KATHMANDU: In a significant step toward disaster relief and community resilience, inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has partnered with the National Centre for Disaster Management (NCDM) to support flood and landslide victims in Nepal. The initiative includes a donation of $25,000 (NPR 33,55,500) to construct five sustainable shelters and distribute essential supplies to affected families.
Building Safe and Sustainable Homes
The collaboration focuses on constructing durable, eco-friendly shelters in three flood and landslide-affected areas:
Namobuddha Municipality, Ward No. 10 (Dhapcha Village): 2 houses
Panauti Municipality, Roshi Village (Ward No. 12): 2 houses
Laskot Village, Namobuddha Municipality: 1 house
The shelters are being built in close coordination with local communities to ensure they meet the specific needs of the victims. Each home is designed to provide year-round comfort and safety.
Innovative Construction for All-Season Comfort
The shelters are constructed using bamboo and mud, combining traditional building techniques with modern sustainability principles. Key features of the homes include:
Layout: Two bedrooms, a front verandah (porch), a combined living/dining/kitchen area, and a toilet.
Design Benefits: Air gaps in walls and roofs provide natural insulation, maintaining indoor temperatures between 11°C in winter and 30°C in summer.
Durability: The use of locally sourced materials ensures the shelters are both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Blanket Distribution for Immediate Relief
In addition to building shelters, inDrive has provided blankets to Ward No. 10 of Namobuddha Municipality for distribution among affected families. This immediate relief aims to help families cope with the harsh winter conditions.
A Commitment to Community Resilience
Speaking about the initiative, Pavit Nanda Anand, APAC Communication Lead at inDrive, emphasized the company’s dedication to uplifting communities.
“At inDrive, we believe in making a positive impact in the communities we serve. This partnership with NCDM reflects our commitment to supporting disaster-affected families by giving them not just shelters but homes where they can rebuild their lives,” Anand said.
Mr. Mark Tolley, Regional Director APAC at inDrive, highlighted the company’s broader mission.
“Driven by our mission to challenge social injustice, inDrive is committed to positively impacting the lives of one billion people by 2030. By collaborating with NCDM, we are turning our belief into action, providing disaster-affected families with secure homes where they can start anew. This partnership showcases our dedication to building resilient communities and supporting those in need during challenging times,” Tolley stated.
A Step Toward Long-Term Recovery
The initiative is more than just a relief effort; it is a step toward fostering long-term resilience in disaster-prone areas. By providing sustainable shelters and essential supplies, inDrive and NCDM aim to empower affected families to recover and rebuild their lives.
Looking Ahead
This partnership marks a significant milestone in disaster relief efforts in Nepal, demonstrating how private-sector collaboration with government agencies can create meaningful change. As inDrive continues to expand its community-focused initiatives, the company remains committed to addressing pressing needs and uplifting lives in every community it serves.