KATHMANDU, Sept. 5: Minister for Physical Planning and Works Bijaya Kumar Gachhdar today said writing new constitution by institutionalising republic and establishing lasting peace in the country by taking the peace process to a logical conclusion are the responsibilities of the government.

Speaking at an interaction progrmme orgnised by Reporters’ Club, Minister Gachhadar said the present government is the people’s government. "Peace and security will be strengthened."

Saptakoshi river has caused massive loss, he said, adding that transport service on East-West Highway will be opened within four months building a belly bridge.

Saying that an integrated relief programme and re-construction work has begun for Koshi victims, Gachhadar said prompt rescue operations will be carried out and short-term, mid-term and long-term arrangements will be made to ensure the victims’ safe return to their home.

The Indian government will re-build the breached embankments, he said, adding that efforts are underway to relocate the displaced from the schools and resume the classes at the earliest.

Minister Gachhadar said the problem of food shortage cropping up in western parts due highway obstruction by the river will be resolved soon.

Meanwhile Minister for Health and Population Giriraj Mani Pokhrel said the government was serious and sensitive towards the health facilities to the displaced people living in makeshift camps due to Koshi deluge.

In course of inspecting the camps of displaced people, Minister Pokhrel informed that the government had already decided to mobilize a separate team of doctors, considering waning health condition of the displaced people.

The officials of the concerned bodies told Minister Pokhrel that two persons were killed in the deluge while 14 others in the camps.

District Public Health Chief Ram Dhan Mehata informed Minister Pokhrel that medicines worth Rs 2 million were distributed to the deluge victims of 28 camps.