Beneath Nepal’s surface: Tapping into the potential of underground spaces
The utilization of underground space has emerged as a crucial aspect of modern urban development, offering innovative solutions to address the challenges of population growth, urbanization, and infrastructure demands. This essay explores the global practices and prospects of underground space utilization, with a specific focus on Nepal's unique context and potential.
Underground space in construction
The utilization of underground space encompasses a wide range of construction methods and techniques, each tailored to specific project requirements and geological conditions. Open excavation, involving cutting the ground deeper than the existing ground level to create basements, trenches, or open pits, is a common method used for various infrastructure installations. Conversely, fully underground techniques entail excavating space within bedrock or soil cover to construct structures like caverns or tunnels. These methods have evolved, with advancements in technology and engineering enabling more efficient and cost-effective construction processes.
The utilization of underground space is multifaceted, encompassing various functions such as transportation, storage, shelter and utilities. Open-cut methods, including open-pit mining and trench systems, are often employed for infrastructure installations such as water and drainage pipes, cable ducts, and utility networks. These methods offer advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, ease of construction and minimal disruption to surface activities. Whereas tunneling involves creating underground passages through rock and soil formations, serving as vital transportation arteries and facilitating the movement of water, goods and people between different regions.
Pros and cons
Underground space utilization offers myriad benefits, including land conservation, enhanced environmental sustainability, and improved infrastructure resilience. By relocating infrastructure and utilities underground, cities can preserve valuable surface land for parks and green spaces, thereby enhancing the quality of urban life and promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, underground facilities protect against natural disasters and extreme weather events, ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure and inhabitants. Additionally, underground transportation systems offer cleaner and more efficient alternatives to surface roads, reducing traffic congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. These advantages contribute to a more sustainable and resilient built environment, supporting long-term urban development and growth.
However, despite its numerous benefits, underground space utilization also presents challenges and drawbacks that must be addressed. One significant challenge is the high initial cost associated with underground construction projects, including excavation, reinforcement and structural support systems. Geological uncertainties and risks, such as ground subsidence and water ingress, can lead to delays, cost overruns and safety hazards. Additionally, public opposition and regulatory hurdles may arise due to concerns about safety, environmental impact and community disruption. Robust maintenance and monitoring programs are required to ensure the long-term reliability and safety of underground facilities, posing logistical and financial challenges for project developers and operators. Despite these challenges, with proper planning and execution, underground space utilization can play a crucial role in shaping sustainable and resilient cities for the future.
Global case studies
Global case studies showcase the diverse applications and success stories of underground space utilization, offering valuable insights and lessons for urban planners and policymakers worldwide. One prominent example is the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, the world’s longest railway and deepest traffic tunnel, spanning over 57 kilometers beneath the Swiss Alps. This groundbreaking project revolutionized transportation infrastructure, significantly reducing travel times and enhancing connectivity across Europe. The Laerdal Tunnel in Norway, with its impressive length of 24.5 kilometers, exemplifies the effective use of underground space to overcome geographical barriers and optimize transport routes.
In densely-populated Asian cities like Tokyo and Shanghai, underground space has become a vital component of urban development strategies. Japan’s extensive subway network, comprising approximately 1.6m kilometers of tunnels, underscores the importance of underground transportation in alleviating congestion and promoting sustainable mobility. China's rapid urbanization has spurred the construction of utility tunnels in major cities, providing essential services while minimizing surface disruption and environmental impact.
European cities like Paris and Stockholm have embraced underground space utilization to preserve historical heritage and address modern urban challenges. The Paris Underground Road, an innovative double-deck tunnel system, effectively manages traffic flow while preserving the city's architectural integrity. In Stockholm, the Swedish Royal Library and Le Grand Louvre Museum demonstrate how underground facilities can seamlessly integrate with surface structures, optimizing space utilization and enhancing cultural heritage preservation.
Tunneling situation in Nepal
Transitioning from global case studies to the local context, Nepal’s rich history of tunneling and underground construction highlights the country’s potential for leveraging underground space in various sectors. From ancient irrigation tunnels in Palpa to modern hydropower projects like the Khimti Hydroelectric Power Plant, Nepal has a legacy of harnessing its rugged terrain for infrastructure development. Recent initiatives such as the Nagdhunga-Naubise underground tunnel road and the Melamchi Diversion Scheme underscore Nepal’s commitment to modernizing its transportation and water management systems through underground infrastructure.
