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The murders that occurred on the night of Sept 15 at Shree Dibya Sawmill in Tinkune, Kathmandu, was an act of revenge that stemmed from a disagreement following a motorcycle collision. 

The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office of Nepal Police stated that their initial findings showed that 23-year-old Sanjay Bhandari from Barabise Municipality-9 in Sindhupalchok was responsible for the murder of four individuals.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Somendra Singh Rathor, Bhandari was involved in a motorcycle accident with one of his victims, Bishal Rai, 19, also known as Nabin, at Chabahil. When Bhandari attempted to communicate with Rai regarding compensation, Rai allegedly assaulted  Bhandari.

Rathor told ApEx that the investigators were yet to confirm when Bhandari and Rai had got into the said accident. Bhandari, who is a mute, admitted to the crime in writing.

On Friday, Bhandari, armed with a khukuri, visited Shree Dibya Sawmill where Rai was employed

Bhandari was there to communicate with Rai about the accident, but Rai allegedly abused him. Bhandari then fatally attacked Rai with the khukuri.

As Bhandari descended to the ground floor, he encountered Shubhadra Bhujel, 76. Fearing she might raise an alarm, he fatally attacked her as well. At that moment, Shubhadra's son, Purna Bahadur Bhujel, 56, also known as Kumar, emerged from his room upon hearing his mother’s scream.

“Kumar had his phone to his ear, and Bhandari suspected he was calling the police, prompting him to attack and kill Kumar too,” SSP Rathor told ApEx. “Using the same weapon, Bhandari also took the life of Ambika Bhujel (52), Kumar’s wife.” 

The Bhujel family hailed from Dolakha, and Kumar was an employee at the mill. After committing multiple murders, Bhandari sought refuge at his sister’s residence in Kandaghari, where he spent the night. 

The next day, Bhandari met his school friends in Naxal as if nothing had happened. But on Sunday, he got wind that the authorities were looking into the case, and decided to flee to Sindhupalchok. 

Police apprehended him before he could leave Kathmandu.

In cold blood

• During interrogation, Sanjay Bhandari referred to a bike accident involving Bishal Rai. The exact date and the place of the accident are unclear
• Subsequently, per the statement given to police, Bhandari tried to talk with Rai about the accident, only to be assaulted   
• Sept 15: Bhandari first murdered Bishal Rai and then Purna Bahadur Bhujel, Ambika Bhujel and Shubhadra Bhujel suspecting that they may have witnessed the crime. Then he went to his sister’s place at Kandaghari and slept 
• Sept 16: Met his school friends at Chabahil 
• Sept 17: Police nabbed Bhandari while he was trying to flee to Sindhupalchok

On Aug 15, a Cabinet meeting decided to revise the detailed project report of the Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track Project. No explanation was given. In the updated DPR, the project’s length was reduced from 72.5 km to 70.97 km. 

Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala said as the length of the highway has been shortened, the project cost will come down by Rs 2bn.

But notably, the new DPR has increased the number of tunnels and bridges, which contradicts the minister’s claim of reduced project cost. Initially, there were three tunnels at Mahadevtar (3.355 km), Dhedre (1.63 km), and Lane Danda (1.43 km). The revised DPR includes three additional tunnels at Debichaur (1 km), Sisautar (0.39 km), and Chandram Bhir (2.25 km), bringing the total number of tunnels to six. 

Likewise, the fast track originally also featured 87 bridges, but this number has now increased to 89. 

Tunnels and bridges are expensive to build, and infrastructure development experts say they don’t know where Minister Jwala got the idea that the project will save Rs 2bn by reducing the length of the fast track by a mere two kilometers and adding three more tunnels and two extra bridges. 

Aslo read: Fast track: Destroyer of civilization?

“Besides minor alignment changes, modifying project designs midway through construction is considered less than ideal,” says infrastructure expert Surya Raj Acharya, development and infrastructure policy expert. “Project designs should not be altered without a thorough and well-founded study that acknowledges their significance.”

