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Senior correspondent for Annapurna Post, Mamata Thapa, was honored with the ‘Thaha Journalism Award 2081’ on the occasion of the 91st birth anniversary of Thaha philosophy pioneer Rupchandra Bista and Thaha Day. The award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 10,000, was presented at a ceremony held on Friday in Thaha Municipality, Makwanpur.

Thaha Municipality Mayor Bishnu Bahadur Bista presented the award to Thapa in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the field of journalism. The organizing team, Farak Soch, highlighted Thapa’s long-standing commitment to independent journalism, which has significantly contributed to the development of both Thaha Municipality and the broader journalism sector. The organizers stated that the Thaha Journalism Award acknowledges the role of journalism in upholding citizens’ right to information, aligning with the core values of the Thaha movement.

On the same occasion, elderly individuals who have contributed to various sectors within the municipality were honored. During the event, Mayor Bista emphasized the urgent need to tackle corruption for the transformation and prosperity of the nation. “To make the celebration of Rupchandra Bista's birth anniversary meaningful, we must eradicate corruption from its roots. Bista himself was a staunch opponent of corruption,” he said.

Mayor Bista also announced a budget allocation of Rs 500,000 to promote Thaha philosophy among younger generations. He stated that a committee would be formed to effectively disseminate and promote the principles of Thaha philosophy.

Nepal, especially Kathmandu, has been frequently flooded this year. Over 200 people died due to the flood in Kathmandu. The reason for the flood is considered “land encroachment,” and many people believe that the rivers are regaining their lost areas. But is it the only reason? Is the loss of 200 people the only destruction that this flood would cause?

Various studies show that plastic wastes in rivers in urban areas increase the risk of flooding as it blocks the flow of water. Rivers have been considered the major transporter of plastic wastes in the ocean that eventually damages the water ecosystem. This deposition is increased by flood as water entering into the cities carries all the plastic waste with its flow causing unwanted plastic deposition in land areas and also into the ocean. 

As we can see plastic does not only pollute the land areas, the major effects of plastics occur on river ecosystems and the health of fish by causing intestinal blockage, reproductive problems, and general body weakening, which hampers the ecological balance due to their vulnerability to predators. 

Furthermore, the degradation of larger plastic items into Microplastics creates more danger, as tiny particles can be ingested by a wide range of living organisms, thus disturbing the food chain. Humans have huge impacts on their health, causing various damages in response to consuming unhealthy fish. 

These could cause inflammation, cancer, organ dysfunction, neurotoxicity, and even reproductive and developmental toxicity. The rivers of Nepal are highly polluted by plastics, which have become one of the most pervasive pollutants.

According to the World Bank estimates, Nepal generates approximately 4,900 tons of solid waste each year, and 13 percent of it is plastic waste. 

Besides that, around 20 percent of the produced waste is not disposed of properly. Plastic bags used daily in Kathmandu range from approximately 4,700,000 to 4,800,000 pieces. Plastic waste constitutes 16 percent of the urban waste in Nepal, which amounts to 2.7 tons of daily production of plastic garbage. And guess what? Conditions were not like these a few decades back. Many rivers of Kathmandu, such as Bagmatai and Vishnumati, had a continuous flow of clean and translucent water during the 70s and 80s.

However, on the contrary, the study carried out by Nepal River Conservation Trust shows that from 15 km to 160 km, the water is not suitable for the Bagmati aquatic life, irrigation, or drinking. The suitable pH range is of 6.5 to 8.5, but it exceeded with more than 9 pH levels showing chemical constituents such as high concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, total dissolved solid, phosphate iron, and other hazardous chemicals taking it to the dead pool for aquatic water systems. 

If that is the case, do Nepali law and executive bodies address these problems? 

Various laws of Nepal such as the Waste Management National Policy 2079, the Environment Protection Act 2076, the Solid Waste Management Act 2068, Plastic Bag Reduction and Regulation Directive 2011, etc., along with numerous river cleaning initiatives. From the analysis of different legal frameworks of Nepal, it appears that these above-mentioned laws address the pollutants and hazardous waste at the border labels but fail to take account of plastic waste in a very scientific and practical manner. The implementation programs and campaigns operated seem like “social-media content” rather than actual cleaning and mitigation of the problem. 

