As a concluding event for all the official celebrations of Earthquake Safety Day 2010, Earthquake Safety Walkathon was organized in Kathmandu on 23rd January. Earthquake Safety Walkathon had been initiated from 11th Earthquake Safety Day last year to add up one more attraction in raising awareness on earthquake risk reduction. The very last event foreseen for ESD2010 was inaugurated by Home Minister Mr. Bhim Bahadur Rawal at historical place of Bhugol Park, New Road Kathmandu with flagging off and handing Earthquake Safety Flag to Veteran Athlete Mr. Baikuntha Manandhar who then led Earthquake Safety Walkathon onward. Home Secretary Dr. Govinda Kusum, Inspector General of Nepal Police Mr. Ramesh Chand Thakuri, Inspector General of Armed Police Force Mr. Sanat Kumar Basnet, Director General of DUDBC Mr. Ashok Nath Uprety, Joint Secretary from MOHA Mr. Shankar Koirala, DPNet-Nepal President Dr. Meen Bahadur Poudel Chhetri, Executive Director of NRCS Mr. Umesh Dhakal, Under Secretaries Mr. Thir Bahadur G.C., Mr. Rudra Khadka and officials from MOHA were among the key personalities to participate. More than 500 eager participants from different sectors; Government and Non Government agencies, security institutions, veteran players and many more from DRR arena together-with people from different clusters of Nepali communities walked through Khichha Pokhari, Ranamukteswor, Jhionchhe, Basantapur, Naradevi, Kshetrapati, Thamel, Thahiti, Ason, Bhotahity, Mahankal, New Road Gate and ended on the place of initiation at Bhugol Park. Songs related to earthquake safety and message on what to do during an earthquake were also delivered through megaphone during the entire duration of the walkathon. Attractive Prize of participation was awarded to 10 Lucky Participants. The lucky draw was organized from among those who completed the entire route of the walkathon. Also 5 Lucky winners among from Earthquake Safety Exhibition visitors who had filled up feedback form were awarded on the occasion.