In 2008, the Asian Development Bank had estimated the project cost at Rs 70bn. A South Korean company that prepared the DPR in 2019 raised the cost estimate to Rs 112bn. When the Nepal Army took over the project again raised the estimated project cost toRs 175bn. 

Once again, the Army and the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport have raised the estimated project cost to Rs 211bn. The project cost could further increase if there are more delays.

The new deadline of the project is April 2027. The project has already undergone four deadline revisions in six years. The latest deadline is likely to be extended again, as the Army has only completed 26.14 percent of the work to date. 

Experts say it is impossible to complete the remaining work (around 75 percent) of the project in the next four years, given the amount of challenges ahead, from securing funds to land acquisition to lengthy contract and bidding process.

The financial progress of the project so far stands at 28.11 percent.

Acharya says that the Nepali Army is not the ideal institution to construct this kind of project. 

“If the fast track project continues to be managed in its current manner, it not only risks missing its next deadline but could potentially become another ‘white elephant’ project akin to the Melamchi Drinking Water Project,” he says.

The Nepal Army officials have often cited budget crunch as a major hindrance to the timely progress of the project. 

The previous governments had not provided enough budget for the expressway. This time, however, the army sources say they are hopeful about securing sufficient budget to make significant progress with the project.

The project contract was handed over to the Army during the previous tenure of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. With Dahal once again in power, the Nepal Army officials are hopeful that the fast track project will get the much-needed attention and priority 

Also read: What’s driving up land prices along the fast track?

“Soon after assuming the office, Prime Minister Dahal conducted an inspection of the project site,” says Brigadier General Krishna Prasad Bhandari, spokesperson of Nepali Army. “We are hopeful that we won’t face a budget crunch under this government.” 

Out of the 13 packages that comprise the project, construction work is currently underway in only seven. The remaining six packages have yet to commence. According to the Army, around 95 percent of the project’s tasks are either in the construction phase or in the midst of the bidding process.

However, data shows the design work and contract process for three tunnels and nearly half of the total bridges has not been completed. Even with the ongoing construction of three tunnels, the overall physical progress stands at just 41.57 percent.

Another major challenge lies in the Khokana area, which is an ancient Newa town renowned for its rich culture and heritage. Residents of Khokana are expressing opposition to the expressway project due to concerns that its construction might result in the loss of their cultural heritage. As of now, the Army has not commenced the land acquisition and bidding processes in this area.

The Army says land acquisition process in Khokana has been halted over a compensation row. But the ground reality is different. The halt has more to do with the cultural significance of the area than land issues.  

The project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) had hinted at the challenges of securing land for the 6 km-stretch of the expressway in Lalitpur. As the area is part of the ancient Newa heritage and a site of various cultural and religious ceremonies, the EIA report had given a heads-up to the project developer. 

As anticipated, there was fierce pushback from the residents of Khokana when the time came to open a track for the expressway. 

Out of the total land requirement of 15,416 ropanis for the project, 10,244 ropanis are government-owned, and the remaining are privately owned. Within the 5,172 ropanis of private land, there are still 406 ropanis awaiting acquisition, and these parcels are situated in the Khokana area.

Major General Kamal Bikram Shah, the project head, says the government,  the National Planning Commision, and other stakeholders are doing their best to resolve the Khokana dispute.

“The Army will start working soon after this issue is settled,” he says.

Also read: Fast track: National pride or another white elephant?

The idea of constructing the Kathmandu-Tarai fast track, an alternate highway connecting the Kathmandu valley with the Tarai region, was originally conceived during the Panchayat era. However, the project remained in the planning and incubation stages for an extended period.

In 1992, two years following the restoration of democracy, the National Planning Commission collaborated with the Danish Development Cooperation to conduct a feasibility study for the fast track. Four years later, in 1996, the government invited expressions of interest from companies. Despite these initial steps, there was little to no progress for over a decade.

