Submit your Article

Researchers have successfully tracked an Egyptian vulture’s 200-kilometer journey from Pokhara to Ayodhya, India, using satellite technology. Few months ago, they started a satellite tagging project to track the migration, behavior and threats faced by the endangered Egyptian vulture. As part of the study, satellite tags were attached to five Egyptian vultures in Pokhara. Among them, a two-year-old vulture stayed in Ayodhya for about a week before flying back. 

The study aims to identify challenges faced by vultures and their movement patterns. According to researcher Krishna Bhusal, the vulture stopped at Jatayu Restaurant in Gaindatal and Lumbini during its journey to Ayodhya. On its return, it passed through Kapilvastu and Syangja, covering the distance back to Pokhara in a day.  

The tagged vultures include one juvenile and four adults aged between four and five years. Satellite tags, powered by solar energy, record data every two hours, allowing researchers to monitor the birds’ movements, roosting sites, flight altitudes, and potential threats in real time.  

According to Bhusal, Ayodhya is a suitable habitat for vultures due to the availability of food near cow shelters. White-rumped vultures from Pokhara have also flown to Ayodhya in the past. 

Similar studies recorded long-distance travel by other vulture species, including the white-rumped vulture reaching Jammu and Kashmir (1,100 km) and the Himalayan vulture traveling over 5,000 km to India and China.  

Egyptian vultures and slender-billed vultures, however, show relatively limited movement compared to these species.  

Bhusal, who has been involved in conservation and research of vultures for a long time, is conducting this study as part of his doctoral research. Of the six native vulture species in Nepal, five have been studied using satellite tagging. The current study, initiated in late August, is the first to focus on identifying threats to Egyptian vultures.  

The satellite tags help researchers monitor the birds’ health and location. If a tagged vulture falls sick, is injured, or dies, its movement data can aid in timely rescue or post-mortem analysis.  

Nepal is home to an estimated 1,000 Egyptian vultures, with Pokhara hosting around 50 percent of the population. Tanahun and Arghakhanchi districts are also the preferred habitat of this species. 

These vultures play a vital ecological role by consuming carrion and small organic waste, helping maintain a clean environment.  

Most Egyptian vultures in Nepal nest on cliffs in mid-hill regions, with some also nesting on trees in the lowlands. 

The study is expected to provide valuable insights into their breeding patterns, lifespan, and the challenges they face, according Ankit Bilas Joshi, program head of vulture conservation at Bird Conservation Nepal. 

Conservation activists in Pokhara have used satellite tags on endangered Egyptian vultures to study their migration patterns and movements, and identify threats.

Five Egyptian vultures in Pokhara have been fitted with satellite tags and released in the wild. This study aims to examine the activities of these tagged vultures to identify the problems and threats they are facing.

Krishna Bhusal, a vulture expert who has been studying and working in the conservation of vultures for a long time, is conducting this research as part of his PhD study to identify the threats to Egyptian vultures. Previously, satellite tag studies have been conducted on five of the six resident vulture species found in Nepal. Bhusal stated that this is the first time a study to identify threats to Egyptian vultures has been initiated.

The satellite tags allow researchers to track where the vultures go. Researchers can study their flight times, locations visited, nesting sites, and flight altitudes, among other details. According to Bhusal, the study will also reveal their main resting and feeding sites. If tagged vultures become sick or injured, they can be located and rescued based on their movement patterns. Even if a tagged vulture dies, a post-mortem examination can be conducted to determine its physical condition, Bhusal explained.

It is estimated that there are about 1,000 Egyptian vultures in Nepal. Unlike other vultures that primarily feed on animal carcasses, Egyptian vultures also consume small meat scraps and insects that grow on waste, thus helping to clean the environment. Studies have shown that Pokhara has the highest concentration of Egyptian vultures in Nepal. According to Bhusal, Pokhara is home to about 50 percent of the total Egyptian vulture population recorded in the country. After Pokhara, Tanahu district and Arghakhanchi also have significant populations of Egyptian vultures. This species nests on cliffs in the mid-hills and occasionally in trees in the Terai region.

Ankit Bilas Joshi, the Vulture Conservation Program Chief at Bird Conservation Nepal, said that the study will provide information on the breeding rate and lifespan of Egyptian vultures, as well as identify the threats they are facing.

