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 return of the unicorns is an account of what it takes to save endangered large mammals. The author outlines the multifaceted recovery program--structured around targeted fieldwork and scientific research, effective protective measures, habitat planning and management, public-awareness campaigns, economic incentives to promote local guardianship, and bold, uncompromising leadership--that brought …
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 …
Due to the water scarcity, the Nepal Drinking Water Supply Corporation (NDWSC) has scheduled a "load-shedding' for water supply in the taps of Kathmandu. Morning, afternoon and evening are scheduled for different areas to get their water supply. Every area has its turn once in two days, for about an …
THE Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NFEJ) is celebrating transmission of 250 episodes of Aankhijhyal, a programme on environmental, social and sustainable development concerns. Aankhijhyal is an impact-oriented investigative programme that has managed to gain an impressive audience in Nepal. Issues such timber smuggling, glacial lake outbursts and outbreak of …
Mount Everest is the world's tallest mountain and the world's highest garbage dump. A four-nation Asian team will clear the 8,850-metre high peak of mounds of oxygen cylinders, plastic, food cans, ropes and tents left behind by other climbers. The team will have 29 members belonging to Georgia, Japan, Korea …
Nepal has gifted a pair of rare rhinos to Japan as thanks for timely economic assistance rendered. The Himalayan kingdom is known among conservationists for its efforts to protect this creature. One of the rhinos, one-year-old Bikram, was found abandoned while the other, Narayani, is eight months old, and was …
The Nepal government is set to launch a new drug policy. This was revealed by minister of health Sarad Singh Bhandari. The policy would make the use of indigenous pharmaceutical products compulsory in the country. Bhandari said that the community drug scheme (CDS) would be started to promote the use …
The Sunsari-Morang irrigation project in Nepal has been mired in a corruption controversy. It is alleged that money granted for setting up the infrastructure of the project has been embezzled. Parliamentarian Lal Babu Pandit, representing constituency 3 of Morang district, has levelled these charges after seeing the poor quality of …
At a public hearing held recently in Pokhara in Nepal, experts pointed out several ways to save the Phewa lake from pollution. They also identified the major pollutants generated by hotels, tourists and lakeside inhabitants who were posing a threat to the waterbody. Studies have warned that the lake may …
The poor in Nepal appear to possess the Midas touch. Wherever the government has handed over control of degraded forestland to them under the leasehold forestry programme, the Himalayan country's ecology has staged a magical turnaround. In the process, the below poverty line (bpl) households have unfolded economic miracles also. …