It wasn’t until 2008 that the fast track project was revitalized, thanks to the Asian Development Bank which prepared a feasibility report and preliminary design. That same year, the government proposed an alternative to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport in Nijgadh, Bara, further bolstering the prospects and importance of the expressway.

Features of the expressway

• Total length: 70.977 km
• Width: 25 meters in the hills, 27 meters in the plains
• Start point: Khokana
• End point: Nijgadh
• Areas: Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Makawanpur, Bara
• Tunnels: 6 (10.055 km)
• Bridges: 89 (12.885)
• Interchange: 3 (Khokana, Budune, Nijgadh)
• Toll Plaza: 3 (Khokana, Budune, Nijgadh)
• Deadline: April 2027

Progress

• Physical progress: 26.14 percent
• Financial progress: 28.11 percent
• Tunnels: 2,667 meters out of 6,415 meters
• Bridges: 2 out of 89
• Trees felled: 28,646 out of 38,664
• Trees planted: 643,695 out of 709,850

Nepal lost the Asia Cup game against India and Pakistan, but there were many positive takeaways. The exposure, experience and attention that Nepali side got in the tournament was our achievement. 

From losing a game against the Kenyan national team last year to playing against cricket giants and putting up a respectable fight, this team has grown a lot.

Former President of Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Binay Raj Pandey said that Nepal’s performance is something to be proud of. “It was good to see Nepal play against India, after 20 years the dream has come true. All Nepalis are proud of Nepal’s performance against India and Pakistan," he wrote on Facebook.

Nepali cricket commentator Sachin Timalsena said that the foundation was laid when the Nepali team played against India. He took to X and said, “It takes time, this was the beginning. The foundation is laid, now to add to it. Well done Nepal”'

Nepal’s triumph in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup, 2023, where they competed against 10 teams and ultimately defeated UAE in the final, stands out as a memorable achievement. It also helped Nepal gain its spot at the Asia Cup 2023.

Reflecting on this success, Monty Desai, Nepal’s head coach, told journalists: “I can never forget the day when we clinched the finals and secured our spot in the Asia Cup. It was a very dramatic two days of finals. What excited me most about playing in the Asia Cup was the way we won the final. It was the result of hard work, meticulous planning, flawless execution of roles, and the risks we took.”

However, the journey leading up to the Asia Cup was far from straightforward.

From Division 5 to ODI status in eight years

In 2010, Nepal hosted the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 tournament, which they won, earning them a promotion to Division 4. Two years later, in 2012, Nepal triumphed in the ICC World Cricket League Division 4 tournament, securing a promotion to Division 3. Nepal’s cricket journey continued on an upward trajectory, with another victory in the 2014 ICC World Cricket League Division 3, earning them promotion to Division 2. Unfortunately, due to a drop in performance, Nepal faced relegation back to Division 3 but persevered to return to Division 2.

The turning point came in the 13th match of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 in 2018. Nepal and Canada battled it out. The stakes were high as both teams aimed to secure a spot in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers. Initially, Canada appeared to have the advantage, but a pivotal moment occurred when Nepal’s final batting pair displayed incredible resilience, forging a crucial partnership that carried Nepal to victory. At that moment, optimism soared, marking a potential turning point for Nepal. It’s worth noting that the rise of young cricketers played a significant role in Nepal’s success, ultimately leading to their recognition as an ODI nation, a remarkable achievement.

During this period, the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended the CAN in April 2016 due to concerns about the dual existence of cricket governing bodies in Nepal and government interference in elections. The ban was lifted in Oct 2019. Meanwhile, Nepali cricketers faced dire financial circumstances, with minimal income. The day after the ICC lifted the CAN ban, longtime skipper Paras Khadka, who had led the team for a decade since 2009 and one of the country’s most successful cricketers, resigned from his captaincy role.

