Submit your Article

Every monsoon season, Nepal grapples with the life-giving rains turning into a potential threat, unleashing devastating floods and landslides. Overflowing rivers and streams inundate surrounding areas, causing loss of life, livestock, homes and infrastructure. Heavy rain disrupts agriculture and destroys precious topsoil, shattering lives. In the past one decade alone, over 1800 people have lost their lives due to monsoon disasters in Nepal. During that period, about 400 people have gone missing and more than 1500 people have suffered injuries. 

The recent monsoon has been particularly brutal, with reports of casualties, missing individuals and widespread damage. This year’s monsoon can affect as many as 1.8m people and four lakh households. As of 10 Aug 2024, the monsoon has claimed 170 lives since June 10 when it began. Initial reports show it has displaced over 4,279 families, inundated 384 houses, destroyed 270 homes, 102 sheds, 43 bridges, two schools and two government offices, inundating 182 houses and damaging hundreds more.

Many times, human factors have added to the losses. Look at the recent example of the Simaltal landslide mishap of July 12 night. The landslide swept two buses, and it is believed there were 65 people in the buses, of which three passengers swam to safety. While 25 bodies have been found, others remain missing. In the first place, the landslide seems to be a result of improper slope management while constructing the Mugling-Narayanghat Highway, and opening Simaltal-Bangesal-Dumre rural road on the slopes above the highway. Secondly, driving the vehicles on a rainy night under the compromised visibility added to the risks.

Settlements in the river banks adjoining roads are another major reason for heavy losses. The high losses due to the Melamchi flood of 15 June 2021 resulted not only from the climate change and associated heavy rains, but also from the fact that human settlements had extended to lower alluvial deposits. In many places, improper construction of roads over small streams and flawed sewage management systems result in inundation whenever heavy rains occur. Such was the case of the 2021 Kapan Flood, right in northern Kathmandu.

The impact goes beyond immediate losses. Displaced communities face a desperate struggle to secure food, shelter and medical care. Livelihoods are disrupted, and the psychological trauma can be long-lasting. The economic toll is significant, with destroyed infrastructure and hampered agricultural production impacting the entire nation.

Post-disaster management

In the face of such devastation, the need for a swift and coordinated response to deliver life-saving aid is paramount. One approach gaining traction is the ‘one-door policy’, where all relief efforts are channeled through a single government entity. This centralized system promises streamlined resource allocation and standardized distribution. 

Following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, Nepal received massive humanitarian support from home and abroad. Rescue workers worked day and night to rescue the people buried under rubble of collapsed structures. Nepalis are grateful for this. We also witnessed, in the flood of donor agencies, some taking advantage of the distressed situation and engaging in improper activities. Besides, many would go to some easily accessible poor countryside, distribute aid materials, take selfies and post them on social media. This way, some areas received more than what they needed and others received too little. This prompted the government to adopt a one-door policy.

By directing all aid through a central channel, the government can ensure resources are strategically deployed toward the most critical needs. This eliminates duplication of efforts and fosters fairness in distribution. Additionally, a single point of contact enhances accountability and fosters trust with donors. However, bureaucratic hurdles can create bottlenecks, delaying aid delivery when swift action is crucial. Local NGOs, with established relationships and a deeper understanding of local nuances, can tailor aid distribution more effectively.

The one-door policy has been a source of debate in Nepal. The policy introduced in 2015 has been implemented to prevent uneven aid distribution and ensure remote areas received support. However, this centralized approach faced criticism for being slow and inefficient. Many NGOs and private entities felt hamstrung by the need for government approval, leading to delays. In the aftermath of the 2017 floods and landslides, the government again enforced the one-door policy. While the intention was to streamline efforts, critics argue it led to logistical challenges and inefficiencies. There were reports of aid being stuck in red tape while victims remained underserved.

