Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, November 26[2005]:
Nepal has decided to express concern and seek compensation for deterioration of country’s natural resources due to emission of harmful gases by the industrialised nations at an international conference that begins on Monday. As many as 189 countries are participating in the Conference of Parties of United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to be held from November 28 to December 9 in Montreal, Canada. Joint-secretary of Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Lok Darshan Regmi, will represent Nepal in the conference. His agenda: how can Nepal benefit from the Clean Development Mechanism.
“I will raise the issue of making the industrialised countries compensate us for the deterioration of our resources, caused due to climate change,” he told The Himalayan Times before leaving the country. He said poor families in Dolakha and Solumkhumbu had to be evacuated due the possibility of bursting of the mountain lakes, which is a direct fallout of climate change caused by the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere. He claimed that scores of mountain lakes are on the verge of bursting due to the effects of climate change. “We have not harmed the earth. Rather, we have conserved the world environment by following traditional life style, practicing eco-friendly technologies and growing trees. We need to be paid as per the provision of Kyoto Protocol,” he said.
The Kyoto Protocol, effective from February 12, has a provision that the industrial countries should reduce carbon emission and if that is not possible must pay the countries or institutions
that have played a prominent role in growing trees or sequestrating carbon, thus earning carbon credits for lowering the amount of harmful gases in the atmosphere. Regmi says Nepal recently set a record in developing community forests through people’s efforts, earning carbon credits that can be sold in the carbon trading market. Regmi informed, “We will ask the Clean Development Mechanism executive board to accept carbon credits generated by non-renewable sources of energy like bio-mass projects as well.”
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Friday, November 11, 2005
500-km walk to usher in peace
Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, November 10[2005]:
Thirty pilgrims will embark on a 500-km march — from the Namobuddha in Kavre to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha — for world peace tomorrow morning.
“The team will begin their journey from Namobuddha hill on Friday and will finally pray for world peace at the sacred garden of Lumbini after walking for 25 days,” Dr Lam Ty Ni, the coordinator of the pilgrims’ team, told The Himalayan Times today.
Sixty-year-old Dr Lam, also known as Ven Huyen Deieu, came to Lumbini in 1969, in search of peace from war-torn Vietnam and started working for the development of the holy shrine.
The team includes 10 Vietnamese, three Indians, one Japanese, a Korean and 15 Nepalis. The eldest member of the team is 62-year-old monk Lama Karma Lhundrub, while 17-year-old nun Ven Susiloti is the youngest in the lot.
The pilgrimage will pass through Banepa, Patan, Bouddha and Swoyambhu before leaving the valley from Balambhu and Naubishe on November 15. After crossing Baireni, Richoktar, Kirutar, Abukhaireni, Dumre, Damauli and Dulegauda on foot the team will reach Pokhara on November 23.
Worshipping at Peace Pagoda on November 24, the pilgrims will pass through Phedikoda, Rangkhola, Waling, Galyang Bhanjyang Malumga, Arya Bhanjyang, Tansen, Kerabari, Butwal, Bhairahawa and arrive at Lumbini on December 4.
The team will take shelter mainly in Buddhist vihars and public schools.
Dr Lam said the pilgrimage has a spiritual as well as a symbolic meaning. He claimed that the prayer would lead to an atmosphere for peace and hoped that after seeing young and old people walking for peace, the authorities will feel the necessity to do something for the peace.
According to him, all the concerned parties - the political parties, the king and the Maoists should sit together for resolving the decade-long war and let people live in peace and happiness.
He said war and peace are in people’s mind and arousing conscience and compassion helps people replace war with peace.
Ratnaman Skahya, a team facilitator and president of International Buddhist Meditation Centre, said two vehicles will follow the pilgrims for emergency support.
Kathmandu, November 10[2005]:
Thirty pilgrims will embark on a 500-km march — from the Namobuddha in Kavre to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha — for world peace tomorrow morning.
“The team will begin their journey from Namobuddha hill on Friday and will finally pray for world peace at the sacred garden of Lumbini after walking for 25 days,” Dr Lam Ty Ni, the coordinator of the pilgrims’ team, told The Himalayan Times today.
Sixty-year-old Dr Lam, also known as Ven Huyen Deieu, came to Lumbini in 1969, in search of peace from war-torn Vietnam and started working for the development of the holy shrine.
The team includes 10 Vietnamese, three Indians, one Japanese, a Korean and 15 Nepalis. The eldest member of the team is 62-year-old monk Lama Karma Lhundrub, while 17-year-old nun Ven Susiloti is the youngest in the lot.
The pilgrimage will pass through Banepa, Patan, Bouddha and Swoyambhu before leaving the valley from Balambhu and Naubishe on November 15. After crossing Baireni, Richoktar, Kirutar, Abukhaireni, Dumre, Damauli and Dulegauda on foot the team will reach Pokhara on November 23.
Worshipping at Peace Pagoda on November 24, the pilgrims will pass through Phedikoda, Rangkhola, Waling, Galyang Bhanjyang Malumga, Arya Bhanjyang, Tansen, Kerabari, Butwal, Bhairahawa and arrive at Lumbini on December 4.
The team will take shelter mainly in Buddhist vihars and public schools.
Dr Lam said the pilgrimage has a spiritual as well as a symbolic meaning. He claimed that the prayer would lead to an atmosphere for peace and hoped that after seeing young and old people walking for peace, the authorities will feel the necessity to do something for the peace.
According to him, all the concerned parties - the political parties, the king and the Maoists should sit together for resolving the decade-long war and let people live in peace and happiness.
He said war and peace are in people’s mind and arousing conscience and compassion helps people replace war with peace.
Ratnaman Skahya, a team facilitator and president of International Buddhist Meditation Centre, said two vehicles will follow the pilgrims for emergency support.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Govt to implement Euro II emission standards
By Razen Manandhar
(The Himalayan Times)
Kathmandu, Septermber 25 [2005]
The Ministry for Environment, Science and Technology (MoEST) is preparing to introduce Euro II standards of emission for new vehicles entering the country.
Lok Darshan Regmi, a joint-secretary at MoEST said, the ministry is making necessary arrangements to introduce the Euro II standards of emission for new vehicles in the country. "We will soon introduce Euro II emission standards. We should have gone for the Euro III standards but this is not practically possible in a country like Nepal," Regmi said.
In general, the Euro I standards allow emission of 2.75 gm/km of carbon monoxide while Euro II allows only 2.20. Thus, the new standards will make obsolete old vehicles and enable entry of new vehicles that emit less smoke and pollutant particles. However, the government’s recent move is drawing mixed reactions from the environmentalists, vehicle owners and dealers.
Dr Toran Sharma, the executive director of Nepal Environment and Scientific Services, said it mattered little whether the government introduces Euro II standards of gases because the Emission Standards 2056, which introduced the Euro I emission standards, is still under question. "The government implemented Euro I standards six years ago but we have yet to see its impact in the quality of air we breathe. We will have to see what changes the implementation of Euro II standards will bring in the quality of air," he said.
Implementation of Euro standards have close links with the quality of fuel used in vehicles, maintenance of vehicles and the quality of roads and at the present context here they are not yet compatible for Euro II standards, he said.
"It is good to introduce a new standard but the government must make necessary preparations to bring desired effect and make the change practical. Slogans are not enough to clean the capital," he said.
Dipak KC, the programme officer at Clean Energy Nepal said that the people should welcome the new step despite all constraints accompanying it. "Along with introduction of the new standard, the government should also put stress on implementation and making the country ready for the next step," he said.
The automobile dealers, however, claim the implementation of Euro II emission standards is impossible and not practical in Nepali context. Hikmat Bahadur Mali, the president of Nepal Automobile Dealers’ Association, said implementation of the Euro II emission standards is surely going to take some time because lots of other preparations have to be done before the standard is effectively implemented.
(The Himalayan Times)
Kathmandu, Septermber 25 [2005]
The Ministry for Environment, Science and Technology (MoEST) is preparing to introduce Euro II standards of emission for new vehicles entering the country.
Lok Darshan Regmi, a joint-secretary at MoEST said, the ministry is making necessary arrangements to introduce the Euro II standards of emission for new vehicles in the country. "We will soon introduce Euro II emission standards. We should have gone for the Euro III standards but this is not practically possible in a country like Nepal," Regmi said.
