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Invasive species are non-native species that spread or expand their range, potentially harming  the aspects of the environment including the ecosystem and human health. They are one of the five major threats to the biodiversity in Nepal. Lantana Camara is one of such invasive species, which needs to be seriously researched and managed to keep the implication of the species to  biodiversity and food security within the manageable threshold.  

The native range of Lantana Camara is tropical America that ranges the countries of central  and South America as well as Mexico and the Caribbean. Today, the shrub has spread over  to nearly sixty countries and naturalized, causing a negative influence on the forest, grassland  and agricultural field and was listed as one of the world’s 100 worst alien species in 2013. They  were initially brought to India by the British around 200 years ago as an ornamental plant at the National Botanical Garden, which then spread and became invasive. From there, the species  spread widely in Asia including Nepal.  

Lantana Camara is one the worst invasive species in Nepal. The species is known as Ban Fanda or Banmara (Ban-Forest; mara-killer) in Nepali. It can withstand a range of climatic conditions  and is frequently observed in many sections of Nepal, with elevations ranging from 100 to 1950 meters in diverse arrays of habitats including boundaries of fields, grasslands, and forests.  

This plant reproduces vegetatively or by seeds, which are readily dispersed by birds, other  animals that eat the fruit, its branches take root after coming into contact with soil, it is fire tolerant and it has a high phenotypic plasticity. They can grow up to six feet, the branches contain small thorns, stems are square and may have tiny prickles, leaves are simple, hairy, and have a  strong unpleasant odor when crushed. The plant produces green berry-like drupe seeds which  after maturity turn to dark purple and are eaten by birds and animals. It`s extensive seed  production favors rat populations. Flowers are multicolored that may be white to pink, yellow  to orange to red, or may change colors over time. 

This invasive species thrives in jungle areas with no natural predators even if there are no herbivores or insects to be attacking them which means that unless this plant is physically  uprooted or cut away there is no way to control it. Its widespread distribution is causing a global  rise in numbers, limiting the growth of native plants. Its capability for rapid reproduction and  allelopathic exclusion of other plant species allows it to develop dense monospecific stands,  which can drastically lower soil fertility, and allelopathic alteration of soil properties which 

decline the agricultural system productivity and have a detrimental effect on the biodiversity  of the invaded areas. 

It has the potential to block succession and cause the displacement of native species. It can  cause striking changes in the structural and floristic composition of natural communities by  interrupting the regeneration processes of other native species thus reducing species richness.  In light of potential global change scenarios, various authors have projected the present and  future distributions of L. camara. 

Uses  

Lantana camara, despite being an invasive species, have some benefits as well. Owing to their  attractive color, they are highly used as ornamental plants. Furthermore, many communities  across the globe use them as a medicine for various diseases including ringworm, headache, aerodontalgia, malaria, fever, rheumatoid arthritis, cuts, wounds, cough, and cold. Lantana  camara is proven to have a range of medicinal properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant,  antipyretic, larvicidal, and antifungal effects. The chemical makeup of the entire L-plant and its potential medical uses have been extensively researched and investigated by scientists and  researchers worldwide during the past few decades. It is also recognized as a plant that yields  essential oils, which are sold in stores under the name ‘lantana oil’.

There have been efforts to engage local communities of Tamil Nadu, India to make the furniture  from the species through a Lantana Project. The program can be replicated in Nepal as well.  Stems of Lantana can be used to make particleboard, dusted wood, toys, artisanal products such  as carrying cages for chickens and other items.  

Control measures 

To control Lantana Camara different stakeholders have implemented diverse control measures  including the public awareness about the adverse effects of invasive species in forest and  physical control through continuous uprooting and cutting until the clear cut out. Mechanized  equipment like tractors or electric saws may be employed in such high-density zones. Promoting conservation and natural regeneration involves early detection of invasive species  like L. camara and immediate removal at the initial stage. This proactive approach aims to  prevent the spread of the species and encourage the growth of native vegetation. The control  efforts are not limited to forested areas alone; they also extend to roadsides and private lands.  

