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COP28 has concluded with an agreement that signals the ‘beginning of the end’ for the fossil fuel era by laying the ground for a swift, just and equitable transition supported by substantial emissions reductions and increased financial commitments.

Despite this progress, the absence of a concrete deadline for phasing out fossil fuels remains a notable shortcoming, particularly in meeting the crucial 1.5-degree temperature rise limit. While celebrations echo in the Western world, the outcome has left least developed and developing countries dissatisfied.The most celebrated outcome for countries like Nepal is the operationalization of loss and damage funds. But pledges made by big countries to the fund are disappointingly low at $700m.

 Studies show developing nations require a minimum of $400bn annually to effectively address loss and damage due to climate change. Furthermore, the operational details of the fund and its beneficiaries remain unclear. Nevertheless, Nepal achieved success in highlighting the agendas of mountainous regions and issues related to the least developed countries during COP28. 

High-level rhetoric does not automatically translate into action. We have struggled to attract sufficient funds from international sources in the past. For instance, due to a lack of sufficient homework and preparations, Nepal received very minimal support from the Green Investment Fund. While Nepal is technically eligible for loss and damage funds, the responsibility lies with the country to conduct thorough groundwork and preparations. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal has returned home after attending the COP28. However, he has not held any meeting with agencies concerned to undertake the necessary preparations.

The Prime Minister is just engaged in a publicity stunt saying that Nepal has been loud and clear this time without specifying what that means. The global community is well aware of the severe impacts of climate change in Nepal. It is a brutal reality that Nepal is not alone in facing these challenges. Securing climate finance is a competitive process and it is contingent on a nation’s capacity. As far as documentation is concerned, Nepal has done a commendable job. 

The Ministry of Forests and Environment has done adequate study about the multifaceted impacts of climate change. However, Nepal lags behind in enhancing capacity for negotiations and research. While the ministry is the nodal agency for handling such issues, there is a lack of coordination among government bodies. PM Dahal should, therefore, form a high-powered mechanism dedicated to climate-related issues. The PM’s efforts to advocate for Nepal’s agenda will be judged by tangible actions, not mere words.

On Dec 11, the Supreme Court of India delivered a historic judgment on the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A). Through its judgment, the Court has upheld the sovereignty and integrity of India, something that is cherished by every Indian. The Supreme Court rightly observed that the decision taken on 5 Aug 2019 was done with the purpose of enhancing constitutional integration and not disintegration. The Court has also recognised the fact that Article 370 was not permanent in nature.

Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes, serene valleys, and majestic mountains have captivated the hearts of poets, artists and adventurers for generations. It is a place where the sublime meets the extraordinary, where the Himalayas reach for the sky, and where the pristine waters of its lakes and rivers mirror the heavens. But, for the last seven decades, these places have witnessed the worst form of violence and instability, something which the wonderful people never deserved.

Unfortunately, due to centuries of colonization, most notably economic and mental subjugation, we became a confused society of sorts. Rather than taking a clear position on very basic things, we allowed duality, leading to confusion. Sadly, Jammu and Kashmir became a big victim of such a mindset. At the time of independence, we had a choice of making a fresh start for national integration. Instead, we decided to continue with the confused society approach even if it meant ignoring the long-term national interests.

I have had the opportunity of being connected with the Jammu and Kashmir Andolan from a very early part of my life. I belong to an ideological framework where Jammu and Kashmir was not merely a political issue. But, it was about addressing the aspirations of society. Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee held an important portfolio in the Nehru Cabinet and could have remained in government for a long time. Yet, he quit the Cabinet over the Kashmir issue and preferred the tough road ahead, even if it meant paying with his life. His efforts and sacrifice led to crores of Indians becoming emotionally attached with the Kashmir issue. Years later, Atal Ji, at a public meeting in Srinagar gave the powerful message of ‘Insaniyat’, ‘Jamhooriyat’ and ‘Kashmiriyat’, which has also always been a source of great inspiration.

It was always my firm belief that what had happened in Jammu and Kashmir was a great betrayal- to our nation and to the people living there. It was also my strong desire to do whatever I can to remove this blot, this injustice done to the people. I have always wanted to work to alleviate the suffering of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

In very basic words- Articles 370 and 35 (A) were like major obstacles. It seemed like an unbreakable wall and the sufferers were the poor and downtrodden. Articles 370 and 35 (A) ensured that the people of Jammu and Kashmir never got the rights and development that the rest of their fellow Indians got. Due to these Articles, a distance was created between people belonging to the same nation. Due to this distance, many people from our nation who wanted to work to solve the problems of Jammu and Kashmir were unable to do so even if they clearly felt the pain of the people there.