All nine species of vultures found in Nepal can be observed in Pokhara. The Pokhara Valley, nestled in the lap of the Annapurna Himalayas, is considered a paradise for vultures. Six species—Himalayan Griffon, Bearded, Slender-billed, White-rumped, Red-headed, and Egyptian vultures—are resident in Nepal. The remaining three species—Eurasian Griffon, Cinereous Vulture, and Indian Vulture—are winter visitors. All nine species of vultures found in South Asia can be seen in the Pokhara Valley. All six resident species of vultures nest and breed in Kaski district.

The Egyptian vulture subspecies found in Europe, Africa, and Central Asia differs from the subspecies found in India and Nepal. The European, African, and Central Asian subspecies migrate during winter, while the subspecies found in Nepal and India have not been studied in detail. This is why the study of migration patterns, movements, and threat identification for the Egyptian vultures found here has been initiated, said Bhusal.

Vladimir Dobrev, a vulture scientist from Bulgaria, expressed his happiness at being able to directly observe and participate in vulture conservation and research work in Nepal. He came to Nepal after learning about the satellite tagging of Egyptian vultures to observe the process firsthand and exchange experiences.

Bird enthusiasts from various countries come to Nepal to observe, photograph, and research vultures, raptors, and water birds.

Ramji Gautam, who holds a PhD in white-rumped vultures, suggests that Pokhara could be developed as a bird tourism destination while conserving all bird species and the region's biodiversity.

Farmers in Lower Sidhane of Pokhara-23 in Kaski are staring at a around 70 percent drop in millet production due to stem and root rot disease.  Sidhane is considered a pocket area for millet production in Pokhara Metropolitan City.

Local farmers are worried as the disease has begun to affect production in this key growing region. 

After observing the disease's impact in Sidhane, a technical team from Pokhara Metropolitan City Office collected samples for testing at the Crop Protection Laboratory. Manohar Kadariya, chief of the Agriculture Division at Pokhara Metropolitan City Office, confirmed that the tests identified stem and root rot disease.

Farmers are expecting a huge loss this season as the problem has appeared in the grain filling phase. In Lower Sidhane alone, millet is cultivated on over 45 ropani (about 2.3 hectares) of land. Ishwar Ghale, the secretary of the Ward 23 Agricultural Alliance, said production is expected to drop by over 70 percent.

Lower Sidhane used to grow 4-45 muris (nearly three tons) of millets every year.  Durga Gurung, a local farmer, said that while 9 ropani (about 0.46 hectares) of land typically yielded 10 muris (about 670 kg) of millet, the current disease outbreak has led to a situation where they may not even recover seeds. Lok Bahadur Gurung, chairman of the Agricultural Network, said that the disease has also been observed in Upper Sidhane and other areas.

Manhar Kadariya advised farmers on non-chemical control methods, including adjusting planting distances, using agricultural lime based on soil test results and increasing organic fertilizer use. Kadariya also said that the metropolis was mulling over testing Bavistin fungicide in some areas to control disease outbreak this year.

“To conduct further study on the problem seen in millet cultivation, we plan to organize a technology demonstration on one ropani (about 0.05 hectares) of land and transferring technical knowledge to local farmers,” Kadariya said. “Discussions are ongoing between local farmer groups, networks, and agricultural technicians to implement this program.”

Since Lower Sidhane lies in the upper watershed area of the Fewa Lake, millet cultivation here is not only making local farmers become self-sufficient but also playing a crucial role in preventing soil erosion. Despite having multiple benefits, the cultivation of millet is on the decline in Nepal. It covers only 7.7 percent of the total food crop area in the country. About 95 percent of millet cultivation areas lie in the hilly regions. Millet is grown in areas ranging from the Terai to altitudes of up to 3,100 meters.

According to Kadariya, millet makes a significant contribution to food and nutritional security in the country. Traditionally, millet is used to make dheedo (a staple dish) in hilly areas, bread, alcohol and animal feed. It also holds cultural significance among indigenous communities in Nepal. Millet is a rich source of calcium and phosphorus, making it an ideal food for pregnant women. It also has benefits for diabetic patients, he added.

Conservation activists recently conducted a training session focused on the conservation of owls, which play a vital role in protecting farmers’ crops by preying on rodents.

The training was attended by 20 individuals, including security personnel, staff from the Forest Ministry, and employees of the Kaski Division Forest Office in Pokhara, among others. These participants are crucial in the efforts to protect owls from poaching and illegal trade, according to the organizers.

