The World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report warns that the region is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, driving more extreme weather and posing serious threats to lives, ecosystems, and economies. In 2024, Asia experienced its warmest or second warmest year on …
The alarming rise in poaching in Nepal's national parks is threatening to derail the country's success in rhinoceros conservation. A total of 48 rhinos have died since April 2002, according to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). While most of the pachyderms fell prey to poachers, some …
nepal has finally disclosed details about the air quality of its capital city, Kathmandu. Not surprisingly, the facts are worrisome. They also have wider ramifications for Nepal, which is an important international tourist centre. The data shows that air in the valley is mainly polluted by two sources: the 1,50,000 …
A recent survey on the psychological health of Kathmandu residents highlights the deleterious impact of rapid urbanisation on the human mind. The study reveals that 30 per cent of the residents of Nepal's capital face psychological problems of some sort, which makes them resort to harmful activities such as alcohol …
Nepal plans to open the highest lake in the world for tourists from May 1. Tilicho lake, at 5119 metres above sea level, is also noted for its natural beauty and religious significance to local people. Other tourist spots that can now be visited include Rara lake and Khaptad National …
An average of 12 women die every day in Nepal due to complications arising from pregnancy. Most of these deaths occur due to lack of access to basic healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth and at the post-natal stage. These unpleasant facts came to light at a recent interactive programme organised by …
Rising pollution levels in Nepal's Kathmandu valley are a cause for concern. In a recent survey, tourists singled out air pollution as the most disturbing factor during their stay in the country. Specifically during the period between November and January, air pollution levels zoom in the region. During these winter …
A new bird species has been spotted in Nepal. The Moustached Warbler (Acrocephalus melanopogon) was recently sighted at the Shukla Phanta wildlife reserve in eastern Nepal. The latest find increases the total species of birds found in Nepal to 859. A team of ornithologists spotted three members of the species. …
Almost 60,000 villagers have fled the central and far western districts of Nepal due to the Maoist insurgency. While large numbers have headed for towns in the eastern regions of Nepal, many of them crossed the border through Rupeidha, Banbassa and Jhulaghat and landed up in India in search of …
With adequate safeguards in place, the threat of flood near Kapilvastu in Nepal has nearly dissipated. Over the past 10 months, a sum of Rs 75 lakh has been spent to shore up the damaged retaining walls and removal of excess sediments from Jagdishpur lake. This has enhanced the lake's …
Excessive pollution is threatening to put Nepal's picturesque Pokhara out of the tourist map. The panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayas from the valley is fast fading. Industrial and vehicular pollution is to be blamed for the deplorable scenario. "If this trend continues unchecked, the peripheral mountains will not be …
The district health office at Doti in Nepal has embarked upon a novel community medicine programme. It will be launched in 21 village development committees (VDCs) of the area. The scheme is meant to enable smooth and adequate supply of medicines in health institutions. Moreover, these medicines would be available …
Nepal is generating surplus hydroelectricity. And it doesn't have to look far for buyers. For, the northern states of neighbouring India are reeling under a power crunch. In view of this, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is drafting a plan to export its surplus hydropower to India. The recently completed 144-megawatt …
Distinctly different from the biotechnology policies of other nations, Nepal's newly drafted policy focuses on poverty alleviation. The policy would aim to enhance the quality of life of the Nepalese people in terms of agriculture, forestry, health and environment.
The Himalayan arc, 40% of which ruptured in the last two centuries, has witnessed half a dozen large to great earthquakes including the 1833 and 1934 Bihar
Driven by personal trauma, Kanak Mani Dixit, the editor of a Kathmandu-based magazine Himal, had launched a campaign against spinal injuries in April 2002. Then, on July 12, he undertook a 1,200-kilometre journey across three nations in a Volkswagen Beetle to raise funds for the cause. Dixit had met with …
The national flower of Nepal, rhododendron, is fast being pushed into oblivion. Thanks to unchecked clearance of bushes and butterfly larvae feeding on plants. In the past, rhododendron bushes were common in the northern belt of Jhapa district. However, they have become rare in this region. "Since these areas do …
In response to a writ petition, Nepal's supreme court has asked the government to keep the capital city of Kathmandu free of garbage. Recently, the court issued a directive to ensure healthy environment by introducing standards as laid down in the environment act and regulations. The writ pointed out that …