In general, the Euro I standards allow emission of 2.75 gm/km of carbon monoxide while Euro II allows only 2.20. Thus, the new standards will make obsolete old vehicles and enable entry of new vehicles that emit less smoke and pollutant particles. However, the government’s recent move is drawing mixed reactions from the environmentalists, vehicle owners and dealers.
Dr Toran Sharma, the executive director of Nepal Environment and Scientific Services, said it mattered little whether the government introduces Euro II standards of gases because the Emission Standards 2056, which introduced the Euro I emission standards, is still under question. "The government implemented Euro I standards six years ago but we have yet to see its impact in the quality of air we breathe. We will have to see what changes the implementation of Euro II standards will bring in the quality of air," he said.
Implementation of Euro standards have close links with the quality of fuel used in vehicles, maintenance of vehicles and the quality of roads and at the present context here they are not yet compatible for Euro II standards, he said.
"It is good to introduce a new standard but the government must make necessary preparations to bring desired effect and make the change practical. Slogans are not enough to clean the capital," he said.
Dipak KC, the programme officer at Clean Energy Nepal said that the people should welcome the new step despite all constraints accompanying it. "Along with introduction of the new standard, the government should also put stress on implementation and making the country ready for the next step," he said.
The automobile dealers, however, claim the implementation of Euro II emission standards is impossible and not practical in Nepali context. Hikmat Bahadur Mali, the president of Nepal Automobile Dealers’ Association, said implementation of the Euro II emission standards is surely going to take some time because lots of other preparations have to be done before the standard is effectively implemented.
Govt to implement Euro II emission standards
Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, September 25[2005]:
The Ministry for Environment, Science and Technology (MoEST) is preparing to introduce Euro II standards of emission for new vehicles entering the country. Lok Darshan Regmi, a joint-secretary at MoEST said, the ministry is making necessary arrangements to introduce the Euro II standards of emission for new vehicles in the country. “We will soon introduce Euro II emission standards. We should have gone for the Euro III standards but this is not practically possible in a country like Nepal,” Regmi said. In general, the Euro I standards allow emission of 2.75 gm/km of carbon monoxide while Euro II allows only 2.20. Thus, the new standards will make obsolete old vehicles and enable entry of new vehicles that emit less smoke and pollutant particles. However, the government’s recent move is drawing mixed reactions from the environmentalists, vehicle owners and dealers.
Dr Toran Sharma, the executive director of Nepal Environment and Scientific Services, said it mattered little whether the government introduces Euro II standards of gases because the Emission Standards 2056, which introduced the Euro I emission standards, is still under question. “The government implemented Euro I standards six years ago but we have yet to see its impact in the quality of air we breathe. We will have to see what changes the implementation of Euro II standards will bring in the quality of air,” he said. Implementation of Euro standards have close links with the quality of fuel used in vehicles, maintenance of vehicles and the quality of roads and at the present context here they are not yet compatible for Euro II standards, he said.
“It is good to introduce a new standard but the government must make necessary preparations to bring desired effect and make the change practical. Slogans are not enough to clean the capital,” he said. Dipak KC, the programme officer at Clean Energy Nepal said that the people should welcome the new step despite all constraints accompanying it. “Along with introduction of the new standard, the government should also put stress on implementation and making the country ready for the next step,” he said. The automobile dealers, however, claim the implementation of Euro II emission standards is impossible and not practical in Nepali context. Hikmat Bahadur Mali, the president of Nepal Automobile Dealers’ Association, said implementation of the Euro II emission standards is surely going to take some time because lots of other preparations have to be done before the standard is effectively implemented.
Kathmandu, September 25[2005]:
The Ministry for Environment, Science and Technology (MoEST) is preparing to introduce Euro II standards of emission for new vehicles entering the country. Lok Darshan Regmi, a joint-secretary at MoEST said, the ministry is making necessary arrangements to introduce the Euro II standards of emission for new vehicles in the country. “We will soon introduce Euro II emission standards. We should have gone for the Euro III standards but this is not practically possible in a country like Nepal,” Regmi said. In general, the Euro I standards allow emission of 2.75 gm/km of carbon monoxide while Euro II allows only 2.20. Thus, the new standards will make obsolete old vehicles and enable entry of new vehicles that emit less smoke and pollutant particles. However, the government’s recent move is drawing mixed reactions from the environmentalists, vehicle owners and dealers.
Dr Toran Sharma, the executive director of Nepal Environment and Scientific Services, said it mattered little whether the government introduces Euro II standards of gases because the Emission Standards 2056, which introduced the Euro I emission standards, is still under question. “The government implemented Euro I standards six years ago but we have yet to see its impact in the quality of air we breathe. We will have to see what changes the implementation of Euro II standards will bring in the quality of air,” he said. Implementation of Euro standards have close links with the quality of fuel used in vehicles, maintenance of vehicles and the quality of roads and at the present context here they are not yet compatible for Euro II standards, he said.
“It is good to introduce a new standard but the government must make necessary preparations to bring desired effect and make the change practical. Slogans are not enough to clean the capital,” he said. Dipak KC, the programme officer at Clean Energy Nepal said that the people should welcome the new step despite all constraints accompanying it. “Along with introduction of the new standard, the government should also put stress on implementation and making the country ready for the next step,” he said. The automobile dealers, however, claim the implementation of Euro II emission standards is impossible and not practical in Nepali context. Hikmat Bahadur Mali, the president of Nepal Automobile Dealers’ Association, said implementation of the Euro II emission standards is surely going to take some time because lots of other preparations have to be done before the standard is effectively implemented.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Nepal player in world carbon trade, courtesy Kyoto Protocol
By Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, September 22
Thanks to the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, Nepal has entered the world "market" of carbon trading, where it can reap the benefits of promoting eco-friendly fuels and contribute to reducing the greenhouse gas effects in the world. Nepal, which remained the only country in the South Asia to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, finally submitted the necessary documents for the ratification last week. The Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement setting targets for industrialised countries to cut down on their greenhouse gas emissions comes into force from February 16, has been so far ratified by over 140 countries. Nepal deposited with the UN the Instrument of Accession at a function organised during the Treaty Event at the UN headquarters last Friday. The process of recognition generally takes three months to complete.
"We have recently become suitable sellers of carbon in the world market," said Joint-Secretary at Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Lok Darshan Regmi, today.
He said, After ratifying the Protocol, Nepal will get many doors opened to it for dealing with the world against the contribution we have made so far in the area of controlling emission of carbon dioxide and other gases." But to be a eligible candidate selling carbon credit, that is selling the due of reducing greenhouse gases, Nepal will first have to establish a Designated National Authority (DNA) that deals with the developed countries for selling the carbon credit.
Bikas Pande, coordinator of the Climate Change Network-Nepal (CCNN), said the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol itself is not everything but has merely opened the door to wider possibilities. "Our job starts now. We can now go for searching for buyers of carbon we have preserved by introduction of eco-friendly sources of energy, which is called Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects" he said.
He added that the possible CDM projects in Nepal’s context could be bio-gas and micro-hydro projects. This apart, Winrock Nepal has identified five other possible areas that Nepal can put forward — vertical shaft brick kilns, improved cooking stove, Safa tempos, solar tuki, and cooking gas produced from solid waste landfill sites. Sandeep Chamling Rai, Climate Change Officer at WWF Nepal, said the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol would make Nepal’s CDM projects implementation easier. "We can work much easier and wider in the future. But for this, the DNA has to be set up as soon as possible," he said.
The Himalayan Times, 23 September 2005, National
Kathmandu, September 22
Thanks to the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, Nepal has entered the world "market" of carbon trading, where it can reap the benefits of promoting eco-friendly fuels and contribute to reducing the greenhouse gas effects in the world. Nepal, which remained the only country in the South Asia to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, finally submitted the necessary documents for the ratification last week. The Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement setting targets for industrialised countries to cut down on their greenhouse gas emissions comes into force from February 16, has been so far ratified by over 140 countries. Nepal deposited with the UN the Instrument of Accession at a function organised during the Treaty Event at the UN headquarters last Friday. The process of recognition generally takes three months to complete.
"We have recently become suitable sellers of carbon in the world market," said Joint-Secretary at Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Lok Darshan Regmi, today.