By studying these global and local case studies, urban planners and policymakers in Nepal can gain valuable insights into the diverse applications and benefits of underground space utilization. From enhancing transportation networks and preserving cultural heritage to mitigating environmental impact and promoting sustainable development, underground infrastructure offers a versatile and effective solution to the complex challenges facing modern cities.
Nepal is currently witnessing a surge in tunneling projects across various sectors, showcasing a strategic shift toward subterranean solutions to address pressing societal needs. These initiatives encompass a wide spectrum, from the Melamchi Diversion Scheme, designed to enhance water security by channeling 170m liters per day from the Melamchi River to the Kathmandu Valley through a 26-kilometer tunnel network, to the Tarai Madhes Fast Track project, aimed at improving connectivity with a 6.5-kilometer tunnel road section. Additionally, infrastructure initiatives like the Nagdhunga-Naubise underground tunnel road, spanning 2.68 kilometers, promise to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road connectivity between Kathmandu and the western region of Nepal.
Furthermore, Nepal’s tunneling endeavors extend to the hydropower sector, with projects such as the Khimti-I Hydropower Plant featuring tunnels of significant lengths. Ongoing feasibility studies for road and railway tunnels underscore Nepal's commitment to exploring innovative solutions for connectivity and economic growth. As Nepal continues its infrastructural development journey, the strategic use of tunneling technology holds immense promise for overcoming key challenges and unlocking new avenues for progress, contributing to a more resilient and prosperous future.
Challenges for Nepal
In Nepal, harnessing underground space for infrastructure presents multifaceted challenges, stemming from the country’s diverse geological landscape. The Himalayan region is marked by complex geological conditions, including varied rock types, discontinuities and high groundwater levels, complicating tunneling and excavation efforts. These geological uncertainties lead to discrepancies between anticipated and actual instabilities during construction, highlighting the need for comprehensive geological surveys and risk assessments to inform project planning and mitigate unforeseen challenges. Moreover, Nepal’s susceptibility to tectonic activities and intense monsoon rains further exacerbate geological risks, emphasizing the importance of robust engineering practices and risk management strategies in underground infrastructure development.
Beyond geological complexities, Nepal faces significant non-geological challenges in its pursuit of underground space utilization. Limited technical expertise and specialized equipment hinder the effective execution of tunneling projects, contributing to delays, cost overruns and suboptimal outcomes. The scarcity of skilled professionals and inadequate investment in capacity-building initiatives underscore the urgency of bolstering the country’s engineering workforce and fostering knowledge transfer partnerships with international experts. Additionally, the absence of clear regulatory frameworks and guidelines for underground construction complicates project approval processes and regulatory compliance, creating uncertainty for investors and developers.
Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that integrates geological, technical, regulatory and institutional considerations to promote sustainable and resilient underground infrastructure development in Nepal. Strengthening technical capacity through targeted training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives can enhance the country’s engineering capabilities and foster innovation in tunneling and excavation techniques. Furthermore, establishing clear regulatory frameworks and standards for underground space utilization can provide certainty and clarity for stakeholders while safeguarding environmental and safety concerns. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, private sector entities, academic institutions and international partners are essential for overcoming these challenges and unlocking the full potential of underground space in Nepal's infrastructure landscape.
Conclusion
In summary, Nepal is at a crucial juncture in its development trajectory, poised to leverage the untapped potential of underground space amid a myriad of challenges. Despite a historical focus on tunneling, particularly in hydropower projects, the nation faces complex geological dynamics and regulatory uncertainties that necessitate a strategic approach to subterranean development. By investing in geological surveys, adopting cutting-edge engineering practices and fostering regulatory clarity, Nepal can navigate the complexities of tunneling projects while harnessing the transformative benefits of underground infrastructure.
Moreover, by fostering collaboration, promoting public-private partnerships and prioritizing sustainability, Nepal can position itself as a leader in underground infrastructure development. From alleviating urban congestion and enhancing disaster resilience to preserving cultural heritage and mitigating environmental impact, the potential of subterranean space is vast. With concerted efforts to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities, Nepal can chart a path toward a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous future through the strategic utilization of underground infrastructure.