The legal framework has not filled the gap as it lacks the proper measures to clean the ongoing and past plastic collection in the rivers and banks. Different countries have gone from polluted rivers to clean water by applying various legal frameworks. For the protection of the Rhine River, an agreement among several European countries had been made. The EU has set some benchmarks when in 2019, it introduced the Single-Use Plastics Directive 2019 is mandatory for all its member states who are now legally bound to do away with harmful, single plastic bags.

Besides, the Dutch Waste Management Act has inclusions to manage plastic waste and prevent it from entering water bodies. Always in the Netherlands, there are river clean-up campaigns in the Netherlands that systematically remove plastics and other waste from the Rhine. Advanced technologies have been employed, such as the ‘Great Bubble Barrier’ creating a curtain of air bubbles across rivers to push plastic waste to the surface for easier collection in the Rhine River. These techniques can be very well applied in Nepal once proper infrastructural development is made.

Japan has been using drones and surveillance systems to find and target areas with higher plastic waste concentrations, monitoring it further, which could be a smart way of removing the existing plastic waste from the rivers. Another thing in which Japan sets itself ahead of many countries is the psychological understanding of its citizens who consider themselves responsible for the waste thrown, acquiring the second highest plastic management Index. Japan has a high collection rate of 93 percent and a recycling rate of 85.8 percent for plastic waste as per 2019 report. 

In its 2019 strategy, Japan has mentioned circular economy as plastic waste management, a strategy which focuses on three milestones: Charging fees to reduce single-use plastics, enforcing waste segregation for efficient recycling and promoting sustainable alternatives like paper and bio plastics.

India has begun strategizing with the placement of barriers along the river to catch the floating plastics in the Sabarmati River. This appears to work in catching the instant plastic waste that has been floating from one river to another. Nepal can take insight to foster the effectiveness of the different campaigns to improve the aquatic ecosystem. 

Countries like Rwanda and most European nations have put a complete ban on single-use plastic and use of a circular economy for the better management of plastic waste. Measures taken in foreign countries might not be the solution but they can be an effective road map towards the solutions. 

The Green Shift Nepal Project, a four year project being implemented in Nepal also offers opportunities to support plastic waste enterprises and up cycling enterprises, with a grant amount of Rs 12m. Moreover, Bagmati UNESCO Club also organized a policy hackathon ‘Nepal Plastic Policy Hackathon 2024’. It has been initiated with the aim of promoting a circular economy and achieving net-zero carbon emission in Nepal. All these initiatives are already serving as stepping stones toward environmental sustainability and the management of plastic waste. 

We can commute together to get to the clean river where we would be able to swim, just as it was in the 70s and 80s. And would you believe if I told you these wastes can help us economically? 

We can make it by a waste-to-energy approach that can reduce the waste while generating energy. These wastes can be formed into electricity, heat, or biogas which can be used to power homes, industries, or waste treatment plants by using various technologies. Through recycling programs, locals can get job opportunities and it would be cost-effective as recyclable products are reused. Also, we cannot underestimate revenue generation via tourist attraction in plastic and pollution free water resources. Kathmandu can enhance its beauty with clean water resources that would complement its heritages, temples and people.

The flood caused due to blockage of water flow due to a lump of waste is deducted reducing the risk of flood. The flowing waters carry plastic and Microplastic towards the sea that can hamper the other water resources ecosystem that causes various diseases. 

Not only this, fish, humans and other animals can also get saved from the harmful Microplastics. 

Why do we finally get serious at implementing our current provisions and then undertake even bolder steps to foster good health, healthy environment, and a little contribution in cleaning seas? 

Deepshikha Pandey

BA LLB, IInd Semester 

National Law College

The report of the Office of the Attorney General for the fiscal year 2080/81 BS has been submitted to President Ram Chandra Paudel today.

Attorney General Ramesh Badal submitted the report to the President at a program held today at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas.

On that occasion, President Paudel said that the investigation, prosecution, pleading, advocacy and defense of government cases should be more scientific, effective and factual, and if the success rate of the case can be increased, the rule of law, and especially, the criminal justice administration will be effective.