He said, After ratifying the Protocol, Nepal will get many doors opened to it for dealing with the world against the contribution we have made so far in the area of controlling emission of carbon dioxide and other gases." But to be a eligible candidate selling carbon credit, that is selling the due of reducing greenhouse gases, Nepal will first have to establish a Designated National Authority (DNA) that deals with the developed countries for selling the carbon credit.
Bikas Pande, coordinator of the Climate Change Network-Nepal (CCNN), said the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol itself is not everything but has merely opened the door to wider possibilities. "Our job starts now. We can now go for searching for buyers of carbon we have preserved by introduction of eco-friendly sources of energy, which is called Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects" he said.
He added that the possible CDM projects in Nepal’s context could be bio-gas and micro-hydro projects. This apart, Winrock Nepal has identified five other possible areas that Nepal can put forward — vertical shaft brick kilns, improved cooking stove, Safa tempos, solar tuki, and cooking gas produced from solid waste landfill sites. Sandeep Chamling Rai, Climate Change Officer at WWF Nepal, said the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol would make Nepal’s CDM projects implementation easier. "We can work much easier and wider in the future. But for this, the DNA has to be set up as soon as possible," he said.
The Himalayan Times, 23 September 2005, National
Nepal player in world carbon trade, courtesy Kyoto Protocol
Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, September 22[2005]:
Thanks to the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, Nepal has entered the world “market” of carbon trading, where it can reap the benefits of promoting eco-friendly fuels and contribute to reducing the greenhouse gas effects in the world.
Nepal, which remained the only country in the South Asia to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, finally submitted the necessary documents for the ratification last week.
The Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement setting targets for industrialised countries to cut down on their greenhouse gas emissions comes into force from February 16, has been so far ratified by over 140 countries. Nepal deposited with the UN the Instrument of Accession at a function organised during the Treaty Event at the UN headquarters last Friday. The process of recognition generally takes three months to complete.
“We have recently become suitable sellers of carbon in the world market,” said Joint-Secretary at Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Lok Darshan Regmi, today.
He said, After ratifying the Protocol, Nepal will get many doors opened to it for dealing with the world against the contribution we have made so far in the area of controlling emission of carbon dioxide and other gases.” But to be a eligible candidate selling carbon credit, that is selling the due of reducing greenhouse gases, Nepal will first have to establish a Designated National Authority (DNA) that deals with the developed countries for selling the carbon credit.
Bikas Pande, coordinator of the Climate Change Network-Nepal (CCNN), said the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol itself is not everything but has merely opened the door to wider possibilities. “Our job starts now. We can now go for searching for buyers of carbon we have preserved by introduction of eco-friendly sources of energy, which is called Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects” he said.
He added that the possible CDM projects in Nepal’s context could be bio-gas and micro-hydro projects. This apart, Winrock Nepal has identified five other possible areas that Nepal can put forward — vertical shaft brick kilns, improved cooking stove, Safa tempos, solar tuki, and cooking gas produced from solid waste landfill sites.
Sandeep Chamling Rai, Climate Change Officer at WWF Nepal, said the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol would make Nepal’s CDM projects implementation easier. “We can work much easier and wider in the future. But for this, the DNA has to be set up as soon as possible,” he said.
>http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?filename=
aNPata0ra3qzpfa1a8a8va.axamal&folder=aNPataiaoanaaal&Name=National&sImageFileName=
Kathmandu, September 22[2005]:
Thanks to the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, Nepal has entered the world “market” of carbon trading, where it can reap the benefits of promoting eco-friendly fuels and contribute to reducing the greenhouse gas effects in the world.
Nepal, which remained the only country in the South Asia to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, finally submitted the necessary documents for the ratification last week.
The Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement setting targets for industrialised countries to cut down on their greenhouse gas emissions comes into force from February 16, has been so far ratified by over 140 countries. Nepal deposited with the UN the Instrument of Accession at a function organised during the Treaty Event at the UN headquarters last Friday. The process of recognition generally takes three months to complete.
“We have recently become suitable sellers of carbon in the world market,” said Joint-Secretary at Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Lok Darshan Regmi, today.
He said, After ratifying the Protocol, Nepal will get many doors opened to it for dealing with the world against the contribution we have made so far in the area of controlling emission of carbon dioxide and other gases.” But to be a eligible candidate selling carbon credit, that is selling the due of reducing greenhouse gases, Nepal will first have to establish a Designated National Authority (DNA) that deals with the developed countries for selling the carbon credit.
Bikas Pande, coordinator of the Climate Change Network-Nepal (CCNN), said the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol itself is not everything but has merely opened the door to wider possibilities. “Our job starts now. We can now go for searching for buyers of carbon we have preserved by introduction of eco-friendly sources of energy, which is called Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Projects” he said.
He added that the possible CDM projects in Nepal’s context could be bio-gas and micro-hydro projects. This apart, Winrock Nepal has identified five other possible areas that Nepal can put forward — vertical shaft brick kilns, improved cooking stove, Safa tempos, solar tuki, and cooking gas produced from solid waste landfill sites.
Sandeep Chamling Rai, Climate Change Officer at WWF Nepal, said the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol would make Nepal’s CDM projects implementation easier. “We can work much easier and wider in the future. But for this, the DNA has to be set up as soon as possible,” he said.
>http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?filename=
aNPata0ra3qzpfa1a8a8va.axamal&folder=aNPataiaoanaaal&Name=National&sImageFileName=
Monday, August 29, 2005
Friday, June 17, 2005
National Urban Policy in the offing
Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, June 16:
The government will soon come up with a policy to regulate the
sprawling urban development.
"The draft of the National Urban Policy
(NUP) 2062 is almost ready. We will start discussing it soon," Dr
Mahendra Subba, senior divisional engineer at the Department of
Housing and Urban Development (DHUD), said today.
The policy will
help achieve a "National Urban Framework" and contribute to poverty
reduction and sustainable development by improving relations between
the urban and rural areas. According to the yet unpublished draft of
the policy, North-South Corridors to connect the Himalayan and Terai
regions will be developed. It also targets setting up of Regional
Urban Centres at each development region.
The policy seeks to formulate separate laws for urban land
development and impose extra tax on large open areas in the cities.
Among other things, it also seeks to develop relations with
municipalities and the Town Development Committees.
It further plans
to promote public transportation system with the use of electrical
vehicles and improve road network in cities. The government will
start levying Development Fees, Integrated Property Tax, Tax
Incremental Financing and Municipal Bo-nds to generate funds for the
programmes planned.
Kathmandu, June 16:
The government will soon come up with a policy to regulate the
sprawling urban development.
"The draft of the National Urban Policy
(NUP) 2062 is almost ready. We will start discussing it soon," Dr
Mahendra Subba, senior divisional engineer at the Department of
Housing and Urban Development (DHUD), said today.
The policy will
help achieve a "National Urban Framework" and contribute to poverty
reduction and sustainable development by improving relations between
the urban and rural areas. According to the yet unpublished draft of
the policy, North-South Corridors to connect the Himalayan and Terai
regions will be developed. It also targets setting up of Regional
Urban Centres at each development region.
The policy seeks to formulate separate laws for urban land
development and impose extra tax on large open areas in the cities.
Among other things, it also seeks to develop relations with
municipalities and the Town Development Committees.
It further plans
to promote public transportation system with the use of electrical
vehicles and improve road network in cities. The government will
start levying Development Fees, Integrated Property Tax, Tax
Incremental Financing and Municipal Bo-nds to generate funds for the
programmes planned.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Rainwater harvesting can slake Kathmanduites' thirst
Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, March 19:
The recent downpour was little trouble and more of a relief for Kathmanduites, considering the scarcity of drinking water. Even the government admits it can meet only half the total water demand in the capital city.
Consequently, people have to depend either on expensive water from tankers or rainwater. According to the Environment and Public Health Organisation (ENPHO), over 200 people have installed a mechanism to collect rainwater systematically, to keep the headache of water shortage at bay. "There is no record of how many people collect rainwater. But recently, around 200 people have installed a simple mechanism that helps them collect rainwater," said Rajesh Adhikari, an official at ENPHO.
Among others, Hutaram Baidhya, Prafulla MS Pradhan, Janardan Dhungana, Sangeeta Maskey, Sumitra Manandhar Gurung are some of the one-step-ahead citizens of the capital who have utilised the rainwater and have stopped worrying about water shortage during the dry season.