The training covered a wide range of issues ranging from the importance of owls in our environment to the dynamics of their illegal trade.

Organized by an organization named Friends of Nature, the training also provided insights into the international demand for live owls, highlighting the countries where this demand is particularly high and where Nepali owls are often exported illegally.

Raju Acharya, Executive Director of Friends of Nature, along with Deepa Gurung, conducted the training. Acharya explained that the illegal trade of owls is often driven by various superstitions. Citing recent studies, Acharya revealed that approximately 1,500 owls are illegally exported from Nepal each year.

The training also explored the reasons behind owl poaching and smuggling, both within Nepal and on a global scale, as well as strategies to combat these issues.

The organizers plan to organize similar training sessions for students, mothers’ groups, and social organizations across various districts. “A total of  11 sessions have been planned for different districts. These sessions are expected to see participation of as many as 220 people,” Achary added.

In addition to the training, Acharya announced plans to install 90 artificial nests in different locations within Kaski and 10 in Syangja for owls in the near future. “The decline in traditional nesting spaces, such as the niches that were once commonly built into the walls of Nepali houses, along with the reduction in tree numbers, has created a habitat crisis for birds. Artificial nests will, to some extent, address this crisis, he added.

Acharya, who has dedicated the past three decades to owl conservation, was recently honored with the 2024 Whitley Award—one of the most prestigious awards in the wildlife conservation sector. He is using the prize money to organize these trainings and build artificial nests.

Owls in Nepal comprise two families—Tytonidae and Strigidae—and 23 species. The conservation status of two species—Long-eared Owl and Oriental Bay Owl—is vagrant and possibly extinct respectively, according to the Owl Conservation Action Plan, Nepal.

Many ponds having cultural and ecological significance have dried up, and many more are on the verge of extinction due to human encroachment in Pokhara.

“Cattle and birds would drink from these ponds. Buffalo would cool off in the mud. At night, jackals and other wildlife would drink from the ponds,” Gangadhar Timilsina (81) of Pokhara-7 recalled. “Times have changed. Such sights have become a thing of the past in Pokhara’s urban areas.”

There used to be a pond and a tap near the resting place at Nareshwar in Malepatan of Pokhara-5. The resting place and tap is still there, but the pond has disappeared. The pond completely dried up in 2009, according to Dhan Bahadur Nepali, former chairperson of Pokahra Ward-5 Office. “Now people have stopped rearing cows and buffalo, and the ponds that our ancestors built have fallen into disuse,” he said.

The area in Pokhara-7, which now houses the regional office of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), used to be called Pokhari Patan (literally pasture land with a lake). The large pond has disappeared, and a new artificial pond has been built in the area. It has a cemented wall and three layers of iron bars, making it inaccessible even to humans, let alone animals, with its gate always padlocked.

Most ponds in Pokhara’s urban areas, which used to be rich in aquatic life, have disappeared. Some ponds with religious and cultural significance exist in name only. Some have shrunk and now have cemented walls to prevent encroachment. Locals say most of the public resting places, taps and ponds in Pokhara have vanished due to rapid construction activities in recent years. Conservation workers estimate that more than 100 ponds have disappeared from urban areas of Pokhara.

In rural areas, though, a number of ponds are still in good shape, especially those used for irrigation. Farmers rely on these ponds and springs to plant rice. For irrigating fields and watering animals, ancestors used to build multipurpose ponds near homes and villages. Sadly, many of these ponds have now disappeared due to encroachment, lack of conservation or regular use.

While ponds in other areas of Pokhara have seen massive encroachments, the one in Kaskikot in Pokhara-24 has ponds dating back to the era of Shah kings, according to Thakur Prasad Tripathi of the area. The large pond (Thuli Pokhari) in Kaskikot, also known as Kashyap Tal, covers an area of 30 ropani (about 1.5 hectares). Thakur Prasad Tripathi, a social worker, says the lake dates back to the Sen dynasty.

Farmers in Kaskikot have been using water from four ponds, including Thuli Pokhari, Maula Pokhari, Khadgam Pokhari and Sani Pokhari for irrigation. Water from these ponds is used to irrigate about 2,000 ropanis (100 hectares) of paddy fields, according to Indra Bahadur GC, a farmer.