Way forward

The invasion of Lantana camara in Nepal poses significant ecological and economic  challenges, but concerted efforts are underway to mitigate its impact. Through collaborative  initiatives and innovative management strategies, stakeholders are striving to raise public  awareness, prevent further spread, and restore native ecosystems. While the threat of invasive  species remains daunting, there is reason for optimism. The resilience and ingenuity of local  communities, coupled with advancements in research and technology, offer-promising avenues  for addressing this pressing issue. By harnessing the potential of Lantana camara for medicinal  and economic purposes, we can turn a problem into an opportunity, empowering livelihoods  and promoting sustainable practices. As we navigate the complex interplay between human  activities and ecological systems, let us remember that our actions today will shape the world  of tomorrow and let us remain steadfast in our commitment to conservation and embrace a  future where biodiversity thrives and ecosystems flourish. 

Nepal’s media fraternity has expressed concerns regarding a surge in fake news directed at independent media outlets that have been uncovering corruption and governance failures. They say these fake news represent a deliberate and systematic campaign to undermine the credibility of independent press and misguide the general public. 

Such nefarious efforts extend beyond the media. They are also targeting the judiciary to undermine public trust in the judicial system.

Press Council Nepal has taken decisive action against sidhakura.com for disseminating fake news on April 26, 2024. The report accompanying an audio clip falsely implicated Capt. Rameshwar Thapa, chairman of Annapurna Media Network (AMN), and Kailash Sirohiya, managing director of Kantipur Media Group (KMG), Ananda Mohan Bhattarai, justice of the Supreme Court, several senior advocates and former justices, claiming they were part of a clandestine meeting purportedly aimed at dismissing over 400 corruption cases.

A video news report, including an audio clip, was uploaded by sidhakura.com, formerly part of a television program broadcast on the now-defunct Galaxy Television. The show was created by current Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, who faces the allegation of misappropriating funds from a Pokhara-based financial cooperative. 

Both AMN and KMG have been covering news reports regarding the plights of the people whose deposits were misused by cooperatives .

The Press Council has instructed sidhakura.com to immediately remove the fabricated news and to furnish a clarification. It said that the deliberate misinformation, masquerading as an 'exclusive' expose, has not only undermined the press integrity but also tarnished the Supreme Court’s reputation.  

Capt. Thapa has also taken legal recourse, denouncing the malicious intent behind the false allegations. He refuted the baseless claims, asserting that they aim to manipulate public opinion and serve vested interests. In a formal complaint filed with the Press Council, Thapa underscored the ethical boundaries breached by sidhakura.com and called for legal redress against such egregious misconduct.

“These are baseless and misleading rumours intended to manipulate the people and to serve some interest groups," Thapa said. "The questionable content published under the garb of ‘exclusive sting operation’ was created with extreme prejudice and filled with illusionary characters. It was a desperate act to go viral.” 

AMN management is currently in consultation with lawyers to seek legal remedies for the reputational damage caused by the fabricated news.

Sirohiya echoed these sentiments, demanding accountability for those fabricating and disseminating fake news. He urged the authorities to identify and prosecute the perpetrators, emphasizing the legal consequences of such malicious conduct. He also warned against the erosion of democratic institutions, underscoring the collective responsibility to uphold truth and integrity in media discourse.

“It will be too late if the authorities fail to identify and discourage these certain groups that are actively trying to weaken the pillars of democracy through disinformation campaigns,” Sirohiya said.

Supreme Court Justice Bhattarai has also expressed astonishment at being falsely implicated in the fabricated news. He unequivocally denied any involvement in the case, stressing his unwavering commitment to judicial integrity.

“The verdict of the case has already proved that I was not involved in the case,” he said in a statement on Friday. 

Nepa Media Society, representing private publications and broadcasters, has also demanded action against those involved in creating fake news with the malicious intent of defaming some established media houses and to assassinate the characters of their owners and a sitting Supreme Court justice.

Issuing a statement on Friday, Society Chairman Subha Shankar Kandel said their attention has been drawn by the latest incident of fake news that attempts to undermine credible media institutions and judicial authorities. He called upon law enforcement agencies to combat the dissemination of misinformation and uphold journalistic integrity.