Officials at ENPHO wonder why the government is not taking any initiative to promote rainwater harvesting as an alternative to tide over the water shortage, though all government officials know it is a simple, cost-effective method.
Those militating against the water crisis allege that the government is guided by the interest of donors who do not want to promote rainwater harvesting as they have already invested a large amount of money in bringing in water through a 26.5 km tunnel from as far away as the Melamchi river.
The former minister for physical development, Prakash Man Singh, and the former mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City had promised to make rainwater collection obligatory last year, but neither has delivered.
Adhikari said from a 100 sq metre rooftop, one can collect four cubic metres of water in March and 35 cubic metres of water in August. "The quality of rainwater is better than what the government provides via pipelines. Even so, air pollution and the surface of catchment areas and collection tanks also matter," he said.
Noted environmentalist and executive director at Clean Energy Nepal, Bhushan Tuladhar, said air pollution also can affect the water quality, but rainwater itself can work as a flush so the rainwater collected after an hour or so is absolutely clean. So far as acid rain and its impact on rainwater harvesting is concerned, Tuladhar said the possibility of chemical pollutants in rainwater cannot be ruled out, but it is not hazardousn Kathmandu valley.
---
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?
filename=aFanata0sa3qzpea1Ra4ta.axamal&folder=aHaoamW&Name=Home&dtSite
Date=20050320
Kathmandu, March 19:
The recent downpour was little trouble and more of a relief for Kathmanduites, considering the scarcity of drinking water. Even the government admits it can meet only half the total water demand in the capital city.
Consequently, people have to depend either on expensive water from tankers or rainwater. According to the Environment and Public Health Organisation (ENPHO), over 200 people have installed a mechanism to collect rainwater systematically, to keep the headache of water shortage at bay. "There is no record of how many people collect rainwater. But recently, around 200 people have installed a simple mechanism that helps them collect rainwater," said Rajesh Adhikari, an official at ENPHO.
Among others, Hutaram Baidhya, Prafulla MS Pradhan, Janardan Dhungana, Sangeeta Maskey, Sumitra Manandhar Gurung are some of the one-step-ahead citizens of the capital who have utilised the rainwater and have stopped worrying about water shortage during the dry season.
Officials at ENPHO wonder why the government is not taking any initiative to promote rainwater harvesting as an alternative to tide over the water shortage, though all government officials know it is a simple, cost-effective method.
Those militating against the water crisis allege that the government is guided by the interest of donors who do not want to promote rainwater harvesting as they have already invested a large amount of money in bringing in water through a 26.5 km tunnel from as far away as the Melamchi river.
The former minister for physical development, Prakash Man Singh, and the former mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City had promised to make rainwater collection obligatory last year, but neither has delivered.
Adhikari said from a 100 sq metre rooftop, one can collect four cubic metres of water in March and 35 cubic metres of water in August. "The quality of rainwater is better than what the government provides via pipelines. Even so, air pollution and the surface of catchment areas and collection tanks also matter," he said.
Noted environmentalist and executive director at Clean Energy Nepal, Bhushan Tuladhar, said air pollution also can affect the water quality, but rainwater itself can work as a flush so the rainwater collected after an hour or so is absolutely clean. So far as acid rain and its impact on rainwater harvesting is concerned, Tuladhar said the possibility of chemical pollutants in rainwater cannot be ruled out, but it is not hazardousn Kathmandu valley.
---
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?
filename=aFanata0sa3qzpea1Ra4ta.axamal&folder=aHaoamW&Name=Home&dtSite
Date=20050320
Friday, May 13, 2005
Valley environment turning better
Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, May 12:
Residents of Kathmandu Valley, rejoice! The air pollution in the valley is literally decreasing, according to reports. Increasing
environmental awareness has wrought this pleasant change.
The government's weekly report states that the air quality of the valley is getting better, with fewer amounts of dust particles.
At the beginning of the year, air pollution level crossed more than 600 micrograms of particulate matter smaller than 10 micrograms per
cubic metre in January. But, last week's report has recorded 294 micrograms as the highest mark.
Nepal's ambient air quality standard is 120 micrograms per cubic metres. Kathmandu Valley has six monitoring stations � Putali Sadak,
Matsya Gaon, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, Thamel and Patan Hospital � which continuously record and analyse the data.
In the first week of January, Patan recorded 579, which fell to 191 in the first week of May. Similarly, Thamel's 481 climbed down to 76,
Bhaktapur's 287 to 87, Kirtipur's 318 to 55, Matysgaon's 120 to 33. And Pultali Sadak, that recorded 633 in January now provides no data but the last available, that of March, states it recorded 207
micrograms. Robin Man Shrestha, chief of Urban Environment Section, said the positive change was a result of people's awareness about the
environment and hazards to it. "We are doing OK. But a lot still has to be done to make Kathmandu really pollution-free," he said.
Bhushan Tuladhar, executive director, Clean Energy Nepal, said on an average the air ollution had decreased by 6 per cent but there was still scant reason
to be happy with the reports of the air quality monitoring.
"The air quality is improving, but we need to acsertain that the Valley conditions are free from danger before concluding that
anti-pollution drives are bearing fruit."
Tuladhar conceded that the fact that the air quality of Bhaktapur had improved by 15 per cent. "The main reason for this is the removal of
old-style brick kilns.
It demonstrates that a minor decision of the government on account of public pressure has made a dramatic difference.
Kathmandu, May 12:
Residents of Kathmandu Valley, rejoice! The air pollution in the valley is literally decreasing, according to reports. Increasing
environmental awareness has wrought this pleasant change.
The government's weekly report states that the air quality of the valley is getting better, with fewer amounts of dust particles.
At the beginning of the year, air pollution level crossed more than 600 micrograms of particulate matter smaller than 10 micrograms per
cubic metre in January. But, last week's report has recorded 294 micrograms as the highest mark.
Nepal's ambient air quality standard is 120 micrograms per cubic metres. Kathmandu Valley has six monitoring stations � Putali Sadak,
Matsya Gaon, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, Thamel and Patan Hospital � which continuously record and analyse the data.
In the first week of January, Patan recorded 579, which fell to 191 in the first week of May. Similarly, Thamel's 481 climbed down to 76,
Bhaktapur's 287 to 87, Kirtipur's 318 to 55, Matysgaon's 120 to 33. And Pultali Sadak, that recorded 633 in January now provides no data but the last available, that of March, states it recorded 207
micrograms. Robin Man Shrestha, chief of Urban Environment Section, said the positive change was a result of people's awareness about the
environment and hazards to it. "We are doing OK. But a lot still has to be done to make Kathmandu really pollution-free," he said.
Bhushan Tuladhar, executive director, Clean Energy Nepal, said on an average the air ollution had decreased by 6 per cent but there was still scant reason
to be happy with the reports of the air quality monitoring.
"The air quality is improving, but we need to acsertain that the Valley conditions are free from danger before concluding that
anti-pollution drives are bearing fruit."
Tuladhar conceded that the fact that the air quality of Bhaktapur had improved by 15 per cent. "The main reason for this is the removal of
old-style brick kilns.
It demonstrates that a minor decision of the government on account of public pressure has made a dramatic difference.
Valley environment turning better
Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, May 12[2005]:
Residents of Kathmandu Valley, rejoice! The air pollution in the valley is literally decreasing, according to reports. Increasing environmental awareness has wrought this pleasant change.
The government’s weekly report states that the air quality of the valley is getting
better, with fewer amounts of dust particles.
At the beginning of the year, air pollution level crossed more than 600 micrograms of particulate matter smaller than 10 micrograms per cubic metre in January. But, last week’s report has recorded 294 micrograms as the highest mark.
Nepal’s ambient air quality standard is 120 micrograms per cubic metres. Kathmandu Valley has six monitoring stations — Putali Sadak, Matsya Gaon, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, Thamel and Patan Hospital — which continuously record and analyse the data.
In the first week of January, Patan recorded 579, which fell to 191 in the first week of May. Similarly, Thamel’s 481 climbed down to 76, Bhaktapur’s 287 to 87, Kirtipur’s 318 to 55, Matysgaon’s 120 to 33. And Pultali Sadak, that recorded 633 in January now provides no data but the last available, that of March, states it recorded 207 micrograms. Robin Man Shrestha, chief of Urban Environment Section, said the positive change was a result of people’s awareness about the environment and hazards to it. “We are doing OK. But a lot still has to be done to make Kathmandu really pollution-free,” he said.