Local people, however, say all ponds located in Kaskikot are gradually drying up. “Khadgam Pokhari started drying up after a large tree inside the pond rotted and fell,” Madhav Lal Sharma of the area said.

Indra Bahadur GC, secretary of Pokhara Ward-24 Office, said that Thuli Pokhari, the largest irrigation source in Kaskikot, is also undergoing repairs as it started drying up. Locals say expansion of the road above Thuli Pokhari caused the pond to dry up. “Construction of cemented walls around the pond for beautification and the use of earthmovers also damaged water sources,” locals added. 

Pokhara Metropolitan City allocated Rs 2.5m for the conservation of Thuli Pokhari in the fiscal 2022-23 while it has set aside Rs 1.5m for 2023-24. 

Cultural significance

Ponds have cultural significance. Our ancestors, being environmentally conscious, would plant banyan, pipal and sami trees and nurture them. They would then build resting places around these trees using stones and soil. There was a tradition of building public taps and digging ponds near these resting places. Both Hindu and Buddhist followers would connect these environmental and ecological works with religion. 

Former principal of Barahi Secondary School, Gangadhar Timilsina, said our ancestors used to do these environmentally important works for earning merit. “Back then, people had a religious mindset. There was a belief that after building a resting place and planting banyan and pipal trees, a pond should be built,” Timilsina explained. “There would be a tap near the resting place.”

Some villages in Kaski have been completely abandoned after people migrated elsewhere. With villages deserted, no one is left behind to maintain structures like ponds. In urban areas, increased population density due to in-migration has led to encroachment on ponds and resting places. Not only ponds, even Phewa Lake is facing encroachment and siltation problems. No different is the condition of other lakes. 

Metro lacks data on ponds

Pokhara metropolis lacks data on the number of ponds in existence and the number of ponds that have vanished. It doesn’t ‘seem to have maintained any data’ on the number of ponds within its jurisdiction, according to Nirmal Man Singh Bhandari, head of the Environment Department of Pokhara Metropolitan City.

A study conducted by an NGO named Sudhrid Nepal indicates that 129 ponds still exist in Pokhara Metropolitan City. Out of these 129 ponds, a sample survey of 21 ponds found that only four ponds have water throughout the year. Januka Thapa, a member of the study team, said Khude Pokhari in Pokhara-5, Machha Pokhari in Pokhara-13, Bhagwati Pokhari in Pokhara-14, and Thuli Pokhari in Pokhara-16 have water round the year.

Ecological importance

Lakes, ponds and wells are ecologically important resources. Dipendra Joshi, an expert on disaster and climate adaptation, said that ponds play a crucial role in balancing the ecosystem as they support amphibians and aquatic life. “Ponds are equally important for birds, wildlife and plants. The use of pond water for irrigation also increases food productivity,” Dr Joshi said. “As habitats for birds, amphibians and aquatic life, ponds contribute to the food chain. They play a significant role in the livelihood of the local people.”

Pokhara: Dil Bahadur Gurung (67) of Tangting in Madi Rural Municipality of Kaski, which falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), recounts his experience of increasing water scarcity in areas that once had abundant water even during winter.

Gurung, who operated a sheep farm for 30 years in  Kori, now a popular tourist attraction in the Annapurna Conservation Area, said that areas that previously had water sources in abundance during winter are now becoming dry. Gurung noticed a significant change in water availability when he led a team to study trekking trails to Kori in 2021.

The team, which started the trek from Krapu Hill in Jan 2021, faced water scarcity for both drinking and cooking on their first night at Chamro. Gurung recalled seeing previously abundant spring sources dry up for the first time that year. The team managed to provide water for the 20-member team with difficulty, he added.

Upon reaching the Kori Hill (3,800 meters), Gurung found that all known water sources had dried up. The team had to spend the night without food due to the lack of water. They later found a gallon of water in a locked shed which they used sparingly to quench their thirst. Gurung said he never experienced such water scarcity during his years of moving sheep farms across high alpine regions

The districts of Manang and Mustang, beyond the Himalayas, are known as rain shadow zones. However, these areas within the Annapurna Conservation Area have recently been experiencing heavy rainfall. The cold desert regions of Mustang and Manang are now facing increased incidents of flooding, resulting in loss of life and property.