“We strongly demand that the government take action against such propaganda mills masquerading as legitimate media entities and safeguard the foundations of democracy’” he said. 

Kandel also emphasized the urgent need to address the rampant misuse of social media and technology to spread rumors and falsehoods to undermine societal cohesion.

The Supreme Court Administration has raised a contempt of court proceedings against the news portal, sidhakura.com, and its YouTube channel.

The court administration has sought legal action against the publisher sidhakura.com, Yuvaraj Kandel, for publishing a fake news report, accusing a sitting Supreme Court justice, various senior advocates, and the publishers of two prominent media houses, among others, of trying to dismiss more than 400 corruption cases. 

The case of contempt will be presented on Monday, said Govind Prasad Ghimire, deputy registrar of the Supreme Court.

Kandel’s news portal has accused Supreme Court Justice Anand Mohan Bhattarai, Chairman of the Annapurna Media Network Rameshwar Thapa, Managing Director of the Kantipur Media Group Kailash Sirohiya, special correspondent of Annapurna Post Surendra Kafle, and senior advocates Hari Upreti and Kishor Vishwakarma, of being part of a clandestine meeting to influence the verdict of more than 400 corruption cases. 

The matter has sparked intense opposition from the media fraternity and judicial community.

 The apex court has sought action against everyone involved in the publication of the content, including Kandel and executive editor Navin Dhungana.

Taking into account the impact on the dignity and prestige of the judiciary, and considering the seriousness of the matter, a full-court meeting of all justices of the Supreme Court was held on Sunday. The case was filed based on the decision of the meeting.

The fake news, which has tarnished the reputation of the senior justice, legal professionals, communication professionals, and journalists, has been criticized by the Nepal Media Society, Nepal Bar Association, and Supreme Bar Association, among others.

On Friday, the Press Council of Nepal had issued strict directives to sidhakura.com to remove misleading content, citing serious violations of the code of conduct and extreme misuse of press freedom. The news portal has not only refused to take down the content, but has defended its position with a special editorial and the interview of the person who carried out the so-called sting operation. 

The press regulatory body on Sunday renewed its directive to remove the misleading contents. It has also summoned the editor and presenter of the program to its office at 3 pm Monday to furnish clarification and justify their claims with proper evidence. 

2024 is a year of rereads. Four months into the year and I’ve reread more books than I have read new releases. There’s something comforting about escaping into a familiar world, one which you know will not disappoint you. ‘Neverwhere’ by Neil Gaiman is a book that never lets you down. There are various versions of the book and the one I picked up this time is a recently published edition that has an extra short story on one of the characters in the book. I just love it when an author decides to give you more background on a story you love.

Neverwhere tells the story of Richard Mayhew who lives in London. He doesn’t have the most fascinating life but he’s doing okay. Then, one day, on his way to meet his high-flying, overly ambitious girlfriend’s boss, he stops to help a girl he finds bleeding on the street. This act of kindness turns his world upside down—and quite literally so.

He lands up in London Below where there are angels and murderers. It looks and seems like London but there’s something dark and sinister about it. There are beasts and Earls who hold court in a tube train. And Richard finds himself thrust in the heart of danger. There are two thugs who want to kill him. He must find a way to escape this place and make it back home before it’s too late. But how does he do that when he doesn’t have anyone to help him? And the only girl who might be able to fix his life seems to be on a mission to avenge her family’s murder, that too without a clue about who murdered her family in the first place.

The setup is flawless. The execution is great. You will not be bored for a second. The world of London Below that Gaiman creates in Neverwhere is magical. It transforms a real city into an entirely new world. You meet rats that can talk, and people-lookalike who eat frogs and bite off human heads. It’s a dangerous world but one that is full of possibilities. Anything can happen in London Below and your life would forever be altered in London Above. Reading Neverwhere feels a little like sitting on a rollercoaster without any safety guard.

Neverwhere was actually written for television but the book is much better. In the introduction to the text, Gaiman says the Neverwhere on screen wasn’t the one he had in his head. Every scene or line that was cut eventually found its way into the book so there’s a lot more here than on the tv adaptation. It’s the full experience. And trust me on this one, the book gets better with each reread as there’s just so much to unpack in the story.