As a Karyakarta who has seen the issue closely over the last several decades, I had a nuanced understanding of the specifics and the complexities of the issue. Yet, I was crystal clear about one thing—that the people of Jammu and Kashmir want development and they want to contribute to the development of India based on their strengths and skills. They also want a better quality of life for their children, a life free from violence and uncertainty.

Thus, while serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir, we gave primacy to three pillars—understanding of the citizens’ concerns, building trust through supportive actions, and prioritizing development, development and more development.

In 2014, just after we assumed office, deadly floods struck Jammu and Kashmir, with a lot of damage in the Kashmir valley. In Sept 2014, I went to Srinagar to assess the situation and also announced InRs  10bn as a special assistance for rehabilitation, signaling our government’s commitment to supporting the people during crises. I had the opportunity to meet people from different walks of life and there was one common thread in these interactions- the people not only wanted development but they also wanted freedom from the rampant corruption prevailing for decades. The same year, I decided not to mark Diwali in remembrance of those we lost in Jammu and Kashmir. I also decided to be in Jammu and Kashmir on Diwali day.

In order to further strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s development journey, we decided that our Government ministers would frequently go there and interact with people directly. These frequent visits also played a crucial role in building goodwill in Jammu and Kashmir. From May 2014 to March 2019, over 150 ministerial visits took place. This is a record in itself. The special package of 2015 was a significant step in addressing the developmental needs of Jammu and Kashmir. It contained initiatives for infrastructure development, job creation, tourism promotion and support to the handicraft industry.

We harnessed the power of sports in Jammu and Kashmir, recognising its potential to ignite the dreams of the youth. Through sporting initiatives, we witnessed the transformational impact of athletic pursuits on their aspirations and futures. Sporting venues were upgraded, training programmes were organized and coaches were made available. One of the most unique things was to encourage the setting of local football clubs. The results were outstanding. The name of the talented footballer Afshan Ashiq comes to my mind- in Dec 2014 she was a part of a stone pelting group in Srinagar but with the right encouragement she turned to football, she was sent for training and excelled in the game. I recall interacting with her in one of the Fit India Dialogues where I said it’s time to move over ‘Bend it like Beckham’ because it is now ‘Ace it like Afshan.’ Other youngsters began to shine in kickboxing, Karate and more.

The Panchayat polls were also a watershed moment in the region’s quest for all-round development. Once again, we were faced with a choice of either remaining in power or standing by our principles- the choice was never tough and we let go of a Government but preferred that those ideals that we stand for, the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are given top priority. The success of Panchayat polls indicated the democratic nature of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. My mind went back to an interaction I had with Pradhans from the villages. Among other issues, I made a request to them- that at no point must schools be burnt and that must be ensured. I was delighted to see that this was adhered to. After all, if schools are burnt the biggest sufferers are the small children.

The historical day of 5th August is etched in the hearts and minds of every Indian. Our Parliament passed the historic decision to abrogate Article 370. Since then, much has changed in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The judicial court verdict came in December 2023 but seeing the wave of development across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, the people’s court have given a resounding thumbs up to the Parliament’s decision of abolishing Articles 370 and 35(A) for four years now.

At a political level, the last 4 years have been marked with a renewed faith in grassroots democracy. The women, tribals, SC, ST and marginalized sections of society were not getting their due. At the same time, the aspirations of Ladakh were totally ignored. 5 Aug 2019 changed all that. All Central laws now apply without fear or favor. Representation has also got more widespread- a three tier Panchayati Raj System is in place, BDC elections have been held, and refugee communities who were all but forgotten have begun to enjoy the fruits of development.

Key Central Government schemes have attained saturation levels, thus covering all sections of society. These include Saubhagya, Ujwala and Ujjwala schemes. Strides have been made in housing, tap water connection and financial inclusion. Healthcare, otherwise a major challenge for the people, has witnessed an upgrade of infrastructure. All the villages achieved ODF Plus stats. Government vacancies, which were otherwise a den of corruption and favoritism have been filled in a transparent and process driven manner. Other indicators like IMR have shown betterment. The boost to infrastructure and tourism has been for everyone to see. The credit for this naturally goes to the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have shown time and again that they want only development and are willing to be drivers of this positive change. Earlier, there was a question mark on the status of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Now, there are only exclamation marks about record growth, record development, record tourist inflow.
In its verdict on Dec 11, the Supreme Court has strengthened the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’—it has reminded us that what defines us is the bonds of unity and a shared commitment to good governance. Today, every child born in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is born with a clean canvas, where he or she can paint a future full of vibrant aspirations. Today, the dreams of the people are no longer prisoners of the past but are possibilities of the future. After all, Development, democracy and dignity have replaced disillusionment, disappointment and despondency.