Speaking to journalists, Khadka said: “The team had experienced numerous highs and lows during a period of three years without institutional guardianship.As the CAN has new leadership, a fresh start in Nepali cricket is necessary.”

When did cricket start in Nepal?

Nepal’s national cricket team that took part in their inaugural international competition back in 1996.

Cricket found its way to Nepal through the influence of the Rana aristocracy, who received their education from the British Empire in India. In 1946, the Cricket Association of Nepal was established.

By 1961, the association had become a part of the National Sports Council within the Ministry of Sports, and it embarked on a mission to promote cricket throughout every nook and corner of Nepal. It was in 1988 that Nepal achieved affiliate membership status with the ICC, although cricket was primarily confined to the Kathmandu valley during that period.

Nepal made its debut in international cricket in 1996 when they faced Bangladesh in the ACC Trophy. Since then, they have consistently performed well in the Associate cricket circuit. Notably, they achieved victories over Pakistan and Bangladesh in the 2002 Under-19 World Cup and secured the plate championship in the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, defeating formidable opponents like New Zealand and South Africa.

A significant milestone for Nepal came in 2014 when they qualified for the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh. During the tournament, they even registered wins against Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Nearly a decade later, their entry into the Asia Cup marked another significant achievement.

While many have played pivotal roles in Nepal cricket, two standout figures are Roy Dias and Pubudu Dassanayake. Dias coached the team for nearly nine years, during which Nepal finished as runners-up in the 2002 ACC Trophy and won the ACC Fast Track Countries Tournament in 2006. 

The former skipper Khadka acknowledges the guidance of Coach Dassanayake. “We knew there were significant opportunities ahead of us, but we didn’t know the exact path to take. Coach Dassanayake came and showed us the way.” Under Dassanayake, Nepal progressed from Division 4 to Division 2, marking an era of remarkable growth in their cricketing journey.

Former Nepali skipper Paras Khadka with his teammates, before the match that gave Nepal ODI status.

Passionate fans

Nepal’s dedicated fans have served as an unwavering support system for their cricket team, accompanying them through all the highs and lows of their journey. The image above vividly illustrates the immense passion that every Nepali cricket fan holds for the game, making it a truly captivating sight.

Pictures of Nepali supporters perched in trees while watching the games showcase the extraordinary lengths to which these fans go to support their team.

Cricket commentator and analyst Aakash Chopra wrote on X : “India must adopt Nepal cricket and make it their responsibility to bring them up to speed with international cricket. Send the A team to Nepal. Involve them in India’s domestic structure. The passion for cricket in Nepal is unparalleled… and they have the potential too.”

Former skipper Khadka once said that Nepali batsmen struggled with pacers as they had never gone with cricket giants and faced bowling with 145+ kmph speed. “But with the unbelievable talent and hard work, we started facing them easily,” he said. “If we get a bit of support from other cricket playing nations then we will see many cricketers shining on the world stage. We just need the best platform for our players,” he said.  

Desai’s vision

Coach Desai has been orchestrating the ‘Happy Dressing Room’ initiative with the aim of fostering unity among the Nepali team. As part of this program, he presents medals within the dressing room to commend the outstanding performance of players following the game.

A similar occurrence took place following the match against India. Desai extended an invitation to the Indian players, inviting them into Nepal’s dressing room to honor the Nepali players who had performed exceptionally well in the match against India.

In a video released by the CAN, Sompal Kami from Nepal can be seen receiving a medal from the Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya. Also, Desai requested Indian batsman Virat Kohli to bestow a medal upon Aasif Sheikh, who had scored a half-century against India. The video also captures Indian coach Rahul Dravid presenting a medal to Dipendra Singh Airee. These gestures definitely motivate the team.

Coach Desai also shares a similar perspective with former skipper Khadka and analyst Chopra. Upon his arrival in Nepal, he advocated for Nepal’s participation in India’s domestic cricket tournaments, particularly the Ranji Trophy. He expressed his intent to encourage the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to support Nepal’s cricket growth. 

