Political Economy Analysis of Post-Earthquake Reconstruction in Nepal: An Assessment of Emerging Role of Local Governments

Abstract

The aftermath of a powerful earthquake of 7.6 magnitudes on 25 April 2015 with its epicentre at Barpak, Gorkha district, 76 kilometres northwest of Kathmandu combined with a major aftershock of 6.8 magnitude on 12 May 2015 with its epicentre at Dolakha district, 85 kilometres northeast of Kathmandu, along with several other aftershocks resulted in at least 9000 casualties and affected nearly one third of the total population of the country. The earthquakes partially or fully damaged/destroyed nearly a million houses in 31 of the 77 districts, out of which 14 districts were declared severely affected and 17 partially affected in central-west districts of Nepal (National Planning Commission [NPC], 2015). The catastrophe added a chronic burden to Nepali state and people, already straining under decades of political crisis and instability. The devastation took place at a time when political parties were still negotiating on a new constitution from the second constituent assembly. Political parties were deeply divided and engaged in contestation while drafting a constitution that would shape Nepal’s journey to federalization. This phenomenon combined with the absence of locally elected representatives for two decades saw government appoint bureaucrats at the helm of decision making at the local levels.