Bhushan Tuladhar, executive director, Clean Energy Nepal, said on an average the air
pollution had decreased by 6 per cent but there was still scant reason to be happy with the reports of the air quality monitoring.
“The air quality is improving, but we need to acsertain that the Valley conditions are free from danger before concluding that anti-pollution drives are bearing fruit.”
Tuladhar conceded that the fact that the air quality of Bhaktapur had improved by 15 per cent. “The main reason for this is the removal of old-style brick kilns.
It demonstrates that a minor decision of the government on account of public pressure has made a dramatic difference.
Kathmandu, May 12[2005]:
Residents of Kathmandu Valley, rejoice! The air pollution in the valley is literally decreasing, according to reports. Increasing environmental awareness has wrought this pleasant change.
The government’s weekly report states that the air quality of the valley is getting
better, with fewer amounts of dust particles.
At the beginning of the year, air pollution level crossed more than 600 micrograms of particulate matter smaller than 10 micrograms per cubic metre in January. But, last week’s report has recorded 294 micrograms as the highest mark.
Nepal’s ambient air quality standard is 120 micrograms per cubic metres. Kathmandu Valley has six monitoring stations — Putali Sadak, Matsya Gaon, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, Thamel and Patan Hospital — which continuously record and analyse the data.
In the first week of January, Patan recorded 579, which fell to 191 in the first week of May. Similarly, Thamel’s 481 climbed down to 76, Bhaktapur’s 287 to 87, Kirtipur’s 318 to 55, Matysgaon’s 120 to 33. And Pultali Sadak, that recorded 633 in January now provides no data but the last available, that of March, states it recorded 207 micrograms. Robin Man Shrestha, chief of Urban Environment Section, said the positive change was a result of people’s awareness about the environment and hazards to it. “We are doing OK. But a lot still has to be done to make Kathmandu really pollution-free,” he said.
Bhushan Tuladhar, executive director, Clean Energy Nepal, said on an average the air
pollution had decreased by 6 per cent but there was still scant reason to be happy with the reports of the air quality monitoring.
“The air quality is improving, but we need to acsertain that the Valley conditions are free from danger before concluding that anti-pollution drives are bearing fruit.”
Tuladhar conceded that the fact that the air quality of Bhaktapur had improved by 15 per cent. “The main reason for this is the removal of old-style brick kilns.
It demonstrates that a minor decision of the government on account of public pressure has made a dramatic difference.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Painting seminar and electric vehicles
I went to Shechen Gomba today morning to participate in the regional workshop on thanka painiting.
The gomba was marvellous. I wonder how on earth they get money to construct such gombas? I envy. Newar culture lies on books and living culture you can find in Tibetan miimgrants...
I saw Francis Child, the chief of UNESCO Asia Pacific region. He is not changed at all. I don't know about myself.
Then I went to Hyatt regency to participate in launcing of four electric buses. It was nice idea but it will again have to face adminsitration problem. I wonder when will anybody come in the government who really cares environment of Kathmandu Vally. Everybody knows, they do not want to encourage electric vehicles because they are heavily bribed by the diesel or petrol vehicle dealers. Shame !!!
I was with Min and Pushkar. Puskhar was tell me that it was a tragic event that the governmebnt forcefully acquired the people's land in the name of making a village for poor people but it eventually turned into a grand hotel. Yea, those who do wrong in life will have to face the reult in the same life. The infamouse Angur Baba Joshi is suffereing from a hell.
Enough?
The gomba was marvellous. I wonder how on earth they get money to construct such gombas? I envy. Newar culture lies on books and living culture you can find in Tibetan miimgrants...
I saw Francis Child, the chief of UNESCO Asia Pacific region. He is not changed at all. I don't know about myself.
Then I went to Hyatt regency to participate in launcing of four electric buses. It was nice idea but it will again have to face adminsitration problem. I wonder when will anybody come in the government who really cares environment of Kathmandu Vally. Everybody knows, they do not want to encourage electric vehicles because they are heavily bribed by the diesel or petrol vehicle dealers. Shame !!!
I was with Min and Pushkar. Puskhar was tell me that it was a tragic event that the governmebnt forcefully acquired the people's land in the name of making a village for poor people but it eventually turned into a grand hotel. Yea, those who do wrong in life will have to face the reult in the same life. The infamouse Angur Baba Joshi is suffereing from a hell.
Enough?
Sunday, April 24, 2005
It's really nice to be felicitated
Yesterday, Kathmandu Metropolitan City felicitated me as an Environment reporter. That was nice. But I missed the chance as I arrived late. Actually, I did not know that I would be given me that honour.
Wonderful, isn't it?
Wonderful, isn't it?
Monday, April 18, 2005
Renkontig'o kaj nova jaro
Karaj,
Unue mi volas respondi al Natalie:
Mi tute ne estas "lerta" raportisto. Kontraue, mi trovas iu tiu ne kontenta kiam ajn mi raportas. Antaue mi preskau regule rapoartis pri E kunvenoj en Nespa por "nepalesperanto". Sed kiam alvers'ig'is kritiko (sen kiale !) ke mi malbone raportas (au mi ne rajtas raporti, mi c'esis).
Tamen, por vi mi volas iomete skribi pri la renkontig'o. Jam pasis pli ol unu monato kaj tiam mi ankau ne blogis. Do mal facila renovigi la memoron. Iel, la renkontig'o mem estis akcidento c'ar tio devis esti "kongreso" sed pro la prokrasto de KAEM, g'i malgrandig'is kaj oni nomis g'in renkontig'o. Kvankam oficiala prokrasto, alveno de geesperantistoj de diversaj landoj atestas ke multaj homoj amas Nepalon kaj volas iel subteni Nepalan movadon. Unu venis defiante proteston de siaj familianoj kaj alia ankau havis timeton en siaj koroj ke povas esti problemo en Nepalo. La oragnizo de la reknontig'o ig'is tiel ekzameno por eksterlandanoj c'u oni vere timas Nepalon au ne. Kaj la partopreno de pli ol 20 eksterlandanoj estis la repondo ke ne.
La programo dum kvar tagoj kaj post-kongresa parto ankau estis pli turisma ol Esperanta. Mi ne povas kompreni c'u "kongreso" au "renkontig'o" estas turisma afero au Esperanto-afero. Mi unue volas ke iu klarigu min kiom da pro cento de turismo estas tolerebla dum E-okazoj.
Kaj, pli ol c'io, la gradega profito de la "renkontig'o" estis ke Nepalaj geesperanstistoj trovis tre bonajn, agrablajn, inteligentajn geamikojn, dank' al la "renkontig'o". Mi ne scias kiom da Nepalanoj sukcesis praktiki Esperanton kun la eksterlandanoj (c'ar mi vidis ke inter ili, la Nepalanoj c'iam krokodilis) sed la partoprenantoj bone montris al ni kio vere Esperanto estas.
Mi opinias ke oranizo de "renkontig'o" pli multe valoras ol elspezi monon (de iu ajn au' io ajn) je partoprenigo de Nepalanoj al UK au IJK. Mi jam renkontis tiujn Nepalanojn kiuj antaue partoprenis en UK pere de la fonduso kaj iliaj alig'o al Esperanto-movado en siaj postaj vivoj. La mono, lau mi, falis en rivero.
Do, mi nun volas iomete skribi pri la "nova jaro".
Nepalanoj estas bonsanc'aj ke ili celebras novan jaron tri foje en 365 tagoj.
En decembro venas nova jaro lau la gregora au Europa kalendaro. Preskau c'iuj urbanoj celebras g'in c'ar ili scias ke estas internacia kaj havas ian tian rilaton kun eksterlandanoj. Kaj, c'ar Katmando estas turisma loko, venas multaj turistoj por celebri g'in en Katmando. Do, Nepalanoj akompanas ilin.