Desai says “Just as neighboring countries like Scotland and Ireland are allowed to compete in England, Nepal should also be granted a similar opportunity.” “This step could potentially pave the way for Nepal to attain Test-playing nation status within the next four years.”

“Most of our players are in the age range of 20 to 25. I believe we’ve pinpointed a central nucleus of talent that will contribute to the team’s success over the next four years. There may be a need to fine-tune one or two positions as we progress, but overall, I’m confident that this core group is a valuable asset for the national team and the entire nation,” Desai says.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song has come under fire for making ‘undiplomatic remarks’ regarding the Nepal-India ties. 

Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Saturday, Chen had made contentious comments regarding economic matters between Nepal and India, terming it as ‘not mutually beneficial’. He also claimed that Nepal can achieve economic prosperity from China rather than India.

Sundarmani Dixit, a civil society leader, has called on the government to promptly seek an explanation from Ambassador Chen and request the Chinese government for his recall.

Speaking at a function on Tuesday, Dixit remarked that the comments made by the Chinese ambassador had the potential to negatively impact Nepal’s long standing relationship with India. 

“The foreign minister should promptly seek clarification from the Chinese ambassador,” he said.

Chen had pointed out that in the last fiscal year, Nepal exported electricity worth Rs 10bn to India, while simultaneously importing electricity worth Rs 19bn from India.

 “How can Nepal achieve self-sufficiency in the sector it takes pride in under such circumstances,” the Chinese envoy remarked at the program, which was also attended by Speaker Devraj Ghimire and CPN-UML leader Aanandaraj Pokharel.

Chen went on to highlight that in the first month of the current fiscal year alone, Nepal had imported agricultural products worth Rs 7bn from India. “In this ratio, Nepal imports agricultural products worth Rs 100bn from India in a year,” he said, underscoring Nepal’s heavy reliance on India for agricultural products.

Vijay Kant Karna, a former Nepali ambassador to India, expressed his concern, labeling Chen’s comments as highly undiplomatic and unprecedented.

“This is the first time in Nepal that an ambassador of any country has given such an undiplomatic comment,” he said. “China had previously commented on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the US and now is making remarks about India.”  

Karna said Nepal was capable of establishing relationships with other countries and it didn't need any suggestions from other countries on how to conduct its foreign affairs.

“The Chinese ambassador should have spoken about China being reluctant to open its border for trade with Nepal and the stalled BRI projects,” said Karna. 

Meanwhile, the International Relations Committee of Parliament has summoned Foreign Minister NP Saud to address various diplomatic matters, including the controversial remarks made by the Chinese ambassador.

Committee chair Raj Kishor Yadav said the meeting’s agenda will also encompass a discussion on establishing a code of conduct for foreign diplomats in Nepal. 

“The meeting will explore strategies to ensure that ambassadors adhere to diplomatic code of conduct,” he said.

Former ambassador Dinesh Bhattarai said the Chinese ambassador should not have gone to that extent in his speech. “It’s not his responsibility to teach us the kind of economic and political system we follow,” he said. 

Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sewa Lamsal said the ministry was unaware of the remarks made by the Chinese ambassador.

The Olive Garden located at Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu had to close down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, they recently reopened on Aug 20. Intrigued by this, we decided to visit it for some authentic Italian cuisine.

When it comes to Italian food, the usual suspects like pizza, cheese, and pasta come to mind, and we had similar expectations. But to our surprise, there was no pizza on the menu. Nevertheless, the menu had much more than we anticipated.

The restaurant offers two choices of candlelit ‘Table d’hôte’ dinners. This term translates to ‘table of the host’ and refers to a fixed meal offered by the restaurant that can’t be customized much.

Both options are priced at Rs 4,500 net and include a starter, soup, pasta, main course, and dessert. There are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available. Additionally, there’s a pricier option at Rs 11,000 net that includes a bottle of premium wine.