The way forward

One-door-policy does not discourage local governments from actively coordinating rescue works and distribution of reliefs to the needy. To facilitate prompt response, domestic NGOs may be allowed to cooperate with local governments. As to the foreign governments and INGOs willing to support, we should make sure that they comply with our one-door-policy, that they do not take advantage of our calamity to create one or another form of social disharmony, that they do no harm to the self-respect of our suffering people, that they do not try to impose or promote their interests, and that they confine their support to the extent we need.

A mountainous country located in a quake-prone region, Nepal faces multiple threats of heavy rains, floods, landslides, GLOFs, droughts, famines, fires, epidemics, earthquakes and other disasters. Keeping this in view, the government has formed a high-level National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management under the Prime Minister. Through a collaborative approach that marries centralized control with local expertise, Nepal can build resilience and ensure life-saving aid reaches those who need it the most.

This summer, Kathmandu experienced its highest temperature ever recorded. The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DHM) reported a scorching temperature of 35.3°C on June 15. The city is urbanizing at an annual rate of four percent, and its built-up area has grown to almost four times its size since the mid-1980s. Consequently, the risks associated with the Urban Heat Island effect are also increasing. Research by Mishra et al. (2019) indicated a 5°C temperature variation between forest land and developed land in the Kathmandu Valley. As rapid population growth and unplanned urbanization continue in the valley, the temperature difference is also expected to increase.

Urban Heat Island, or UHI, is a phenomenon where urban areas experience considerably higher temperatures than their surrounding rural areas. The main causes of UHIs include anthropogenic factors, heat absorption by urban infrastructure, and the albedo effect. The albedo effect is a measure of how reflective a surface is. Darker surfaces absorb more heat and release it back into the atmosphere, while lighter surfaces reflect heat away. Therefore, as cities replace natural landscapes with buildings, roads and pavement, which absorb and retain heat, the overall temperature increases. The impacts of UHIs are far-reaching, including air pollution, higher energy consumption, disruption of urban ecosystems and adverse health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations such as the marginalized, elderly, and urban poor.  

In a country where urban poverty has increased from 15.46 percent in 2010-11 to 18.34 percent in 2022-23, and where the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s handling of the urban poor has been condemned by Human Rights Watch, critical questions arise—How will the rights of street vendors, landless individuals, slum dwellers and other vulnerable groups be safeguarded amidst rising temperatures? 

Additionally, with heat-related illnesses expected to increase due to the UHI effect, it is crucial to assess whether the healthcare system in Nepal is prepared to handle the added pressure. Will vulnerable groups, with their limited capacities, have access to essential health services, adequate housing, a decent standard of living and an overall quality of life, or will they continue to be mistreated? Despite global awareness regarding UHIs, the concerned authorities in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City are yet to acknowledge the alarming rise in temperatures this summer.

In contrast to this local inaction, cities around the world are actively addressing the UHI effect with innovative solutions. For example, Indian cities like Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Jodhpur and Surat have introduced cool roofs-roofs covered with reflective materials that bring down temperatures inside and outside buildings. Applying white reflective paint on roofs is a simple yet effective strategy that has seen widespread adoption globally. 

Abu Dhabi has introduced self-shading tower blocks, Medellin has developed extensive green corridors, Paris is creating cool islands, Seville has implemented a policy of shade and Singapore boasts of its renowned Gardens by the Bay. These diverse approaches demonstrate how cities are dealing with the UHI effect based on their unique environments and challenges.

In response to escalating temperatures, cities are also appointing Chief Heat Officers (CHOs) – a term coined by a branch of the American think tank Atlantic Council called the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center (Arsht-Rock). CHOs are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to combat extreme heat, protect vulnerable populations and enhance urban resilience to rising temperatures. Miami paved the way by appointing the world’s first CHO, and other cities, such as Phoenix, Athens, Freetown, and Dhaka North followed suit. Notably, Dhaka North was the first Asian city to appoint a CHO.

