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The traffic congestion affecting our roads can be minimized to a great extent by paying attention to the key core and ancillary components like parking, road improvement, traffic lights, rules, human resources, dedicated lanes, scheduling and moral responsibility.

Ample parking space for staff as well as visitors must be made a precondition for establishment and operation of organizations and other infrastructure like public/private offices, hospitals and clinics, malls, educational institutions and sports complexes. The parking spaces set aside in the approved design for construction should be used exclusively for parking only. Roads are not meant for parking vehicles and taxis looking for passengers should be allowed to park on taxi stands only. This will ultimately lead to the development of taxi stands and private parking spaces at different locations.      

Improvement in road safety management practices is a continuing process. Traffic signs should be placed in such a way that they are distinctly visible. Pedestrians should have unhindered access to wide sidewalks/footpaths. Furthermore, relevant agencies should install reflectors at blind turns and repaint the road lanes from time to time to minimize traffic rule violations resulting from faded paints. 

 Traffic lights are the most important element for regulating vehicular movement on the road. This system works automatically as set up at the time of installation in terms of timing of the gap rotation and the direction to stop and move with the turning of lights. So, the electric traffic light system, already installed and used at different intersections and other vulnerable points, must be in operation throughout the day and night. As such, other crowded intersections should also have the system of electric traffic lights and signals/signs for a smooth traffic movement. The manual traffic regulatory clearance during the day time should be avoided as much as possible at crossings where traffic lights have already been installed.

For regulating road traffic, several traffic rules and regulations have already been enforced. Road traffic will be quite chaotic if any number of vehicles are allowed to ply without taking the carrying capacity of the road into account. Violators of traffic rules and regulations should be penalized without let or hindrance. The practice of booking in case of violations and imposing penalties, including impounding of licenses/orientation classes, should be continued. Moreover, pedestrians must be given orientation to cross the road by following traffic signs and lights.

 Police officers must be deployed in required numbers at busy intersections for effective enforcement of traffic rules and regulation and for streamlining road traffic with limited infrastructure. In the absence of electric traffic lights and overhead bridges or underpasses, the pedestrian has no option but to cross the road through zebra crossing. In many cases, pedestrians unaware of such rules end up blocking traffic by daring to cross the road haphazardly. 

 Instances of straight-moving vehicles occupying the free left lane have become an everyday affair in Kathmandu. All buses and three-wheelers must stop only at dedicated stops, only for embarkation and disembarkation for a smooth vehicular movement. 

Depending upon the availability of four or more lanes along some roads like Ring Road, one lane can be designated for specified vehicles mentioned above. The dedicated lane would be a faster lane as only one type of vehicle (say car/microbus) carrying more than one occupant can use it. This is a good approach to discourage single-driven cars. Some offices may even be tempted to provide such services to their staff.

Every vehicle owner/driver should primarily understand and realize his/her moral responsibility to abide by traffic rules and regulations. Also, it is always better to educate oneself first rather than asking others to follow. 

 Apart from traffic police and road users, authorities like city councils and municipalities can play a vital role in effective traffic management by declaring crowded marketplaces, historic monuments and cultural heritage sites like Ason, Indra Chowk and Durbar Squares, which draw a large number of visitors, no-vehicle areas. Such a move will also help in the preservation of heritages by curbing pollution.

Entry fees should be collected from vehicles entering crowded areas like New Road to discourage the use of vehicles in such areas. The weekly holiday (Saturday) and other public holidays should be declared pedestrians’ days by prohibiting the entry of vehicles on busy areas like New Road and Durbarmarg. Vehicles with odd and even registration numbers may be allowed to ply on alternate days to curb congestion.

The way forward

Several countries have taken the above-mentioned measures to deal with traffic congestion. They have also developed mass transit systems like bus rapid transit (BRT) and ropeways/cable cars for the same. In the case of ropeways and cars, many cities have built infrastructure like towers and stations along river banks. This means not having to foot exorbitant costs for land pooling. Relevant authorities can replicate this in the Kathmandu Valley, which is home to rivers like Bagmati and Bishnumati, and help preserve the aesthetic, cultural and historic components of the Bagmati civilization.  

The author is a former Executive Director, Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board. He can be reached at [email protected]

This is part II of a two-part series 

The biggest festival Dashain began with Ghatasthapana today by worshiping the deity Shailaputri in accordance with Vedic rituals and sowing barley seeds for jamara in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination.

The auspicious hour for observing Ghatasthapana is 11:29 am today, according to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee. Deity Shailaputri is one of the nine deities worshiped in Navaratri.

Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power today. Germination of the auspicious "Jamara" is also initiated at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar in accordance with Vedic rituals.

With the marking of Ghatasthapana, celebrations and worship take place in the Shaktipeeth across the country including in the Kathmandu Valley.

Likewise, there is also a tradition of sacrificing animals while initiating the germination of the "jamara".

My grandmother is a 65-year-old retired teacher. Lately, she has been experiencing memory problems, such as forgetting appointments, misplacing keys, and struggling to recall the names of familiar people. What could it be and is there anything that could be done

Answered by Rishav Koirala, psychiatrist and researcher

Age-related cognitive changes are common, and some degree of forgetfulness is considered a normal part of aging. Chronic stress can lead to cognitive difficulties, and addressing stress management techniques may help improve memory. Sleep disturbances, such as sleep apnea or insomnia, can also impair cognitive function, and optimizing sleep quality can have a positive impact. 