The coop scam probe panel should not fail the depositor
There was a huge hue and cry and hot debates as well as sharp allegations and counter-allegations among the political parties with regard to the huge fund embezzlement through different co-operatives for the personal gain of some swindlers. Thousands of Nepali citizens had deposited their hard-earned money in different cooperatives for rainy days. But when they knew that their deposits were embezzled, they hit the streets demanding the return of their deposits and legal action against the culprits. Some culprits have been caught, some have been absconding, while some others have been walking freely by misusing the state power.
Who raised the issue?
The Nepali Congress, with support from some other parties, strongly raised this issue in the parliament and on the streets. For almost three months, they obstructed the parliament demanding the formation of a broad-based parliamentary committee to probe the scam and suggest ways to recoup the deposits, recommend action against the culprits and resolve the crisis facing the co-operatives.
Probe panel
After long and painful days, obstructions and scuffles, verbal allegations and counter-allegations between the ruling and opposition parties, a seven-member parliamentary investigation committee (PIC) took shape with a concrete Terms of Reference (ToR). The committee will recommend ways to improve the overall condition of the cooperatives by conducting an in-depth study, focusing particularly on 20 crisis-ridden cooperatives, list those cooperatives, which financed the Gorkha Private Media Network using the depositors’ hard-earned savings, apart from the individuals, including the office-bearers, responsible for the scam. Let us hope that this committee delivers.
Political strategy
But this is only one side of the coin. The other vital and interesting side is the role and the strategy of the three big parties in this whole gamut. The main political strategy of the Nepali Congress was to win the depositors’ minds and support by raising and supporting their issues on the one hand, and weakening and—if possible—to break the coalition government and topple it. Whereas the desired end of the CPN-UML’s strategy was to drag the country toward mid-term polls by keeping the ruling coalition intact.
For this, the strategy intended to bring the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to its fold, create a rift between the NC and the ruling CPN (Maoist Center) as well as between the NC and the RSP.
The strategy of the Prime Minister in particular and his party—the CPN (Maoist Center)—in general was to create an environment of mistrust between the NC and the UML, and position himself as a mediator between the two big parties.
Who gained, who lost?
Let us re-examine the strategies. The NC made a compromise and moved one step back, making it partially successful with the realization of its core demand—the formation of a parliamentary investigation committee. On the downside, the party could neither make mention of Rabi Lamichhane in the TOR nor could it break the ruling coalition. The UML is happy as the party managed to get the support of Lamichhane, the chair of the fourth largest party in the parliament, and keep the ruling coalition intact. The Prime Minister is happy and satisfied as he proved himself to be a successful mediator, saved his government and widened the rift between the NC and the UML. All in all, it was a win-win scenario for all principal actors.
Merits of TOR
Now, let us talk about the TOR of the PIC. The TOR is generally good and positive as it is touching upon the core issues, problems and challenges facing the cooperatives. There is sufficient ground to believe that it will be able to drag out the crisis-ridden cooperatives from the vicious circle of mismanagement and mis-appropriation. For this to happen, though, the PIC should work independently and fairly on the basis of facts and figures. It should rise above a partisan outlook and work in the best interest of the country and the people by giving concrete recommendations vis-a-vis the crises-ridden cooperatives. The core issue is the depositors’ funds siphoned off to Gorkha Media Network and its embezzlement. What amount went to the network, who all are the cooperatives and individuals involved in this scam and what is the current status of this scam? The committee should bring out the facts without fear or partiality. The probe committee should keep in mind that the whole country is following the developments very seriously and carefully. The cooperatives’ victims are even more careful and alert, so the relevant actors should be honest, performance-oriented and accountable to the people.
Duty of stakeholders
Media outlets, intellectuals, opinion-makers and even politicians should provide their full and unconditional support to the investigation process. The PIC must complete its task within the given timeframe as any delay in the probe process is likely to invite conflict and confrontation with the victims staging street-based protests, giving rise to law and order issues and contributing further to political instability.
Duty of PIC
The onus is on the PIC to understand and internalize the gravity and dynamics of the issue. The political parties and the government should also take this issue very seriously because innocent Nepali citizens are furious after losing savings totaling billions of rupees. It is a genuine issue of the people and all relevant quarters should address it properly and steadfastly.