While cities worldwide, including those in South Asia, are making commendable strides in addressing UHIs, Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s lackluster approach to this issue is highly concerning. Kathmandu must learn from other cities and implement targeted strategies to mitigate the UHI effect or face intensified challenges in the coming years. The rising temperatures in Kathmandu represent the broader challenges posed by global warming, climate change and increased urbanization. These issues demand urgent attention, action and innovative solutions from policymakers, urban planners and the general public.

While initiatives such as Urban Green Spaces (UGS), tree plantations and community-managed forests are underway, a significant gap remains in addressing and raising public awareness on UHIs. Comprehensive research, robust satellite-based data collection and substantial evidence are essential to guide sustainable urban planning. Given the pace and scale of urbanization, the government of Nepal must step up its efforts in urban governance and take appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures by coordinating with relevant ministries and departments to plan greener, smarter and liveable cities. This involves prioritizing the conservation of natural resources and natural heat sinks, investing in alternative energy solutions, and implementing innovative strategies to enhance urban resilience. It is also crucial that policies and plans be grounded in a deep understanding of the local context, addressing challenges facing vulnerable groups, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

The author holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy

The world celebrated the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on Sept 7. Yet, nearly 99 percent of the global population breathes polluted air. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), air pollution causes approximately seven million premature deaths annually, making it the leading environmental threat to human health and one of the top preventable causes of death and disease worldwide.

Air pollution doesn’t respect borders—it travels great distances and worsens environmental degradation, economic strain, and social inequalities. Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly are disproportionately affected, and ecosystems suffer severe damage. Many pollutants also drive the climate crisis, meaning that improving air quality can contribute significantly to climate change mitigation.

A 2019 World Bank report estimated the global cost of air pollution-related health damage at a staggering $81trn, accounting for 6.1 percent of the world's GDP. However, in Nepal, the right to breathe clean air is enshrined in our Constitution. Article 30 guarantees every citizen's right to a clean environment, stating that individuals have the right to live in a healthy and clean environment and that polluters must compensate those harmed by environmental degradation.

Yet, this same article includes a clause allowing legal provisions to balance environmental protection with development for the sake of national growth. While this enables industries and infrastructure projects, it has also been used to manipulate laws in favor of vested interests, often at the expense of the environment and public health.

In cities like Kathmandu, where air pollution is a chronic issue due to dense populations and heavy traffic, public health is severely compromised. Numerous reports show that prolonged exposure to hazardous air quality has forced residents to sacrifice their health, economic opportunities, education, and overall well-being. As the monsoon season ends, air pollution in Kathmandu worsens, leaving residents struggling for fresh air—a fundamental right recognized by our Constitution.

It is critical that we assert this constitutional right to clean air, which is being undermined by pollution. While many human rights defenders and organizations are working to safeguard environmental health, it is time for us to collectively recognize the violation of our basic rights and take decisive action to prevent further deprivation of clean air.

Amid several global crises, now is the moment to ensure air pollution does not become another overwhelming threat. Governments, INGOs, NGOs, industries, and individuals must unite to promote stricter environmental regulations, support green energy, and reduce vehicular emissions. By implementing these measures, we can ensure cleaner air for ourselves and future generations. Moreover, we must leverage technology, knowledge, and innovation to create sustainable solutions that preserve air quality and safeguard our health for the long term.

Whether in power or not, KP Sharma Oli remains a figure of public interest and discourse. In Nepali political arena, where leaders come and go, Oli has managed to establish a lasting presence. A leader, by definition, is someone who leads society, shaping its politics and future. Politics, in turn, is a reflection of society’s aspirations, mixed with challenges and values. The role of a leader is to crystallize these elements and offer a path forward. But why are some leaders more capable and influential than others? The answer lies in the unique qualities they bring to the table—qualities that resonate with society at large.