If your grandmother is on some medication regimen, there are some drugs that may be affecting her memory. So a review of her medication is essential. Additionally, addressing any underlying medical conditions and ensuring proper nutrition can play a crucial role in memory improvement.

With the aging population in Nepal, the prevalence of cognitive disorders, including dementia, has been on the rise. In the context of dementia, individuals may experience a distorted sense of temporal orientation, emphasizing past memories while struggling to remember or anticipate the future. This temporal disorientation can lead to a sense of ‘wandering’ through time, where past experiences become more accessible, while future events and plans become increasingly elusive. 

As a result of this temporal disorientation, individuals experiencing memory problems may also find it challenging to remember tasks or work that was in progress, which can be disruptive and disorienting. This issue can further compound the difficulties associated with dementia, as individuals may ‘lose track’ of their ongoing tasks, adding to their sense of temporal disorientation and causing frustration and confusion. Understanding and addressing these challenges are essential in providing appropriate care and support to individuals with dementia.

Moreover, it’s crucial to recognize that the person looking after the patient, such as family members or caregivers, may experience significant emotional and psychological challenges. The constant adjustments and uncertainties brought about by dementia can lead to caregiver anxiety, stress, and burnout. Caregivers often grapple with the demanding responsibilities of ensuring the patient’s safety, providing emotional support, and managing the daily care routine, all while witnessing the progressive decline of their loved one's cognitive function. Recognizing and addressing the caregiver’s well-being is a vital aspect of holistic care for individuals with dementia, as it helps ensure the patient receives the best possible support while also maintaining the caregiver’s own mental and emotional health.

To determine the exact cause and appropriate interventions, it is crucial for your grandmother to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare professional, be it a psychiatrist, neurologist, or geriatrician, who can provide a tailored assessment and guidance for her specific situation. Early intervention and support can significantly affect the management of memory issues, irrespective of their underlying cause, and may involve addressing temporal disorientation and providing a supportive environment for individuals with dementia.

When you look good, you feel good. A little makeup can boost your confidence level when something feels off (and don’t we all have those days). Asmi Shrestha, a professional makeup artist and owner of the studio Glamour by Asmi in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu runs us through the basics of makeup while offering some helpful tips on how to take care of our skin. 

 What is the most important thing to keep in mind while buying makeup products? 

You need a good solid base to begin with so investing in proper moisturizer and primer is crucial. It’s also important to make sure your makeup items don’t clash with one another so keep a basic color palate in mind. Also, not every brand will suit you so you have to find out what works for you. I recommend you avoid dupes and invest in good quality products. 

 As a makeup artist, what is the one thing you recommend for those wanting to experiment with makeup?

I’d like to tell people to take care of their skin first and then choose makeup that helps enhance their features. Cleanse your skin every day. Test products before you buy them to ensure it doesn’t lead to rashes or breakouts. You can’t compromise on essentials like face serums, eye creams, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Then, for everyday makeup, consider investing in a good concealer for coverage, mascara to brighten your eyes, blush for a radiant complexion, and a solid lipstick to complete your look. 

 How important is it to understand your skin type before applying any makeup? 

Different skin types have different needs so you must use products that don’t hamper your skin and aggravate your skin issues, should you have any.  Dry skin needs a dewy base, like a good product with cream oil and a thick moisturizer. Oily skin, on the other hand, needs a mattifying product for a clear look. A primer is also essential so as not to clog your pores even further. I recommend a foundation-setting powder to most of my clients because it helps the makeup to stay in place for a long time. Those who have sensitive skin should stay away from makeup products or visit a dermatologist before putting anything on the skin. 

 How do you select the right foundation and concealer shades for different skin tones?

There are three main skin tones, warm, cool, and neutral. In Nepal, you often come across neutral and warm skin tones. Look at the labels for words like Neutral Cool (NC), Neutral (N), and Warm (W) to find the right shade for your skin tone. You can choose one or two shades lighter than your skin tone, apply it to your jawline, and wait for five min to check for oxidation. Likewise, for concealer, you can pick one that’s two shades lighter than your foundation. If it blends seamlessly, that shade is your perfect match. 

Can you share some makeup tricks?

Blending is the most challenging part of makeup but it can make or break your look. Good blending gives you a defined look and can highlight your best features. So practice it well. For eye makeup, use a concealer first for a matt finish. If you want your lipstick to look nice and last long, apply a lip balm before putting on lipstick, and also use a lip liner to enhance the shape of your lips. Highlighting and contouring play major roles in enhancing your facial features. To add a little structure to your face, contour the jawline, lower cheeks, and forehead. Use a highlighter where natural light hits your face, especially on the cheekbones, bridge of your nose, under brows, and chin.

 Is there anything specific people tend to overlook while doing their makeup?

I believe it’s very important to use the right makeup tools. Different brushes are designed for different purposes. I recommend a beauty sponge to apply foundation. For liquid products like blush and contour, flat-top brushes are quite useful. As a makeup artist, I recommend you to have at least a fluffy brush, eye makeup brush, and brows brush in your makeup bag. After each use, make sure to clean and sanitize your brush. For thorough cleaning, you can use baby shampoo and olive oil. As for the beauty sponge, you need to wash it after every use and squeeze it properly otherwise the water will dilute your oil-based makeup.