We decided to go with the non-vegetarian option with wine. While we waited for our dishes, the executive chef Gyanesh Dass, who has over two decades of experience in Italian cuisine, along with the other staff members, took the time to explain how they meticulously crafted the menu. They reassured us that the flavors were adapted to suit the Nepali palate. The attentive hospitality was evident from the start, not just for us but for every customer.

For starters, we had Garlic Prawns. These prawns were cooked with garlic, complemented by tomato confit, and served with a salad of fresh herbs. Creamy yet slightly crunchy, they offered a delightful burst of flavors. Next, we tried the Zuppa Di Pesce, a rustic tomato stew brimming with squid, shrimp, and fish. Served with toasted bread, the soup had a robust texture and a subtly sweet and distinct flavor, as the executive chef had promised.

Moving on to the pasta course, we savored the Spaghetti Bolognese. Topped with cheese, this dish featured a chicken mince sauce with a pleasant tang from the tomatoes. It was a heavy course leaving us concerned about how we would manage the upcoming main course. Surprisingly, the main course turned out to be light and uncomplicated. The Chicken Oreganata, a chicken thigh marinated in herbs and grilled, was served with a green pea ragout and honey-glazed carrots. It paired seamlessly with sips of wine.

As we waited for dessert, we found that the entire dining experience, including the background music, cozy seating, and the gentle flicker of candlelight, added an extra layer of enjoyment to the meal. The dessert, Classic Tiramisu, was sweet, but a hint of lemon refreshed our palate after the array of flavors we had experienced.

For those planning to visit, we suggest arriving a little starved to fully appreciate the culinary delights this place has to offer.

Their specials

Spaghetti Bolognese

Fresh Wild Mushroom Risotto

Classic Tiramisu

Location: Lazimpat

Meal for two: Rs 4,500

Opening hours: 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Contact: 9851048331/01-4511818

Online payment: Accepted

Parking: Available

The judiciary and legislative are once again at loggerheads over the constituency development fund. A day after the Supreme Court prohibited the utilization of government-allocated funds for constituency development, lawmakers on Thursday criticized the judiciary for overstepping its jurisdiction.

On Wednesday, the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court issued an interim order halting the implementation of the budget assigned for the Constituency Development Funds in the fiscal year 2023/24. The court cited the principles of the separation of powers, the responsibilities of managerial tasks, the roles of legislators, the obligations of the planning commission and associated ministries, the notion of planned development, conflicts of interest, good governance, and accountability behind its order.

Shyam Kumar Ghimire, a lawmaker from the Nepali Congress, voiced his disapproval of the interim order, accusing the Supreme Court of overstepping its authority and infringing upon the affairs of the legislative. During Thursday’s session of the House of Representatives, he contended that the order had impinged upon the constitution’s principle of maintaining a clear separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Surya Thapa, a lawmaker from the opposition CPN-UML, asserted that the exclusive authority to create and allocate budget lies solely with the parliament. He emphasized that the prerogative to make decisions regarding the budget resides exclusively within the parliamentary chambers.

Constitutional expert Bhimarjun Acharya says that the constitution has not solely established the separation of powers, but has also implemented check and balance. “I think the apex court has used the power of check and balance and reviewed it as there were complaints about misuse of constituency development funds.”
He also points out that the court has only issued an interim order. “If the fund is not misused, the court might review its decision again,” he adds.

The government had allocated Rs 50m to each of the 165 constituencies under the ‘Parliamentary Infrastructure Development Program’.

Nepal recently experienced a simultaneous occurrence of both drought and flooding, underscoring the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change, particularly in relation to loss and damage (L&D). In this context, ApEx recently organized a roundtable involving climate stakeholders to delve into topics such as L&D, disaster risk reduction, government initiatives, partnerships for addressing L&D, and the role of youth in climate awareness and action. Excerpts:

Embrace climate change as an opportunity

Manjeet Dhakal, climate change expert

Historically, our focus has been primarily on the effects and impacts of climate change, often as a means to attract foreign aid. Yet, we have not been educated about an alternative perspective—a viewpoint that regards climate change as not only a challenge but also an avenue for economic benefits. Fortunately, recent years have witnessed increased dialogue, discussions, media coverage, and research on various aspects of climate change, which is undoubtedly a positive shift.