Glorification of rape and the face of Nepali society
Despite knowing rape is a serious crime, it is often normalized in Nepali society. Influential figures show no sympathy for the victim while attempting to glorify the perpetrator and trivialize the crime. This trend is evident in recent incidents where society appears chaotic, tolerating such acts in the name of celebrity. It seems that efforts are being made to manipulate the law in favor of perpetrators, using various temptations to weaken the victim's outlook. Despite recognizing rape as a horrible crime, why does our society ruthlessly condone it under the costume of power and fame? This is a pressing and thought-provoking issue.
Rape involves the non-consensual penetration of the body, typically through sexual intercourse or other forms of penetration, achieved by force, coercion, or manipulation. It represents a profound violation of an individual’s autonomy, dignity, and bodily integrity and is universally condemned as a criminal offense. Nevertheless, instances of rape persist across both developed and developing nations, with women and children often bearing the brunt of such assaults. Specifically, children may struggle to comprehend the nature of the attack and often feel apprehensive about reporting it. Perpetrators may exploit fear and control tactics to silence victims, thus evading accountability in society. Despite rape's designation as a serious crime, societal shortcomings frequently impede impartial investigations and the pursuit of justice for survivors.
In Nepali society, incidents of rape and sexual assault rarely come to light or reach the police for investigation. Instead of conducting thorough investigations, the police and local government often attempt to mediate between the perpetrator and the victim. Power and money frequently play a significant role in silencing the victim. In recent high-profile rape cases in Nepal, perpetrators have used their influence and emotional manipulation to evade the law. While we must respect court decisions, it is crucial to discuss the issues and challenges surrounding these cases.
Our primary problem is unethical leadership in both the political and social spheres. Many incidents of sexual assault and rape do not come to light due to the abuse of power by political figures. Political leaders involved in sexual misconduct often escape justice and are even rewarded with greater responsibilities within their parties and the government. Political parties and their members lack clarity and ethical standards on issues like sexual assault and rape. Moral dilemmas are pervasive among them. For the advancement of democracy, political parties and their leaders must be disciplined. However, all political parties in Nepal, both new and traditional, have failed to demonstrate ethical integrity. If political leaders do not grasp the seriousness of sexual assault and rape, a disciplined society is unattainable.
Recently, Maoist leader Janardhan Sharma posted on social media about a high-profile rape case involving cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, saying, “Congratulations to cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane for getting justice, thanks to the court. Nepali cricket will reach new heights.” Remarks like these from high-ranking politicians are deeply disappointing. The district court initially convicted Lamichhane, and although the high court overturned this decision, the victim can still appeal to the Supreme Court. When political leaders publicly side with perpetrators, it undermines public trust in their leadership.
It’s crucial to understand that emotion should not play a key role when dealing with criminal matters. For instance, some argue that Lamichhane, as a national figure who has made Nepal proud, deserves leniency. However, we must remember that a national figure should exemplify moral and ethical integrity.
Moreover, Nepali society is shifting toward a crowd-based justice system. When perpetrators or convicted criminals are released from jail, people cheer and welcome them. What kind of example does this set? In a democratic society, the rule of law must be upheld, and institutions should operate independently on the basis of laws and regulations. Think about our daughters, children, or relatives, who have suffered from sexual assault. What comes to mind? Can we accept the norm that celebrities can do anything they want? The answer is no. We all have a responsibility to build a support system for rape victims and advocate for independent investigations and justice. High-profile sexual assault cases can be overlooked by society; therefore, citizens must remain vigilant in this matter.
The Harvey Weinstein rape case is a prominent example of sexual assault allegations leading to significant legal and social consequences in the United States. Weinstein, a powerful film producer, was accused by numerous women of sexual assault and rape, with allegations spanning several decades. In 2018, he was arrested, and in 2020, he was convicted and sentenced to 23 years in prison. His conviction marked a significant victory for survivors of sexual assault and set a precedent for holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions. This landmark case encouraged other victims to come forward and seek justice.
The revelations about Weinstein sparked the worldwide #MeToo movement, encouraging sexual assault victims to share their experiences. This case illustrates that even in developed societies, survivors of rape or sexual assault often struggle to come forward. One can imagine how much more difficult it is for victims in societies like Nepal, where trust in the judicial system is low, and sexual assault survivors face many challenges. The recent rape cases involving Lamichhane and Paul Shah have been highly controversial due to their nature and the information released to the public.