En Aprilo venas nova jaro lau la "registara" kalendaro kiu nomig'as "Vikram Ero" . G'i estas oficiala kalendaro ekde pasintaj 80 jaroj. Tiama c'efministro anstatauis la historian kalendaron per g'i c'ar li pensis le la historia kalendaro estis kreita de Nevaroj kiuj estis indig'enoj de Katmando (do tiam Nepalo) kiuj li ege mals'atas. Oni dire estis kreita en Bharato antau 2062 jaroj.
En Novembero venas nova jaro la "kultura" kalendaro kiu nomig'as "Nepal Ero". Eble Nepalo estas la sola lando en la mondo kiu havas sian propran kalendaron kaj estas uzatas je kulturaj aferoj kaj g'is antau 80 jaroj ankau estis nia oficiala kalendaro. Gin iu bonkora homo komencis antau 1135 jaroj kaj estas la plej grava ilo por studi la historion de Katmando Valo de la periode g'is la jaro 880 lau Europa kalendaro. Nun, nur Nevaroj celebras g'in kaj aliaj ofte diras ke "Nepal Ero" estas nur Nevara kalendaro....
Pli ol tio, Budhistoj celebras Budhistan calendaron. Pri kio ne niu volas paroli en tiu c'i Hindua lando. Do lasu min silenti hodiau....
Unue mi volas respondi al Natalie:
Mi tute ne estas "lerta" raportisto. Kontraue, mi trovas iu tiu ne kontenta kiam ajn mi raportas. Antaue mi preskau regule rapoartis pri E kunvenoj en Nespa por "nepalesperanto". Sed kiam alvers'ig'is kritiko (sen kiale !) ke mi malbone raportas (au mi ne rajtas raporti, mi c'esis).
Tamen, por vi mi volas iomete skribi pri la renkontig'o. Jam pasis pli ol unu monato kaj tiam mi ankau ne blogis. Do mal facila renovigi la memoron. Iel, la renkontig'o mem estis akcidento c'ar tio devis esti "kongreso" sed pro la prokrasto de KAEM, g'i malgrandig'is kaj oni nomis g'in renkontig'o. Kvankam oficiala prokrasto, alveno de geesperantistoj de diversaj landoj atestas ke multaj homoj amas Nepalon kaj volas iel subteni Nepalan movadon. Unu venis defiante proteston de siaj familianoj kaj alia ankau havis timeton en siaj koroj ke povas esti problemo en Nepalo. La oragnizo de la reknontig'o ig'is tiel ekzameno por eksterlandanoj c'u oni vere timas Nepalon au ne. Kaj la partopreno de pli ol 20 eksterlandanoj estis la repondo ke ne.
La programo dum kvar tagoj kaj post-kongresa parto ankau estis pli turisma ol Esperanta. Mi ne povas kompreni c'u "kongreso" au "renkontig'o" estas turisma afero au Esperanto-afero. Mi unue volas ke iu klarigu min kiom da pro cento de turismo estas tolerebla dum E-okazoj.
Kaj, pli ol c'io, la gradega profito de la "renkontig'o" estis ke Nepalaj geesperanstistoj trovis tre bonajn, agrablajn, inteligentajn geamikojn, dank' al la "renkontig'o". Mi ne scias kiom da Nepalanoj sukcesis praktiki Esperanton kun la eksterlandanoj (c'ar mi vidis ke inter ili, la Nepalanoj c'iam krokodilis) sed la partoprenantoj bone montris al ni kio vere Esperanto estas.
Mi opinias ke oranizo de "renkontig'o" pli multe valoras ol elspezi monon (de iu ajn au' io ajn) je partoprenigo de Nepalanoj al UK au IJK. Mi jam renkontis tiujn Nepalanojn kiuj antaue partoprenis en UK pere de la fonduso kaj iliaj alig'o al Esperanto-movado en siaj postaj vivoj. La mono, lau mi, falis en rivero.
Do, mi nun volas iomete skribi pri la "nova jaro".
Nepalanoj estas bonsanc'aj ke ili celebras novan jaron tri foje en 365 tagoj.
En decembro venas nova jaro lau la gregora au Europa kalendaro. Preskau c'iuj urbanoj celebras g'in c'ar ili scias ke estas internacia kaj havas ian tian rilaton kun eksterlandanoj. Kaj, c'ar Katmando estas turisma loko, venas multaj turistoj por celebri g'in en Katmando. Do, Nepalanoj akompanas ilin.
En Aprilo venas nova jaro lau la "registara" kalendaro kiu nomig'as "Vikram Ero" . G'i estas oficiala kalendaro ekde pasintaj 80 jaroj. Tiama c'efministro anstatauis la historian kalendaron per g'i c'ar li pensis le la historia kalendaro estis kreita de Nevaroj kiuj estis indig'enoj de Katmando (do tiam Nepalo) kiuj li ege mals'atas. Oni dire estis kreita en Bharato antau 2062 jaroj.
En Novembero venas nova jaro la "kultura" kalendaro kiu nomig'as "Nepal Ero". Eble Nepalo estas la sola lando en la mondo kiu havas sian propran kalendaron kaj estas uzatas je kulturaj aferoj kaj g'is antau 80 jaroj ankau estis nia oficiala kalendaro. Gin iu bonkora homo komencis antau 1135 jaroj kaj estas la plej grava ilo por studi la historion de Katmando Valo de la periode g'is la jaro 880 lau Europa kalendaro. Nun, nur Nevaroj celebras g'in kaj aliaj ofte diras ke "Nepal Ero" estas nur Nevara kalendaro....
Pli ol tio, Budhistoj celebras Budhistan calendaron. Pri kio ne niu volas paroli en tiu c'i Hindua lando. Do lasu min silenti hodiau....
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Dharahara park being built despite SC fiat
Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, December 12:
The re-construction of the historic site of Dharahara-Sundhara for commercial purposes, which halted after a Supreme Court verdict, has
resumed.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City leased the 172-year-old site -- the tallest tower and the deepest waterspout in the country -- to a fresh
company called Side Walkers Traders Pvt. Ltd (SWT) for 20 years without inviting tenders. The contract, signed on May 13 by then
mayor Keshav Sthapit and promoter of SWT Sanjib Tuladhar, has left six spaces blank for witnesses' signatures.
The SWT will pay Rs 60,000 per month to KMC for using the spout and the tower, both constructed around 1832 AD, and over five ropani of
open space for commercial purposes.
The KMC had made similar contract with the SWT in June 11, 1998 to lease the area, but the Supreme Court on March 7 last year ordered a
stop to it after lengthy legal action and counter-action, saying that the KMC had no authority to do that. But, KMC again made new contract
with the same party seven months ago. The contract states that SWT would construct a series of shops along the wall and also construct a
garden, souvenir shop, flower shop, communication centre and a restaurant with a pubic toilet, including installing a statue of
Bhimsen Thapa. It will also hold the right to charge people a fee for observing the historic tower. In addition, if SWT gets embroiled in
any legal action again, KMC will compensate it.
Even the concerned department of KMC is ignorant of the "secret" contract. An official at Environment Department of KMC said he only
recently heard about the ongoing construction work. "I never heard about such a contract, though it happens to fall in my department. I
think it is too big an issue for me to talk about. I am surprised," the official said.
The contract paper claims: "The issue was repeatedly discussed in the KMC board and passed". A board member said he had never heard of the
matter in any of the board meetings. Ex-chairman of ward 22 Manik Ratna Sthapit said the issue was never discussed in the boards,
adding that he had refused to toe the line when the ex-mayor asked him to sign on the contract as a witness.
Gautam Dangol, general secretary of local Sankata Sports Club, said that the contract was a clear example of corruption at the top
political levels. "How can anyone so blatantly flout the SC verdict? I asked the ward 22 office about the construction but the office
secretary replied the office has no information about it," he said.
Dangol added the locals are committed to stop the construction at any cost.
The promoter of SWT, Sanjib Tuladhar, could not be reached for comments.
Advocate Bijaya Kumar Basnet said he would file a writ in the SC soon, adding the contract between the ex-mayor and Tuladhar violated
the rights provided by law to the KMC.
---
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?
filename=aFanata0sa2qzpda6Va0ra.axamal&folder=aHaoamW&Name=Home&dtSite
Date=20041213
Kathmandu, December 12:
The re-construction of the historic site of Dharahara-Sundhara for commercial purposes, which halted after a Supreme Court verdict, has
resumed.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City leased the 172-year-old site -- the tallest tower and the deepest waterspout in the country -- to a fresh
company called Side Walkers Traders Pvt. Ltd (SWT) for 20 years without inviting tenders. The contract, signed on May 13 by then
mayor Keshav Sthapit and promoter of SWT Sanjib Tuladhar, has left six spaces blank for witnesses' signatures.