When Pansara Rokaya (31) of Kuru village in Budhinanda Municipality-4, Bajura, delivered a baby girl on the way to a local health post recently, it became national headlines. 

Similarly, Bhagya Chadara ( 21) from Majhpali village in Gaumul Rural Municipality-3, Bajura, gave birth on the way to the hospital in the neighboring district of Achham. She had been referred to Bayalpata Hospital in Achham as the Bajura District Hospital didn’t have a doctor to provide emergency parturition service.

Earlier, Nani Rokaya of Bamu of Himali Rural Municipality-1, Bajura, had also given birth on the way to Bamu Basic Health Service Centre, just three hours away from her home. 

The stories of these women echo the predicament faced by many women living in remote corners of Nepal. Despite the promises laid out by the Right to Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Act, 2018, the ground reality paints a different picture. Women find themselves compelled to bring life into the world without the presence of healthcare professionals. 

The Nepal Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2022 reveals that while 94 percent of women receive antenatal care, the disparities in education and wealth play a pivotal role in determining access to essential services.

For most women living in remote parts of Nepal, the journey of childbirth becomes a perilous venture as the statistics on place of birth demonstrate a concerning trend. The NDHS survey reveals that women with no education (67 percent) and those in the lowest wealth quintile (75 percent) are less likely to have at least four antenatal care visits than those with more than a secondary education and those in the highest wealth quintile (93 percent each). Deliveries at a health facility are least common among Muslim women (67 percent) and most common among Brahmin/Chhetri women (87 percent) as per the health report. 

For survival and well-being 

Health care services during pregnancy and childbirth and after delivery are important for the survival and well-being of both the mother and the newborn. Antenatal care (ANC) can reduce health risks for mothers and newborns through monitoring of pregnancies and screening for complications. 

“Delivery at a health facility, with a skilled human resource reduces the risk of complications and infections during labor and delivery. It helps prevent postpartum hemorrhage,” says Dr Manor Din Shaiyed, senior obstetrics and gynecologist at Manmohan Memorial Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Swoyambhu. 

Timely postnatal care offers an opportunity to treat complications arising from delivery, provide intensive care for the newborn, and teach the mothers how to care for themselves and their newborns. 

Trends in place of birth

Year Delivered at home Delivered in health facility

1996 91 8

2001 88 10

2006 78 20

2011 54 44

2016 35 64

2022 19 79

Percent of live births in the two years before the survey

(Source: Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2022)

The proportion of health facility deliveries is lowest in Madhesh Province (67 percent), followed by Karnali Province (72 percent). The proportion is highest in Bagmati Province and Gandaki Province (88 percent each), followed by Sudurpashchim Province (87 percent).  Institutional delivery helps in preventing neonatal and child mortality. Neonatal mortality as a percentage of under-5 mortality has increased sharply in the country. With the lack of the health facilities in the country the share of neonatal deaths has increased from 64 percent of infant deaths in 1996 to 75 percent in 2022, as per the NDHS report. 

The neonatal mortality rate, infant mortality rate, and under-five mortality rate are 21, 28, and 33 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. Childhood mortality is highest in Sudurpashchim Province (neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality rates of 27, 40, and 49 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively).

Lack of institutional services gives rise to maternal deaths.The World Health Organization reveals that almost 95 percent of all maternal deaths occurred in low and lower middle-income countries in 2020 and most could have been prevented. Care by skilled health professionals before, during and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborns.

Maternal mortality

Women die as a result of complications during and following pregnancy and childbirth. Most of these complications develop during pregnancy and most are preventable or treatable. The major complications that account for nearly 75 percent of all maternal deaths are—severe bleeding (mostly bleeding after childbirth), infections (usually after childbirth), high blood pressure during pregnancy (pre-eclampsia and eclampsia), and complications from delivery. With a maternal mortality rate of 239, one out of every 167 women aged between 15 and 49 years in Nepal, could die unnecessarily from complications in pregnancy or childbirth, states Family Welfare Division.

 The leading causes of reported maternal deaths from 28 hospitals during a four-year period (2015–18) were eclampsia (19 percent) and postpartum hemorrhage (17 percent). Most maternal deaths occur within 48 hours of delivery (42.7 percent) and then in the late postpartum period (from 48 hours after birth to up to six weeks after childbirth).  Severe bleeding after birth can kill a healthy woman within hours if she is unattended. Injecting oxytocics immediately after childbirth effectively reduces the risk of bleeding. That’s why every pregnancy should be delivered in the health facilities, added Dr Shaiyed. 