KP Oli is one such leader who has carved out a distinct identity amid the often chaotic nature of Nepali politics. Unlike many of his contemporaries and the newer entrants into the political arena, Oli possesses qualities that have set him apart. 

One of Oli’s most remarkable traits is his intellectual curiosity and love for reading. He is known to be an avid reader, someone who not only reads a wide range of books but also internalizes and interprets their content. This habit of deep reading and reflection has allowed him to develop a broad understanding of both society and politics. 

Oli’s library is often described as the secret behind his vision. It is here that he immerses himself in works of philosophy, science, history and more, drawing connections between these disciplines and the political challenges facing Nepal. His ability to anticipate future trends and challenges—an attribute that has earned him the title of a visionary leader—can be traced back to the countless hours he has spent with his books.

For Oli, reading is not a passive activity but an active engagement with ideas. He reads not only to acquire knowledge but also to apply it. This application of knowledge is evident in his speeches and decisions, where he often draws on a wide array of references, surprising even seasoned journalists and political analysts with his depth of understanding.

A recent example

A recent event at the Armed Police Force Nepal’s meeting hall in Halchowk highlighted this aspect of Oli’s personality. The occasion was the unveiling of ‘Into the Fire’, a book by Capt Rameshwor Thapa. Thapa, originally a helicopter pilot, has transitioned into a successful entrepreneur, owning multiple business ventures including the Annapurna Media Network. Yet, beyond his business ventures, Thapa is also recognized as a responsible citizen deeply committed to the political stability and development of Nepal.

During the book unveiling ceremony, Oli spoke about the importance of such contributions to society. He praised Capt Thapa for bringing forward a story that not only reflects individual experiences but also touches upon broader societal and political issues. In his speech, Oli didn’t just focus on the book’s content; he connected it to the larger narrative of Nepal’s political history, particularly the period of the Maoist insurgency, which many refer to in Nepal as ‘Maoist violence’. Capt Thapa flew helicopters during the insurgency to rescue the innocent people and brought hundreds of dead bodies, especially of security personnel shot by the Maoists.    

Oli’s appreciation extended further when he encouraged Thapa to write a second book. Oli suggested that the second book should delve deeper into political geography, offering more detailed observations about the Maoist violence and its impact on Nepali society. Oli’s suggestion was a reflection of his belief in the power of literature to shape public discourse and influence political thought.

The event also highlighted how Capt Thapa bridged political differences between UML and Congress. Capt Thapa’s role in bringing together the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress to form a new ruling alliance under Oli’s premiership speaks for itself. 

Oli’s influence is not only confined to the political circle; it extends across generations and professions. Whether addressing a group of schoolchildren or speaking at a seminar attended by senior citizens, Oli has the ability to connect with his audience. One of the most surprising aspects of his persona is his breadth of knowledge. He speaks with authority on subjects ranging from philosophy and science to climate change and social issues. This wide-ranging expertise often leaves his audiences in awe, prompting them to fact-check his statements using modern tools like Google or ChatGPT.

Oli’s appeal across different age groups is another testament to his unique leadership style. He understands the language of children, addressing their concerns and aspirations with empathy and clarity. At the same time, he connects with senior citizens, acknowledging their wisdom and life experiences. In a world where many leaders struggle to reverberate beyond their immediate circles, Oli has managed to build a broad base of support that cuts across generational divides.

In many ways, Oli is a leader who defies conventional expectations. He is not content with merely playing the political game; he seeks to redefine the rules, challenging his contemporaries and successors alike to rise to the occasion. His intellectual rigor, combined with his practical approach to governance, has made him a brand in his own right—a leader who is not only followed but also revered.

In the tumultuous Nepali politics, Oli stands out as a figure of stability, vision and inspiration. His love for reading and deep intellectual engagement have shaped his leadership style, allowing him to anticipate challenges and craft policies that address the needs of the present while preparing for the future. Whether in power or not, Oli’s influence is felt across society, making him a true leader in every sense of the word.

Views are personal