The SWT will pay Rs 60,000 per month to KMC for using the spout and the tower, both constructed around 1832 AD, and over five ropani of
open space for commercial purposes.
The KMC had made similar contract with the SWT in June 11, 1998 to lease the area, but the Supreme Court on March 7 last year ordered a
stop to it after lengthy legal action and counter-action, saying that the KMC had no authority to do that. But, KMC again made new contract
with the same party seven months ago. The contract states that SWT would construct a series of shops along the wall and also construct a
garden, souvenir shop, flower shop, communication centre and a restaurant with a pubic toilet, including installing a statue of
Bhimsen Thapa. It will also hold the right to charge people a fee for observing the historic tower. In addition, if SWT gets embroiled in
any legal action again, KMC will compensate it.
Even the concerned department of KMC is ignorant of the "secret" contract. An official at Environment Department of KMC said he only
recently heard about the ongoing construction work. "I never heard about such a contract, though it happens to fall in my department. I
think it is too big an issue for me to talk about. I am surprised," the official said.
The contract paper claims: "The issue was repeatedly discussed in the KMC board and passed". A board member said he had never heard of the
matter in any of the board meetings. Ex-chairman of ward 22 Manik Ratna Sthapit said the issue was never discussed in the boards,
adding that he had refused to toe the line when the ex-mayor asked him to sign on the contract as a witness.
Gautam Dangol, general secretary of local Sankata Sports Club, said that the contract was a clear example of corruption at the top
political levels. "How can anyone so blatantly flout the SC verdict? I asked the ward 22 office about the construction but the office
secretary replied the office has no information about it," he said.
Dangol added the locals are committed to stop the construction at any cost.
The promoter of SWT, Sanjib Tuladhar, could not be reached for comments.
Advocate Bijaya Kumar Basnet said he would file a writ in the SC soon, adding the contract between the ex-mayor and Tuladhar violated
the rights provided by law to the KMC.
---
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?
filename=aFanata0sa2qzpda6Va0ra.axamal&folder=aHaoamW&Name=Home&dtSite
Date=20041213
Monday, November 29, 2004
Lumbini jamboree all set to kick off
Razen Manandhar
Lumbini, November 29:
Preparations for the much-hyped Second World Buddhist Summit are complete, the organisers said today.
The over 2500 years old shrine has been selected as the venue for the international gathering of eads of states, political leaders, diplomats and religious leaders.
Hotels in Butwal, Bhairahawa and Lumbini bazaar as well as monasteries are all packed with delegates, observers and journalists.
Many are yet to find bedding space. A minor bomb blast, not far away from Lumbini, sent a ripple of fear among participants but they are committed to see the gathering to a successful ending.
"We are ready to welcome the distinguished guests," said host Deep Kumar Upadhyaya, the minister for culture, tourism and civil aviation. Organisers said that the two-day Rupandehi bandh,imposed by the Moist would not affect the gathering. Three working papers -- Indispensability of peace in the present world context, Lumbini's development and international cooperation, and developing Lumbini as a world peace city � will be presented during the three-day event.
Meanwhile, the local administration has picked up some 100 buses of the Western Nepal Bus Entrepreneurs' Association (WNBEA) and Siddhartha Transporters' Committee (STC) to be used during the Summit. The WNBEA and STC said force was used to vacate many vehicles carrying passengers and bringing others from the owners' houses.
Lumbini, November 29:
Preparations for the much-hyped Second World Buddhist Summit are complete, the organisers said today.
The over 2500 years old shrine has been selected as the venue for the international gathering of eads of states, political leaders, diplomats and religious leaders.
Hotels in Butwal, Bhairahawa and Lumbini bazaar as well as monasteries are all packed with delegates, observers and journalists.
Many are yet to find bedding space. A minor bomb blast, not far away from Lumbini, sent a ripple of fear among participants but they are committed to see the gathering to a successful ending.
"We are ready to welcome the distinguished guests," said host Deep Kumar Upadhyaya, the minister for culture, tourism and civil aviation. Organisers said that the two-day Rupandehi bandh,imposed by the Moist would not affect the gathering. Three working papers -- Indispensability of peace in the present world context, Lumbini's development and international cooperation, and developing Lumbini as a world peace city � will be presented during the three-day event.
Meanwhile, the local administration has picked up some 100 buses of the Western Nepal Bus Entrepreneurs' Association (WNBEA) and Siddhartha Transporters' Committee (STC) to be used during the Summit. The WNBEA and STC said force was used to vacate many vehicles carrying passengers and bringing others from the owners' houses.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Litterbug NGO plays havoc on people
Razen Manandhar
Lalitpur, November 7(2004):
A group of social workers in Sanepa has made up its mind to keep its "VIP area" clean, but at the cost of other people�s cleanliness.
A local non-government organisation, Women�s Initiative for Environment and Development (WEID), has been collecting garbage from around its neighbourhood and the drive has been successful so far. It is, however, dumping the litter by the roadside in Gusingal, next to an old pati, every morning.
A board near the WEID office reads: �Don�t litter here,� and the area looks clean and fresh. Each of the around 300 households in Sanepa, Ward No 2 of the Lalitpur Sub-metropolitan City, pays Rs 50 a month to the NGO to have their garbage collected every day.
Locals of Gusingal have been fighting with rickshaw-pullers who dump the garbage, but in vain. �We failed to stop them from dumping the waste. Moreover, as there isn�t unity among us locals, our protest against the NGO was futile,� a local resident said. '
The Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City has placed a container at the spot, but the WEID rickshaws simply litter the ground as the container is too small to take in all the waste. Rag pickers, too, spread the garbage all over the road. Kamal KC, chairperson of WEID, said they have been dumping the garbage at Gusingal to keep the Sanepa area clean. �This is a VIP area and we have to keep it clean,� she said.
When asked what would happen to locals of Gusingal, she admitted that they haven�t been able to manage the garbage properly due to lack of funds. �We have plans of organising awareness programmes, composting and reusing the waste, but we have to dump it there for the time being due to flaws in our organisation,� KC admitted.
She further said that the LSC had not been cooperating with the WEID in managing the garbage. The NGO pays around Rs 3,000 annually to the LSC for a container at Gusingal, but the LSC does not regularly keep the container there. KC further admitted that they have not paid the LSC for a long time now.
Lalitpur, November 7(2004):
A group of social workers in Sanepa has made up its mind to keep its "VIP area" clean, but at the cost of other people�s cleanliness.
A local non-government organisation, Women�s Initiative for Environment and Development (WEID), has been collecting garbage from around its neighbourhood and the drive has been successful so far. It is, however, dumping the litter by the roadside in Gusingal, next to an old pati, every morning.
A board near the WEID office reads: �Don�t litter here,� and the area looks clean and fresh. Each of the around 300 households in Sanepa, Ward No 2 of the Lalitpur Sub-metropolitan City, pays Rs 50 a month to the NGO to have their garbage collected every day.
Locals of Gusingal have been fighting with rickshaw-pullers who dump the garbage, but in vain. �We failed to stop them from dumping the waste. Moreover, as there isn�t unity among us locals, our protest against the NGO was futile,� a local resident said. '
The Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City has placed a container at the spot, but the WEID rickshaws simply litter the ground as the container is too small to take in all the waste. Rag pickers, too, spread the garbage all over the road. Kamal KC, chairperson of WEID, said they have been dumping the garbage at Gusingal to keep the Sanepa area clean. �This is a VIP area and we have to keep it clean,� she said.
When asked what would happen to locals of Gusingal, she admitted that they haven�t been able to manage the garbage properly due to lack of funds. �We have plans of organising awareness programmes, composting and reusing the waste, but we have to dump it there for the time being due to flaws in our organisation,� KC admitted.
She further said that the LSC had not been cooperating with the WEID in managing the garbage. The NGO pays around Rs 3,000 annually to the LSC for a container at Gusingal, but the LSC does not regularly keep the container there. KC further admitted that they have not paid the LSC for a long time now.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Valley stone spouts bear brunt of neglect
Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, October 25 (2004):
Ancient stone spouts in Kathmandu Valley, so useful in the dry season, are in a sorry state for lack of conservation. Negligence apart, some spouts have even turned into private property because of the collusion by government bodies.
