Gen-Z Leaders Complicating Disaster Management: Raksha Bam's Relief Stunt

Kathmandu — Raksha Bam has become the latest example of how youth and Gen-Z leaders, in their race to gain cheap popularity and social media publicity, are further complicating disaster management.

The government has repeatedly applied a 'one-door system' for disaster relief and rescue, warning people not to deploy into the field indiscriminately without prior preparation.

However, completely ignoring government policy and administrative mechanisms, Raksha Bam shared a post on social media begging for resources.

She wrote in her status— "We urgently need a vehicle like this or a double-cab 4-wheel drive (4WD) to carry relief materials to Rasuwa tomorrow. If anyone can provide or help arrange one, please contact us. If you can help, comment here."

Without considering the issues caused by trying to pull off 'stunts' outside the state system in the name of relief distribution, posts asking for vehicles in a rush have been published on social media.

A serious question arises here— when the government speaks of a one-door system for regulation and security during disasters, how justified is it to bypass rules and procedures to try to become a hero oneself?

Despite the government repeatedly advocating for the one-door system, does rushing into the field without coordination or preparation, getting stuck on the way, and then calling for help on social media assist relief work or make it more chaotic?

Disaster management is a serious and sensitive topic, where coordination with local administration and security agencies is essential.

However, such immature moves of asking for vehicles without understanding local ground realities and road conditions, and rushing into risky areas, divert the attention and resources of rescue agencies.

Challenging state laws and systems by driving vehicles in the name of relief, and asking for help after getting stuck midway, only further complicates the disaster instead of resolving it.

This perception of Gen-Z leaders—that country's disaster management can be handled through social media 'comments' and 'likes' rather than following rules and systems—is truly remarkable!