News reports revealed that the sexual assault survivor was demoralized by Lamichhane through phone calls and messages. He attempted to silence the survivor using temptation and fear. It is troubling that a perpetrator was able to contact the survivor while the case was still in court. If Lamichhane was innocent, why did he try to persuade the survivor in his favor? Some people have irrationally blamed the victim's character, which is outrageous. Both Shah and Lamichhane are public figures, and people want to be close to them. That does not permit celebrities to be involved in sexual misconduct. Celebrities should act responsibly as they are role models for many. Even a celebrity or a national figure has no right to commit a crime. Therefore, citizens and society must raise their voices for justice for rape and sexual assault victims. To prevent sexual violence and support those affected by it, society must promote a culture of respect and accountability, establish strong support systems for survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.
A sick South Asia: The price of corruption
Forget stock markets and GDP trends; there’s another annual report that genuinely reveals the health of a nation: Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI). This year, the news for South Asia isn’t pretty. While the numbers don't directly measure coughs or broken bones, they paint a chilling picture of a region struggling with a disease that eats away at its very well-being—corruption.
Across the board, South Asia scores below the global average, like a student consistently failing basic integrity tests. Only Bhutan and the Maldives show signs of improvement, but what about the rest? Stagnant or slipping backwards. Afghanistan languishes at the bottom, Sri Lanka takes a worrying dip, and even giants like India and Pakistan fail to impress.
But why should we care about greased palms and shady deals when discussing health? Because corruption is a silent killer. It diverts lifesaving funds from hospitals, fuels the spread of counterfeit drugs, and silences voices that could expose public health failures. The lower the CPI score, the harder it becomes to guarantee equal access to quality healthcare, a fundamental human right that shouldn’t be a luxury. The CPI is a wake-up call that the fight for a healthier South Asia starts with tackling the rot at its core.
Consider how public health budgets for lifesaving medications and equipment are diverted to enrich corrupt individuals, a harsh reality in many South Asian countries. In 2022, Pakistan’s Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) registered a Rs 800m embezzlement case against seven doctors and four other officials of the Mayo Hospital for a nefarious scheme, purchasing substandard items at inflated prices, effectively playing with people's lives.
Meanwhile, a few days ago, in India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested two of its own officers investigating alleged irregularities in Madhya Pradesh nursing colleges. These officers face charges of setting up a cartel that would collect bribes from college officials in exchange for overlooking issues and granting clean chits. The fake nursing college scandal undermines public health by potentially graduating unqualified nurses, who could put patients at risk, raising concerns about the broader prevalence of such institutions nationwide.
When Covid-19 first made inroads into Bangladesh, doctors worried about the inadequate quality of personal protective equipment. There have also been instances of healthcare establishments providing fraudulent Covid-19 test results at a hefty cost. They went even further, charging a premium for Covid-19 treatment, which the hospital should have provided for free and reimbursed by the government. Instead, it did both.
Transparency International’s 2020 report on Pakistan paints a grim picture, highlighting the widespread practice of bribery for essential services like prenatal care and surgery. In this environment, the poor and marginalized, who are already struggling to make ends meet, are often left with no choice but to forego treatment, perpetuating a vicious cycle of illness and despair.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) arrested Sri Lanka’s former health minister and current environment minister in Feb 2024 for spending $465,00 on lifesaving medications that failed quality tests. Sri Lanka's National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) claimed that falsified paperwork was utilized to get this batch of low-quality human immunoglobulin, a lifesaving treatment for severe antibody deficiency. In the middle of last year, hospitals complained about patients’ drug reactions.
The ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’ health insurance scheme, a source of hope for India’s low-income families, was rocked by allegations in 2021. Private hospitals entrusted with critical care have been accused of inflating bills, performing unnecessary surgeries and even refusing to treat those who are eligible. This breach of trust may have diverted significant funds to provide a lifeline for the underprivileged. While investigations continue, the possibility of large-scale corruption casts a cloud of suspicion over this critical program.