There are over 225 stone spouts in Kathmandu alone. Similarly, there are 77 in Bhaktapur, 61 in Thimi, 53 in Patan, and 12 in Kirtipur excluding others in less populated areas. Most were constructed during the Lichhavi and Malla periods, between the 7th to 17th
centuries.
Sundhara, the biggest of all spouts, is lying dry and useless after a government institution disturbed its pipelines by digging the land behind it to construct a business complex a decade ago.
Yangal Hiti, a Lichhavi era spout, is now the personal property of some local aristocrats. The stone spout at Hadigaon, constructed in the 7th century, stopped working after a concrete building was constructed beside it.
Bhotahiti and Thahiti have remained merely the name of the places because no spout is there now although the names suggest so.
Some of the non-existant or completely destroyed stone spouts are at Dirnarayan Marga, Santi Marga Naxal, Hatisar Sadak, Tindhara Durbar Marga, Nachgahar Jamal, Bhotahiti and Bagh Bazar near Nepal Electricity Authority, a recent study has revealed.
Prakash Chandra Amatya, secretary general of the NGO Forum for Urban Water and Sanitation, said even small attempts to conserve these spouts could be a great relief to the denizens of the Valley in the dry season from November to June as the government's distribution of piped water falls short.
"Apart from their cultural significance, the spouts provide us an abundant quantity of non-stop water. Local efforts to conserve water resources and manage the output can end the shortage," he said.
Now and then, Kathmandu Metropolitan City toots its horn about its commitment to conserve cultural heritage but it has done precious little to conserve these spouts.
Narendra Raj Shrestha, chief of KMC's heritage conservation department said one or two spouts are being conserved after pressure from locals but as such there is no enunciated policy under any work plan to conserve these sources of water.
"It is obviously the duty of KMC. But I don't think we have resources. His Majesty's government should also support us in conservation projects," Shrestha admitted.
Kathmandu, October 25 (2004):
Ancient stone spouts in Kathmandu Valley, so useful in the dry season, are in a sorry state for lack of conservation. Negligence apart, some spouts have even turned into private property because of the collusion by government bodies.
There are over 225 stone spouts in Kathmandu alone. Similarly, there are 77 in Bhaktapur, 61 in Thimi, 53 in Patan, and 12 in Kirtipur excluding others in less populated areas. Most were constructed during the Lichhavi and Malla periods, between the 7th to 17th
centuries.
Sundhara, the biggest of all spouts, is lying dry and useless after a government institution disturbed its pipelines by digging the land behind it to construct a business complex a decade ago.
Yangal Hiti, a Lichhavi era spout, is now the personal property of some local aristocrats. The stone spout at Hadigaon, constructed in the 7th century, stopped working after a concrete building was constructed beside it.
Bhotahiti and Thahiti have remained merely the name of the places because no spout is there now although the names suggest so.
Some of the non-existant or completely destroyed stone spouts are at Dirnarayan Marga, Santi Marga Naxal, Hatisar Sadak, Tindhara Durbar Marga, Nachgahar Jamal, Bhotahiti and Bagh Bazar near Nepal Electricity Authority, a recent study has revealed.
Prakash Chandra Amatya, secretary general of the NGO Forum for Urban Water and Sanitation, said even small attempts to conserve these spouts could be a great relief to the denizens of the Valley in the dry season from November to June as the government's distribution of piped water falls short.
"Apart from their cultural significance, the spouts provide us an abundant quantity of non-stop water. Local efforts to conserve water resources and manage the output can end the shortage," he said.
Now and then, Kathmandu Metropolitan City toots its horn about its commitment to conserve cultural heritage but it has done precious little to conserve these spouts.
Narendra Raj Shrestha, chief of KMC's heritage conservation department said one or two spouts are being conserved after pressure from locals but as such there is no enunciated policy under any work plan to conserve these sources of water.
"It is obviously the duty of KMC. But I don't think we have resources. His Majesty's government should also support us in conservation projects," Shrestha admitted.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
Duped whammy: Torture follows trickery
Razen Manandhar
Kathmandu, September 25:
A man, whose two sons are with an NGO, Mukti Nepal, was accused of being a Maoist and had to face mental and physical torture when he went to meet his kids.
In December, NGO Mukti Nepal took Pawan Karki (6) and Pravesh Karki (4), sons of a low-income labourer, Mitra Bahadur Thapa, a resident of Jorpati, assuring him that his kids would get free education up to Grade 10 and may get a chance to study aboard if he agreed to present the children as orphans. Since then Thapa was not allowed to see his sons, neither was he informed about their whereabouts.
However, on Wednesday, he decided to visit Mukti Nepal office at Balaju with three sympathisers from CWIN and other organisations. But he was not only denied to meet the children but was accused of being armed Maoist.
He was then handed over to Royal Nepalese Army, who blindfolded him for over 24 hours and grilled him to ascertain the NGO's claim. When nothing incriminating was found, the RNA released him and he was sent to Balaju Police Post. From there, the three who had accompanied him to Mukti Nepal office took him to Kathmandu Chief Administration Office.
He apprised the Chief District Officer of his ordeal and pleaded that he be united with his sons.
CDO Baman Prasad Upadhyaya coordinated with the police leading to the detention of Mukti Nepal activists, Goma Luitel and Dipa Sharma, last nigh. They were, however, later released on the condition that they would return the children to Thapa as soon as possible. Though the younger child is with the NGO, the elder boy has been sent to Spain.
Thapa, who hails from Sankhuwasabha district, told The Himalayan Times that when he went to Mukti Nepal office Goma Luitel called a man, who claimed to be a security personnel.
"He threatened us and sent others who were with me home. I was beaten up and handed over to army, who blindfolded me and took me to an undisclosed place," said Thapa.
In fact, it was Goma and Dipa who handed over Thapa to the army, claiming that four armed Maoists entered her office with threats. She told the RNA that while three escaped, Thapa was apprehended.
---
http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?
filename=aFanata0sa2qzpda1Qa7sa.axamal&folder=aHaoamW&Name=Home&dtSite
Date=20040926
Kathmandu, September 25:
A man, whose two sons are with an NGO, Mukti Nepal, was accused of being a Maoist and had to face mental and physical torture when he went to meet his kids.
In December, NGO Mukti Nepal took Pawan Karki (6) and Pravesh Karki (4), sons of a low-income labourer, Mitra Bahadur Thapa, a resident of Jorpati, assuring him that his kids would get free education up to Grade 10 and may get a chance to study aboard if he agreed to present the children as orphans. Since then Thapa was not allowed to see his sons, neither was he informed about their whereabouts.
However, on Wednesday, he decided to visit Mukti Nepal office at Balaju with three sympathisers from CWIN and other organisations. But he was not only denied to meet the children but was accused of being armed Maoist.
He was then handed over to Royal Nepalese Army, who blindfolded him for over 24 hours and grilled him to ascertain the NGO's claim. When nothing incriminating was found, the RNA released him and he was sent to Balaju Police Post. From there, the three who had accompanied him to Mukti Nepal office took him to Kathmandu Chief Administration Office.
He apprised the Chief District Officer of his ordeal and pleaded that he be united with his sons.
CDO Baman Prasad Upadhyaya coordinated with the police leading to the detention of Mukti Nepal activists, Goma Luitel and Dipa Sharma, last nigh. They were, however, later released on the condition that they would return the children to Thapa as soon as possible. Though the younger child is with the NGO, the elder boy has been sent to Spain.
Thapa, who hails from Sankhuwasabha district, told The Himalayan Times that when he went to Mukti Nepal office Goma Luitel called a man, who claimed to be a security personnel.
"He threatened us and sent others who were with me home. I was beaten up and handed over to army, who blindfolded me and took me to an undisclosed place," said Thapa.
In fact, it was Goma and Dipa who handed over Thapa to the army, claiming that four armed Maoists entered her office with threats. She told the RNA that while three escaped, Thapa was apprehended.
---
http://thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?
filename=aFanata0sa2qzpda1Qa7sa.axamal&folder=aHaoamW&Name=Home&dtSite
Date=20040926
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)