Conservation expert Dr Hum Bahadur Gurung suggests constructing ponds to manage water resources, as the increasing dryness in high alpine regions during winter affects not only trekkers but also wildlife. Stating that the drying up of water sources could impact the biodiversity of high-altitude areas, he urged concerned authorities to address the issue. Since traditionally rain shadow areas have started receiving rainfall during the monsoon season, he urged authorities for new structures and development approaches to adapt to these changing conditions.

Rivers dry up as water is diverted into hydropower tunnel

Studies show that the rate of snow melting in the Himalayas is increasing. Recent research also indicates a growing problem of water sources drying up in high Himalayan and hilly regions.

Locals of Madi Rural Municipality in Kaski report an additional problem arising from human behavior causing streams to dry up. Bhupal Gurung, a resident of Sabi in Madi-7, said that temperatures have been rising during winter in recent years, and heavy floods during the rainy season sometimes force them to abandon their settlements. “As if it were not enough, hydropower projects divert all the water from rivers into tunnels during winter, causing the rivers to dry up and increasing temperatures in nearby settlements,” he said. “The river used to bring cool air when it was flowing. Now, the power projects have taken all the water into tunnels. The river is dry, and it’s getting hotter,” he said.

The drying up of rivers not only increases temperatures but also destroys biodiversity, according to Gurung. He said floods can force people to flee their settlements during the rainy season, while in winter, the dry streams affect those who rely on fishing for their livelihood. He has also observed fish populations disappearing, and aquatic animals and wildlife dependent on water are no longer seen.

Before the construction of hydropower projects, various species of water birds used to visit the local rivers. These birds are no longer seen these days. There used to be plenty of otters that feed on fish. With the streams no longer flowing, various fish species have disappeared, and the otters and water birds that came to feed on them are no longer seen, locals say.

Rivers and streams naturally have less water in winter. The situation becomes chronic when hydropower projects divert all available water into tunnels to maintain operations during this low-flow period. Devi Jung Gurung, chairperson of Madi Rural Municipality, said that the drying up of rivers affects not only the locals but also the environment, aquatic life and wildlife. He said that the disappearance of streams has led to the extinction of aquatic species and impacted the environment.

Locals say the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) should monitor whether hydropower projects are releasing the mandated 10 percent of water flow into the streams as per their agreements. Dr Rabin Kadariya, chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), said that they have been monitoring water release within their jurisdiction and sending letters to non-compliant projects urging them to adhere to the agreement. “We also respond to public complaints by contacting the relevant hydropower projects to ensure compliance,” he added. “So far, we have only been issuing reminders through letters and phone calls to non-compliant hydropower projects. From this  year, we plan to take legal action if the situation persists.”

Dr Kadariya remains hopeful that projects will comply with the water release agreements to avoid facing legal consequences. He also noted that water scarcity issues in streams are most critical during the months of Chaitra and Baisakh (mid-March to mid-May).

Local representatives say hydropower projects are being built within the Annapurna Conservation Area without proper consideration of the local environment and biodiversity.

The chairpersons of Annapurna Rural Municipality in Myagdi and Madi Rural Municipality in Kaski state that hydropower projects are being built in these biodiversity-rich Himalayan areas without any coordination with local governments. Projects receive construction permits directly from the federal government without discussing the status of local wildlife, aquatic life, or the appropriate elevation limits for construction with the rural municipalities, they added.

Bharat Kumar Pun, chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality, said that a hydropower project is being constructed up to Hum Khola at an elevation of 2,883 meters on the Northern Annapurna Base Camp trekking route. “Roads built for hydropower projects have shortened the North Annapurna Base Camp trek from 9-10 days to just 3-4 days. This has impacted the local environment and tourism,” Pun added.

Although environmental impact assessments are conducted, Pun said that the numerous hydropower projects along the rivers are affecting biodiversity by drying up streams during winter as they divert water into tunnels. Local representatives claim that while environmental impact assessment reports are prepared before project initiation, they often prove impractical.

Madi Rural Municipality Chairperson Gurung said hydropower projects in Himalayan regions are initiated with direct approval from the federal government, without coordination with local governments regarding potential impacts. This lack of attention to local biodiversity conservation is affecting the environment, he added.

Hydropower project work is ongoing near Kapuche Glacier Lake, Nepal’s lowest glacier lake, up to Hugu Goth, according to Gurung. 