In Nepal, the cornerstones of our economy—agriculture, remittances, tourism, and hydropower—have all borne the brunt of climate change. While the effects on agriculture, tourism, and hydropower are widely recognized, we have not been adequately informed about its potential impact on remittances. These remittances contribute roughly 23 percent to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Notably, around 80 percent of our migrant labor force heads to the Middle East and Malaysia, regions experiencing significant temperature increases compared to the global average. Consequently, our assessment of loss and damage should not be limited to our borders but should extend to encompass consequences beyond our political boundaries.

Necessity of scientific research

Pradip Khatiwada, disaster risk management expert

Numerous scientific studies have examined rainfall patterns and the global temperature rise, both contributing factors to instances of loss and damage. L&D is commonly categorized as economic, affecting livelihoods and property, and non-economic, encompassing issues like loss of life, health problems, psychological distress, displacement challenges, as well as damage to biodiversity and cultural heritage. While economic L&D is frequently discussed, the non-economic aspect has not received adequate attention. Therefore, conducting scientific research to evaluate our circumstances is essential. This research aids in anticipating and mitigating disaster impacts, bolstering our self-reliance. Additionally, communicating research findings effectively to vulnerable communities minimizes disaster-related risks.

While a 1.5°C temperature increase might not significantly affect certain countries, it’s a significant concern for Nepal due to its susceptibility to snowmelt-triggered flash floods and related problems. Unlike the sturdy mountains in Europe, our mountainous regions are delicate and vulnerable, warranting our concern.

Educate local communities on climate change

Bharati Pathak, community forest expert

Indigenous communities have played a pivotal role in revitalizing community forests nationwide, contributing significantly to mitigating climate change effects, including loss and damage. However, these communities possess only a basic understanding of climate change consequences such as floods, landslides, and droughts. The discourse on this matter has largely been confined to urban centers and the privileged class, leaving those directly dealing with climate change aftermath with limited awareness. Thus, extending knowledge-sharing initiatives to rural regions is imperative.

While we have actively participated in 27 Conferences of Parties (COP), do local communities truly comprehend the nature of COP, its discussions, and the resulting agreements? The absence of involvement from those at the forefront of climate change impacts casts uncertainty on our ability to achieve climate objectives.

In an environment where information is scarce, misinformation and disinformation thrive. This is evident in local communities’ understanding of carbon trading, where they sought compensation for only a few trees.

Collaborative efforts for climate action a must

Hari Prasad Sharma, Under secretary, Ministry of Forest and Environment

Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change must be comprehensively assessed, including the degree, severity, and exposure of its impact. With about 68 percent of our land featuring slopes greater than 60°, our susceptibility to climate effects is heightened. Moreover, roughly 30 percent of our land lies at altitudes exceeding 2,500 meters, amplifying its sensitivity in sustaining livelihoods. Thus, our geographic circumstances render us particularly vulnerable.

Though climate change policies exist, practical execution is paramount. Policies often resemble wish lists; our focus should shift towards translating them into actionable steps through meticulous implementation. Given the global move towards cooperative decision-making, addressing climate change necessitates a collective approach. Embracing contemporary methods is crucial to effectively combat this issue.

Allocating resources to educate and foster climate change understanding from a young age is essential, as the youth represent future catalysts for change.

Climate change transcends data

Shrichchha Pradhan, climate activist and Miss Nepal World 2023

Nepal’s cultural practices, adaptability to environmental challenges, and community-driven sustainability efforts offer valuable lessons for the global community. By studying and adopting these practices, societies worldwide can take meaningful strides toward addressing climate change, embracing zero-waste lifestyles, and nurturing sustainability. Entrepreneurship within the climate change realm presents an opportunity yielding multiple benefits, including educating the youth on climate intricacies, promoting sustainable practices, and zero-waste principles.