Nepal’s Omni scandal during Covid-19 starkly illustrates the insidious reach of corruption in South Asian healthcare. Amidst the pandemic’s urgency, a dubious contract inflated prices and awarded medical supply procurement to a politically-connected company (OBCI) lacking relevant experience. This case exposes the nexus between politics, business and bureaucrats, where public health takes a backseat to self-interest, jeopardizing lives during a crisis.
Looking beyond our immediate borders, the Maldives, despite its idyllic image, is not immune to healthcare corruption. A 2019 Transparency Maldives report found evidence of bribery in procuring medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, raising concerns about the quality and accessibility of care. Myanmar also faces significant challenges. A United Nations report in 2021 highlighted inadequate healthcare infrastructure and a shortage of qualified personnel, exacerbated by potential systemic corruption.
In Ghana, over 80 children tragically lost their lives after consuming cough syrup imported from India, a grim result of systemic regulatory failures and corruption. This incident underscores the severe consequences of compromised safety standards in pharmaceutical exports, driven by the prioritization of profit over human lives. The Ghana scandal highlights global ramifications of health sector corruption, demonstrating that lapses in regulatory oversight can have deadly international repercussions.
This discussion paints a bleak picture of how deeply corruption pervades South Asia’s health systems, with disastrous consequences for public health. This begs the question: Can we remain silent in the face of such widespread suffering? Given the lackluster and haphazard efforts of governments in this region to address corruption in meaningful ways, two key actors have a moral obligation to raise their voices and help tackle this issue head-on: WHO and other UN agencies.
As the world’s leading authority on public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) cannot ignore the insidious link between corruption and poor health outcomes. Its regional and country offices must become vocal supporters of clean and transparent healthcare systems. Issuing strong statements is a powerful way to effect change. The WHO director-general and regional directors should publicly condemn corruption in health, emphasizing its negative impact on populations. They can set the tone for prioritizing integrity and accountability in healthcare systems by stating their position clearly. Since WHO leadership now makes statements on ongoing wars and conflicts, corruption should no longer be taboo.
WHO’s ambivalence on corruption and reluctance to highlight how privatization of health services harms public health outcomes has not helped either. The evidence for this correlation has long been available, but there has been no effective advocacy by the global custodian of health. Many of South Asia’s lawmakers and their families own private hospitals, medical colleges, nursing homes and schools. It is clear where they would stand in the privatization of health debate. WHO should advocate, in particular, with those international finance institutions constantly pushing for lower public-sector health spending and see privatization as the first line of treatment for failing healthcare systems. WHO enters into three to five-year country cooperation agreements with host governments to outline the agreed-upon work plan. Corruption in the healthcare sector should be a vital component of this agreement with allocated funds. Without this, the WHO becomes an accomplice to local politicians, who steal donated money.
Thorough country-focused research and reports showing the quantifiable effects of corruption on health outcomes are another essential strategy for fighting health corruption. Data encourages decision-makers to act, especially when it comes to citizen health. Rather than adding to its already overburdened issue list, the WHO should work closely with organizations like Transparency International and the Boston University School of Public Health, which have specialized expertise and credibility in this field. In such partnerships, the WHO can help develop clear policies, implement effective oversight mechanisms, and promote transparency in health procurement and resource allocation.
Supporting whistleblower protection within WHO, specifically its regional and country offices worldwide, is a critical aspect of combating corruption in health. WHO employees and collaborators who witness corruption firsthand should have safe and confidential channels to report it without fear of retaliation. The WHO can help expose corruption, hold wrongdoers accountable and improve healthcare delivery by creating an environment where whistleblowers feel empowered and protected.
Development agencies, the United Nations and international donors are critical players because they provide the financial and technical support required to drive country-level development efforts.
However, due to the pervasive influence of corruption, these organizations frequently face obstacles in their efforts. To effectively address this issue, they must take proactive measures and make more intentional decisions. First, they should include corruption assessments in their country reports. This allows them to better understand the scope and nature of corruption in each country, which is critical when developing effective anti-corruption strategies. Recent UN country reports rarely mention the words ‘corruption’ and ‘misgovernance’. Second, donors should tie aid to demonstrable anti-corruption efforts. Third, they should help civil society organizations (CSOs) combat corruption. CSOs play an essential role in holding governments and other institutions accountable, and they require financial and technical resources to do so effectively.
Corruption is a human invention; it can be dealt with, even in South Asia!