Raju Acharya, director of Friends of Nature, an organization working in the conservation area for three decades, said hydropower projects at the foot of the Annapurna range are affecting the habitats and grazing areas of rare wildlife such as Himalayan black bears and snow leopards. He added that when projects fail to release the agreed amount of water into streams, it directly impacts aquatic life, plants and wildlife.

As many as 23 small and large hydropower projects are currently operational within the Annapurna Conservation Area, generating 312 MW of electricity. Eleven projects under construction will produce an additional 1,018 MW.

ACAP Chief Dr Kadariya said 69 more areas within the conservation area are under study for potential hydropower projects.

Unauthorized hotels, restaurants on the rise

The Annapurna Conservation Area has seen an increase in unauthorized construction of hotels and restaurants on government land. This trend has been growing since 2017, with many structures built during the Covid-19 pandemic. These establishments have been constructed by clearing forests within the conservation area by using locally sourced timber and construction materials.

The lack of coordination between local rural municipalities and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) during the pandemic period allowed for the proliferation of these unauthorized structures, locals say. Some of these constructions reportedly involve investments from local representatives.

In 2010, the ACAP Liaison Office in Pokhara decided to confiscate houses and sheds built by encroaching on government and forest land within the Annapurna Conservation Area and slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 per person, as per Section 28 of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1972.

The hotel operators challenged the decision in Kaski District Court. The district court, however, upheld the decision taken by ACAP Liaison Office in 2022. Recently, the Kaski District Court also upheld ACAP’s decision on five additional hotels. Rabin Chaudhary of ACAP Liaison Office in Pokhara, reported that two more cases involving structures on government land within the conservation area are still pending.

Out of 115 illegally constructed hotels, restaurants, and other structures on the Mardi trekking trail, the district court has now upheld ACAP’s decision on 16 hotels.

Previously, ACAP had the authority to investigate and decide on illegal activities within the conservation area. However, recent legal amendments require such cases to be handled through the district court.

With the increasing popularity of new trekking routes like Mardi Himal, Khumai, Krapu Hill, Kapuche Lake and Kori Hill, there has been a rush to build hotels and restaurants. ACAP data shows that 314 businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tea shops, are operating on government land within the conservation area.

About 200 hotels and restaurants were registered before 2016. After the election of local representatives in 2017, rural municipalities demanded the authority to register and approve hotels. This has led to a situation where previously registered establishments haven’t renewed their licenses, and newly built structures have no legal basis for taxation. As a result, the government is not receiving any revenue from these 314 hotels built on land in conservation areas.

Conservation activists say that while local communities were once actively involved in forest and wildlife conservation, recent trends show locals building tourist infrastructure on government land without permission, focusing more on exploitation than conservation.

Record tourist numbers boost revenue

The Annapurna Conservation Area has reported unprecedented tourist numbers and revenue for the 2023/24 fiscal year. According to the ACAP, 222,180 tourists visited the Annapurna Region during the review year, generating a record fee of Rs 383.68m.

This year’s figures represent a significant increase from the previous year, which saw 172,510 visitors and Rs 306.6m in revenue. The current numbers also surpass the pre-covid peak of 181,000 tourists recorded in 2018/19. Of the total visitors this year, 117,845 were from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, while 104,296 came from other nations.

ACAP applies different fee structures based on visitors' origin. SAARC country nationals pay Rs 2,000 per person, while other international visitors are charged Rs 3,000. A nominal fee of Rs 100 is set for domestic tourists, although this is often not collected.

The substantial revenue from tourist entry fees has attracted attention from various stakeholders. However, conservation activists say the three tiers of government have not paid adequate attention to sustainable tourism development and biodiversity conservation in the region.

Revenue and ownership disputes

The management of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has been a subject of controversy. On 19 Jan 2024, the Council of Ministers decided to hand over the management responsibility of both the Annapurna and Manaslu conservation areas to the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) for four years. The management contract of the Annapurna Conservation Area had not been renewed since 16 Jan 2021.

While this decision resolved the uncertainty about who would manage ACAP for the next four years, the Gandaki Province Government and local bodies have been consistently demanding that the Annapurna Conservation Area, which generates the highest revenue among all conservation areas in the country, should come under provincial jurisdiction.

Surendra Raj Pandey, the Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, has been advocating for both ACAP and MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) to come under provincial control. He has been discussing this issue with local representatives from the rural municipalities within these conservation areas.