The Ministry of Health and Population in collaboration with the National Statistics Office had collected data on live births and deaths of women of reproductive age (WRA) in the enumerated households for the last 12 months preceding the National Population and Housing Census 2021. Of the 653 pregnancy-related deaths, 611 maternal deaths were analyzed further for causes and attributes the study showed that many maternal deaths in Nepal are due to preventable causes such as hemorrhage and high blood pressure during pregnancy.  

According to the report published by the Nepal government, around 17 percent of women had died either while traveling from their residences to the health facilities or between the facilities. 

How can women’s lives be saved?

Nepal has committed to reducing its maternal mortality rate from 281 per 100,000 live births in 2006 to 116 by 2022, 99 by 2025, and 70 by 2030.  The country has already missed its 2020 target to reduce maternal mortality to 125 per 100,000 births. 

“If the government really wants to achieve the goal then it’s vital to make easy availability of delivery services in health facilities,” says Dr Shaiyed.

As per the Family Welfare Division under the Department of Health Services 1,100 women die because of complications related to pregnancy each year.  Access to high quality care in pregnancy, and during and after childbirth is important. It is important that all births are attended by skilled health professionals, as timely management and treatment can make the difference between life and death for the women as well as for the newborn, he adds.

Programs for safe motherhood

The government has its Aama and the Newborn Program where transport incentive is given to women immediately following institutional delivery: Rs 1,500 in mountains, Rs 1,000 in hills and Rs 500 in Tarai districts to encourage women to deliver in health institutions. Likewise, the President Women Upliftment Programme (PWUP) was launched on 8 March 2017 as a flagship program to meaningfully transform the life of disadvantaged, poor and marginalized women.  Women with long labor pain, those whose babies have died inside the womb, excessive body swelling during pregnancy, excessive bleeding after delivery, anemic pregnancy and those who have not been able to get treated in the local health centers are rescued by air under this program. 

The government provided free air service to 304 pregnant and postpartum women till January 2022.  In the fiscal year, 2075/76, 26 pregnant women were airlifted, 87 in the fiscal year 2076/77 and 103 pregnant women were airlifted in the fiscal year 2077/78.  Though the government has been trying to increase the hospital based deliveries it must increase the human resources, provide proper counseling to pregnant women, establish birthing centers, increase skill birth attendants if it really wants to increase the institutional based delivery and decline maternal mortality rate and neonatal deaths in the country.  

Every winter, the skies of Nepal welcome migratory birds, embarking on epic journeys from Siberian realms covering thousands of kilometers. Their graceful flights wow many hearts and minds. On a parallel realm, beneath the shimmering surface of the river, a similar marvel unfolds with the onset of monsoon (rainy season)—the migration of majestic Mahseer. Migration, a vital journey taken by animals regularly for a particular reason, usually at a particular time of the year, is an essential adaptation strategy for survival. Unlike bird migration, fish migration is intricately tied to the availability of free-flowing waters. This crucial journey is being jeopardized by a rapid development of hydropower projects and river modifications. These engineering feats, while harnessing energy and water resources, are disrupting the natural flow of the river, obstructing the Mahseer’s migration cycle and driving them toward extinction.

As the monsoon rains recede, a mesmerizing natural event unfolds in the rivers of Nepal. Freshwater fish embark on epic journeys, traversing hundreds of kilometers to reach their spawning grounds. This epic phenomenon is a critical part of many fish species’ life cycles, including the iconic Mahseer. Fish migration is the periodic seasonal movement between breeding and foraging grounds. This is an important cycle of life for most migratory fish species meant to prevent the extinction of species.

Mahseer, often referred to as ‘the tiger of the river’ (first used by conservationist Jim Corbett), symbolize Himalayan rivers. Mahi means ‘fish’ and sher, meaning ‘tiger’, and the word reflects their cultural, economic and recreational significance. These are apex species, which indicate the overall health of the ecosystem, just like apex terrestrial species such as tigers. They are important food fish and a delicacy for many indigenous communities. They are important game fish among anglers, for their strength, stamina and splendor. Mahseer undertakes awe-inspiring journeys, navigating rapids in search of critical spawning habitats. Golden Mahseer are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Nepal rivers flow through varied ecological realms, hosting many indigenous, rare and endangered fish species. Unfortunately, the migration behavior of these species remains understudied and misunderstood. This knowledge gap has contributed to overlooking the impact of hydropower and irrigation projects. Recent reports from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) reveal that dam locations are selected without considering the cumulative impact on fish migration routes.

