Govinda Kusum, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs shared about the recent promulgation of National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction and also on the process of Act formulation in this regard. Robert Piper, UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator urged to act on earthquake safety before it is too late. He quoted- “Prime Minister, the safety of your citizens is profoundly important.”

Mr. Amod Mani Dixit, Executive Director of NSET and Member Secretary of Earthquake Safety Day National Committee pointed out the acute risks prevailing naturally in this geography and hinted his confidence to enhance coping capacity of Nepalese communities which is possible but only with coordinated and collaborative efforts. Initially, Mr. Arjun Kumar Thapa, Chief and Executive Officer, Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City had put his cordial welcome note ahead of all the distinguished guests and participants; while in the later part Dr. Mahendra Subba, Deputy Director General, DUDBC put vote of thanks. Mr. Ramesh Chand Thakuri, Chief of Nepal Police; Mr. Sanat Kumar Basnet, Chief of Armed Police Force, Mr. Shankar Prasad Koirala, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs; Mr. Ratna Raj Pandey, Chief District Officer, Lalitpur were among other distinguished guests.