Chiranjivi Sharma Poudel, the Chief Attorney of Gandaki Province, stated that the provincial government is clear that conservation areas within Gandaki Province should be under provincial control. He argued that it is not legally sound for the federal government to entrust these areas to an NGO-model organization. Poudel explained that the government’s decision to hand over forest management of the two conservation areas to the NTNC was based on a law from 1972, which is outdated given Nepal’s transition to a federal system.

“Article 304 of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, invalidates any laws that are inconsistent with federal principles,” he said, arguing that while the constitution gives management authority to the provinces, the federal government’s decision to give this authority to an NGO goes against the spirit of the constitution. He has advised the Chief Minister that this decision could be overturned if challenged in the Supreme Court.

The National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission is a constitutional body responsible for distributing national revenue. It collects revenue from across the country and distributes it according to constitutional guidelines. There is a legal provision to distribute funds to provinces, the federal government, and local bodies on a proportional basis.

“Provinces should receive their share through the commission. However, no money is being deposited with the Commission as an NGO-model organization has taken over the forest management,” Poudel said. “This raises questions about financial transparency. The Gandaki province government, therefore, must insist that conservation areas within the province should be under provincial control.”

Juddha Bahadur Gurung, a member of the commission, revealed that they had recommended two years ago that royalties from ACAP should be distributed. The commission, according to Gurung, has suggested allocating 25 percent each to rural municipalities and the province, and 50 percent to the federal government. He noted that 16 rural municipalities in Gandaki Province that fall within the Annapurna Conservation Area, along with Ward-19 of Pokhara, would receive a share of 25 percent.

However, this recommendation is reportedly stalled at the Ministry of Finance. It has been suggested that the 50 percent allocated to the federal government would be given to ACAP and NTNC as management expenses. Gurung added that the commission recommended that the royalties received by provinces and rural municipalities should be spent within the designated conservation areas.

Roads shortening trekking trails

The world-renowned Annapurna trekking region is facing challenges due to road expansion, even in uninhabited areas. This development is disappointing tourists who come to enjoy trekking in the Himalayan region.

Sheshkant Sharma, former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association’s Gandaki chapter, said while overall tourist numbers in the Annapurna trekking area are at an all-time high, there has been a decline in trekkers from Europe, the US and the UK who prefer longer treks.

“Road expansion has occurred in conservation areas without human settlements”, Sharma said. “Provincial and local governments haven't paid attention to the potential negative impacts. For instance, roads have been extended to uninhabited areas like Kruphu and Hugu Gotha near Kaphuche Lake in the Annapurna Conservation Area,” he added.

In Kruphu, the road was built with federal government funds. In Kapuche, despite requests to consider the sensitivity of the Himalayan region and biodiversity, a hydroelectric project has been constructed up to the base of the mountain.

Sharma said roads are being built to Nar-Phu region (4,200 meters), Dharmashala (4,650 meters) above Muktinath Temple on the way from Manang via Thorong Pass, Aalubaari (3,900 meters) on the Dhaulagiri trekking route, and Yak Kharka (3,860 meters) on the trail to Tilicho Lake from Jomsom.

As a result of road constructions, the Annapurna Circuit trek, which used to take 21 days, can now be completed in just one week. This has led to a decrease in tourists who prefer longer treks.

Conservation expert Dr Hum Bahadur Gurung warns that road network development in uninhabited high Himalayan areas could impact wildlife grazing areas and habitats, and increase the risk of landslides, among other problems.

Annapurna Conservation Area, spanning 7,629 square kilometers in five districts of Gandaki Province, was declared in 1992. The area is home to a population of 92,675 and serves as a vital source of clean water for Pokhara city.

The area is rich in biodiversity, home to over 1,800 plant species, 128 mammal species, 518 bird species, and hundreds of reptiles, amphibians and butterflies. It is the only conservation area in Nepal where all six native pheasant species can be found. The region also boasts cultural significance with sites like Muktinath attracting both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

This story has been produced with the support of the Internews Earth Journalism Network through the Media for Inclusive Green Growth project

Driven by the dream of a better life, Hari Prasad Aryal left his hometown of Waling, Syangja, in October 2023 and flew to Russia. 

The 23-year-old, who had served in the Nepal Army for nearly three years, enlisted himself in the Russian Armed Forces and was soon thrust into the battlefield with the Ukrainian army. Hari lost his life sometime in December last year. 