Most of Nepal’s river systems are already obstructed by dams, restricting seasonal fish migration to the upper reaches for spawning and feeding and returning. The consequences extend beyond the blockage of migratory paths, affecting water discharge downstream, breeding grounds, limnological parameters, nutrient flows and the overall ecological balance.

It is widely observed that the barrier effect is responsible for a sharp decline in fish populations in rivers with dams. Case studies from the Kaligandaki have revealed that populations of migratory species like Goonch, Raj Baam and Sahar have declined after the construction of the Kaligandaki A project (144MW). Similar is the case in other rivers. Government policies waiving environmental impact assessments (EIA) for projects up to 50 MW capacity have exacerbated the issue, impacting fish species without accountability.

The implementation of mitigation measures such as fish passages, environmental flow, restriction on fishing and sand mining from rivers is crucial for the conservation of fish species. Unfortunately, their effectiveness has been compromised by poor implementation and lack of monitoring. The correct choice of fish passage design is a critical factor, and needs to be tested for known fish species by fishery specialists. Engineers and environmental experts must find the best modifications that facilitate migration. Overlooking the migratory pathways is a mistake which is hampering the economy and ecological balance of aquatic systems.

Saving a lifeline

The Karnali river stands as a testament to the untamed beauty of Nepal's waterways. As the last free-flowing river in the nation, it holds a unique ecological heritage, providing sanctuary for a diverse range of species, including the revered Mahseer. The river supports habitat for 50 migratory species, including the Golden Mahseer and 24 species currently on the IUCN Red List for conservation.

Access to quality spawning habitats is vital for survival and productivity of fish populations. The uninterrupted natural course of the Karnali river provides pathways for migratory fish like Mahseer to spawn and thrive. However, the rapid development of hydropower projects and river modifications has cast a shadow over this pristine watercourse, threatening the very existence of its iconic inhabitants. If such happens, Mahseer and other migratory fish face insurmountable obstacles, jeopardizing their populations and causing a ripple effect of ecological disruption.

The Karnali, as the last free-flowing artery in Nepal, is not only a sanctuary for fish; it is the lifeblood of communities lining its banks. The annual migrations of fish hold profound cultural, historical and economic significance. They fuel local economies through activities such as angling, ecotourism and fisheries. Moreover, the presence of healthy fish populations sustains countless individuals, who rely on the river for their livelihoods.

Despite their ecological and economic importance, the Mahseer populations have witnessed dramatic declines. Overexploitation, habitat fragmentation and loss, and pollution pose significant threats. Destructive fishing practices and unregulated sand and boulder mining have further deteriorated the potential breeding grounds of the Mahseer.

Hydroelectric dams, touted as symbols of progress, inadvertently disrupt the natural flow of rivers, obstructing migratory routes. Reduced migration means limited access to crucial breeding grounds, leading to a decline in genetic diversity and overall Mahseer population. With each passing year, their numbers dwindle, pushing this iconic species closer to the brink of extinction.

The Mahseer are migratory species and rely on free-flowing rivers. Free-flowing rivers are the lifeblood of migratory fish species. The unobstructed waterways provide the essential pathways that allow fish to reach their spawning grounds, contributing to the sustainability and resilience of their populations. However, the rapid pace of hydropower development has threatened their survival.

The cost of decreased Mahseer and other migratory fish populations is not just ecological, it creates a domino effect of ecological disruptions, affecting the health of ecosystems, local communities, and cultural traditions of various indigenous riverine communities. 

Their annual migrations have become interwoven with local traditions, providing livelihoods, and enhancing the cultural fabric to the communities.  Mahseer are an important game species, thus communities can also make earnings through ecotourism and angling. Additionally, healthy fish populations contribute to the livelihoods of countless individuals dependent on the rivers. Their loss could lead to food security issues among fishing communities. Beyond their intrinsic value, conservation of Mahseer yields a multitude of ecosystem services, from balancing the aquatic food chain to supporting healthy aquatic and terrestrial environments. Once lost, restoring and conserving such obstructed habitats will be a costly process.

In conclusion, the preservation of natural river flows is not just an environmental endeavor; it is a pledge to safeguard the legacy of Nepal’s rivers for generations to come. Collaborative efforts between engineers and conservationists, along with prioritizing research, are essential for ensuring that future generations witness the grandeur of the Mahseer in Nepal’s rivers.