"Rather than increasing the success rate of the case, I think it is more important whether the victim gets justice or not. Therefore, the responsibility of the Attorney General is not only to punish the offender but also to ensure that the victim gets justice with compensation," President Paudel said on the occasion.

The President also expressed his belief that the Attorney General's Office will pay special attention to whether the Constitution of Nepal has been effectively implemented to protect the rights of victims in the context of the fundamental rights of the Constitution of Nepal.

On that occasion, Attorney General Badal presented the summary of the report.

The bird census conducted in the wetlands in eastern Chitwan has concluded with the recordings of the presence of 55 species.

The census was held in collaboration with the Bird Education Society and Nepalese Ornithological Union on January 6-7.

This time, two more species of birds:  Kalo Tauke Ganga Chil (Black-headed Gull) and Raja Gangachil (Pallas's Gull) were found here, according to Bird Education Society's education coordinator ornithologist Basu Bidari.

The census was conducted along the area from Lothar to Darai Botetal, from Gaidhawa (Jindagani Ghat) to Saurahaghat, Saurahaghat to Kasara Bridge, Tamor Lake, Lami Lake, Bish Hajari Lake, Bhandara Machhapokhare, Budhi Rapti Dhungare river and Patana Lake.

A total of 7,150 birds were traced during the census and among them, 4107 were ruddy shelducks.

Comparatively this time, the population of shelducks has slightly decreased as they numbered 4,304 last year. 

Increasing pollution, water-base extractions and increasing human movement and encroachment have been noticed as growing threats to birds' habitats.

In areas where pollution is less, relatively more birds have been found. 

The Society has been conducting the census of birds since 1987. The census of aquatic birds takes place in 35 countries in East Asia, including in Nepal, in January.

So far, 652 species of birds have been recorded in Chitwan and this year 159 species have been traced while the species of bird dependent on water is 55.

The second meeting of Nepal-India Joint Business Forum (JBF) has laid emphasis on expansion of bilateral trade and business.

The meeting aimed at further deepening the economic and business relations between the two countries concluded on Saturday.

On the occasion, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari said that India is Nepal's largest trading partner and both countries should take the decisions of the JBF meeting into implementation.

He also underscored on carrying out works for resolving the problems seen in the import and export between the two nations in an easier manner.

Ministry Secretary Govinda Bahadur Karki spoke of the need of practical implementation of the topics decided in the JBF meeting.

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal said there is immense possibility in the economic sector between Nepal and India. He stressed on moving ahead through policy reforms and exploring practical solutions for addressing the problems seen in both trade and business sectors.  

He called for removing the non-tariff barriers, facilitating in resolving the problems arising due to the certification process of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in export of Nepali goods, for air connectivity between Bhairahawa and Pokhara airports of Nepal with various Indian cities and for the smooth supply of explosives required for construction and development of hydroelectricity projects.

The FNCCI President also raised the topic of expanding Nepal's access to various Indian ports, including Mundra (Gujarat), Dhamara (Udisha) and Jawaharlal Nehru port (Mumbai).

The JBF meeting is a part of Nepal-India Commerce Secretary-level Meeting. In the meeting, the representatives of Nepal and India had discussed trade, investment, energy, tourism, agriculture, information technology and infrastructure development, among other topics.

An agreement was reached in the JBF meeting for the promotion of clean energy through collaboration in hydroelectricity and renewable energy, solar and wind projects, of tourism and connectivity, of easing the trans-border trade by strengthening the road, railway and air connectivity and of enhancing trade and cross-border investment, agriculture and medicinal plants, providing high-yielding seeds and technology by removing the quota for agricultural productions, of collaboration in research and commercialization of medicinal herbs and of cooperation in digital technology and startups.

The agreed upon topics of the meeting have been handed over to the Commerce Secretary of Nepal and India on Saturday itself.

JBF President Bhawani Rana and Santhil Kumar handed over the agreement to Commerce Secretary of India Sunil Barthwal and Nepal's Commerce Secretary Karki.

The Indian Commerce Secretary expressed the commitment to take the initiative for the implementation of the agendas raised in course of the JBF meeting.

Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava said this meeting is important in terms of the economic issues between the two countries and that he would take initiatives for facilitating the topics raised in the JBF meeting.

JBF Nepal President Bhawani Rana reiterated that there is extensive possibility of investment and trade between Nepal and India, and there should be the required facilitation for taking benefit from this.

Similarly, from the Indian side N Sunil Kumar believed that there would be more convenience in the coming days, as the road, railway and air connectivity between Nepal and India is improving.

It is agreed that the JBF next meeting will be convened in New Delhi, India.

 The government has decided to extend the tenure of four Deputy Inspector Generals of the Armed Police Force—Kamal Giri, Ganesh Bahadur Thada Magar, Kul Bahadur Nembang and Shambhu Subedi by one year.

Spokesperson of the government and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, today shared this while making public the decisions of Cabinet meeting held on January 7.

Similarly, the meeting also decided to assign Joint-Secretary Bishnu Prasad Sharma on deputation as the Executive Director of Special Structures Operation and Management Development Committee. 

Likewise, permission has been granted to Deputy Auditor General Bamdev Sharma Adhikari to participate in 'Workshop on Inhousing SAI-CSO Engagement on the ASOSAI Region' to be held in Manila of Philippines from February 10-12, added Minister Gurung.

The meeting also gave permission to the Minister of State for Forests and Environment to attend the program related to climate change to be organized in Rome of Italy from February 24-26.

Six development banks and finance companies are under the scrutiny of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) after Karnali Development Bank was declared problematic on Dec 25. The central bank took over the management of Karnali Development Bank after it was found that the Class ‘B’ bank had submitted a fake deposit certificate, claiming it had deposits in commercial banks.

Earlier this week, the NRB wrote a letter to different commercial banks, requesting them to furnish details of deposits maintained by these six institutions. An internal investigation by the central bank showed that funds in the Class ‘B’ bank were misappropriated with the involvement of Karnali’s former Executive Chairperson and CEO Rajendra Bir Raya, former CEO Dinesh Kumar Rawat, former Finance Department Head Mahadev aka Bed Prakash Thakuri, and incumbent CEO and Finance Department Head Niraj Bikram Shah.

While the bank’s core banking system showed a balance of Rs 227.46m in Karnali Development Bank’s Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) account at NRB as of 22 Dec 2024, the investigation committee found the account did not have the said funds. The investigation committee also reported that the bank’s senior management covered up the misappropriation by creating fake balance certificates from other banks.

The central bank wrote letters to different commercial banks, requesting them to send details of deposits maintained by Saptakoshi Development Bank, Excel Development Bank, Narayani Bikas Bank, and Sindhu Bikash Bank as well as Janaki Finance and Pokhara Finance.

While share prices of a majority of Class ‘A’ banks, which have better corporate governance compared to these institutions,  are below Rs 300 per unit, shares of these institutions are traded at as high as Rs 1,100 per unit on the bourse.

NRB sources say they have begun analyzing the liquidity situation of four development banks and two finance companies with weak financial conditions and governance issues.

An NRB official said they are taking stock of the liquidity situation in these institutions before taking required action. “Our efforts will be on resolving the issue through the management of the concerned financial institutions themselves,” the official added.

About a decade ago, the central bank formed a dedicated Problematic Institutions Management Department and managed 16 banks and financial institutions.

Normal life in Mahottari district has been adversely affected due the cold wave which continued for five days. The decreasing temperature has taken a toll on people’s movement.

Even the livestock and crops are negatively impacted with plummeting temperatures coupled with cold waves, fog and cloud, according to Birendra Sharma from Jaleshwor-7.

People’s movement is sparse at district headquarters, Jaleshwor. The vehicles are also operated in less numbers.

In the wake of rising cold, the sales of warm clothes have, however, surged in the market.

Similarly, a tea seller Umesh Sah from Jaleshwor Municipality-1 informed that people throng tea shops to take hot soup and scalded tea. Selling tea is on rise, he shared.

Similarly, district health offices and hospitals have witnessed dismal visits of patients.

The locals began making fire to keep themselves warm. The decline in temperature has hit the children, elderly ones and women in postpartum hard.