Until December 8, Hari kept in touch with his family, sharing snippets of his life in the foreign military. However, the prolonged silence raised concerns, and his family, desperate for answers, reached out to his friends. Hari’s middle brother, Raju, told ApEx that they learned about Hari’s death through other Nepali enlistees in the Russian army. The government would confirm his demise only in January.

Hari, the youngest of three sons, had initially joined the Nepal Army after completing his twelfth grade. But fueled by a desire for better financial prospects, he left the army to explore opportunities in foreign security forces. His ambitions unfortunately led to his untimely death.

Hari’s parents Rudra Prasad and Balkumari have been devastated by the loss of a son who harbored dreams of giving his family a better life. 

Despite Rudra Prasad receiving a pension from his previous work in India, it proves insufficient for the family. Hari's two brothers, Kamal and Raju, sought employment in Dubai for better opportunities. 

Kamal, the eldest, couldn't attend Hari’s last rites, having returned to Dubai just five months ago. Raju, currently home for Dashain-Tihar celebrations, extended his leave upon hearing the tragic news and plans to return to Dubai in the second week of February.

 “We don’t find good job opportunities here. If our salaries could cover family expenses, none of us would have sought employment abroad,” said Raju.

The Aryal family hails from Mankhu, located just half an hour's drive from the district headquarters, Waling. Despite owning a small piece of farmland, crop damage caused by monkeys forced them to leave the village, and they now live in a rented apartment in Waling.

“Hari's dream of building a good house for his parents remains unfulfilled,” said his uncle Buddhi Aryal. 

Rudra Prasad, nearing 80 and grappling with asthma, frequently succumbs to emotional breakdowns as he reminisces about his youngest son.

Despite discussions with authorities to repatriate Hari’s body, the family were informed of the impossibility. So the family performed the last rites without the physical presence of the deceased, using a small dummy made of Kush grass to symbolize Hari's body. The funeral rites were carried out on the banks of the Kali Gandaki river recently. 

Hari’s social media presence painted a picture of a young man in the Russian military uniform, sharing moments from his life in the military. In a poignant video posted on October 28, Hari can be seen singing a song about the plight of migrant workers, surrounded by fellow Nepalis in Russian military gear. 

His last post on December 4 featured a video of friends heading to the warfront with the caption: “Life is like this, we will meet if we come back, otherwise…” 

Chandani Sharma (21) of Baglung had heard that paragliding is operated in the skies of Pokhara, but she hadn’t imagined she would one day soar like birds. A student of BEd at the Prithvi Narayan Campus, Sharma was aware that Blind Rocks was taking visually impaired individuals for paragliding, but she didn’t believe she would get the opportunity herself.

“When Shristi informed me on Sunday that I would get a chance to paraglide, I was very curious. People used to say the sky is blue, but I have never experienced it,” Sharma said. “Soaring like birds and feeling the cold breeze was a memorable experience for me.”

Sharma said that events like this are important to send a message to society which still believes that people with disabilities can do nothing. “Although I could see nothing, my pilot Ram Gautam described to me how Pokhara looks from the sky,” she added.

Blind Rocks organized the inclusive paragliding program to spread the message that physical disabilities and visual impairment do not stop anyone from reaching new heights in life. Shristi KC, the founder of Blind Rocks, also thoroughly enjoyed her flight. “Entering into the clouds was the highlight of the experience. I always dreamed of flying above the clouds. It was a fun-filled experience,” KC added.

KC shared how her pilot briefed her about everything during the flight. “He informed me when we entered the cloud and described the green fields, Harpan Khola entering Fewa Lake, and the overall scenery of Pokhara,” she added. She also explained how her first paragliding experience brought positivity into her life and felt that other visually impaired individuals should also have the opportunity. As a result, she arranged for 10 visually impaired individuals, including two foreigners, to experience paragliding through her organization.

Thomas Sidleyn of Australia and Christopher John of the US expressed their happiness in listening to their pilots’ descriptions of the bird’s eye view of Pokhara city. For Thomas, a member of Blind Rocks, who is visiting Nepal for the second time, this was his first paragliding flight. “It’s not necessary to see to enjoy the beauty. We can also listen to others’ experiences and sense our surroundings,” he added. The program was organized in coordination with the Pokhara Metropolitan City, and the Nepal Air Sports Association offered free flights to visually impaired individuals.