Understanding climate change extends beyond data; it holds a deep emotional dimension impacting local communities, especially in remote areas. These communities daily bear the brunt of climate change, experiencing its far-reaching consequences in ways statistics cannot capture. Their close connection with the environment has traditionally granted them a profound understanding of nature’s patterns. However, recent unpredictable changes from climate change have disrupted this traditional knowledge. Thus, engaging with these communities and providing targeted education about changing consequences is crucial.

Loss and damage as a moral imperative

Adelle Thomas, lead author of IPCC Reports

Loss and damage (L&D) lacks a universally agreed definition within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), signifying different meanings for different groups. Nonetheless, L&D generally refers to negative climate change impacts that occur despite mitigation and adaptation efforts.

L&D is often categorized as economic or non-economic. Economic L&D entails quantifiable negative impacts, such as rebuilding infrastructure post-floods or agricultural revenue loss due to drought. Non-economic L&D includes impacts challenging to assign monetary values, like trauma from tropical cyclones or community loss due to displacement.

Both extreme events (heat waves, storms) and slow-onset events (sea-level rise, ocean acidification) contribute to loss and damage.

The Press Council Nepal has written to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation over the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s act of seeking a written clarification from Annapurna Media Network (AMN) regarding news reports published in Annapurna Post daily. 

The letter argues that CAAN’s move contradicts the principles of press freedom. The meeting of the Code of Conduct Monitoring subcommittee of the council held on Aug 22 has urged the ministry to take necessary action against CAAN for the protection of press freedom, reads the letter.

Editorial freedom within the media pertains to the independence of publishers in making decisions devoid of external interference. This encompasses the autonomy of editors to determine content and coverage. The letter underlines that seeking explanations from the publisher while intertwining their other business activities and neglecting proper legal procedures amounts to an assault on editorial freedom. The Press Council Nepal has expressed serious concern over this matter.

The letter asserts that checking the authenticity of news falls under the jurisdiction of Press Council Nepal, not CAAN. The sub-committee’s meeting decided to delve into this matter further by consulting former chairs of the council and former presidents of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ).

Nepal’s challenging geographical isolation poses significant difficulties in accessing healthcare and delivering sustenance. Air services become indispensable for these essential needs. However, CAAN introduced a policy to suspend air services in remote districts after 12 pm starting July 31. This decision had severe repercussions in remote and mountainous regions of Nepal. Regrettably, due to the absence of air services, four children lost their lives in the remote areas of Karnali province as they couldn’t receive timely medical care due to CAAN's new policy.

After Annapurna Post, a sister publication of ApEx, highlighted the hardships facing people living in far-flung areas, the issue garnered considerable attention. Various media outlets, including BBC, Kantipur, and Radio Nepal, also covered similar stories, underscoring the urgency of government intervention to restore essential air services in remote regions of the country.

Despite appeals from the Chief Minister of Karnali province, the federal Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, political leaders and local representatives, CAAN chose not to lift air service restrictions. Instead, it targeted the media for exposing what was perceived as a misguided and callous decision.

In its letter, CAAN has accused AMN of ‘repeatedly disseminating news, analyses, and commentaries that severely jeopardize flight safety’. The letter further highlights that despite Capt Rameshwar Thapa’s position as the head of an airline company responsible for ensuring flight safety, he appears to have misused his publishing authority through his media, engaging in activities that spread misinformation and rumors.

Earlier, the FNJ and other press unions such as Nepal Press Union, Press Chautari Nepal, Socialist Press Organization Nepal, Forum of Nepalese Journalist and Madhesi Journalist Society Nepal warned CAAN to immediately withdraw its letter seeking clarification from AMN as the move is beyond its jurisdiction.