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Bimala Tumkhewa has been a prominent figure in Nepali literature and media for nearly two decades, carving out a distinguished presence in both realms.

Her writing style not only challenges patriarchal norms but also voices against injustice and inequality. Raised on tales of distant lands by her father, Khadga Bahadur Limbu, who served in the Gurkha battalion, Tumkhewa’s formative years were shaped by his struggles, influencing her deeply.

After Khadga Bahadur’s passing, Tumkhewa defied societal norms by performing his last rites, traditionally reserved for sons. Far from weakening her resolve, this act seemed to strengthen her, reflected in her increasingly powerful writing, particularly her acclaimed love poems.

Currently serving as the central president of Sancharika Samuha, a forum advocating for women journalists, Tumkhewa leads initiatives to address gender issues in media and promote a fairer society. Under her leadership, the organization has worked tirelessly to empower female journalists, advocating for gender-friendly policies and facilitating opportunities for their professional growth.

Tumkhewa’s bold personality was shaped by her upbringing in Pathari, Morang, where she defied societal expectations to pursue her passions in literature and journalism. Despite being the sole daughter after her brothers’ passing, her parents’ unwavering support fueled her literary endeavors and her stance against inequality.

While many of her peers pursued opportunities abroad, Tumkhewa remained dedicated to her craft, primarily focusing on poetry before branching out into storytelling and memoirs. Motherhood marked a significant shift in her perspective, influencing her creative output and inspiring her upcoming collection of stories.

Believing writers must hold themselves accountable to society, Tumkhewa has consistently used her platform to denounce injustice and immorality, challenging established norms through her writing.

Her journey to Kathmandu in 2001 was marked by the discovery of a city different from her village, yet her love for poetry forged a deep connection with its streets. Despite facing hardships, she immersed herself in the literary scene, contributing to the rich tapestry of Nepali literature.

During the 2006 protests, Tumkhewa actively participated, alongside a diverse array of citizens, in advocating for democracy. Reflecting on the camaraderie of that time, she notes a sense of disconnection among contemporary writers, contrasting with the solidarity witnessed during the protests.

Recognizing the ongoing injustices faced by Nepali women, Tumkhewa emphasizes the need for greater acknowledgment of their contributions, advocating for female representation in key positions, such as the chancellorship of the Nepal Academy, to elevate their status further.

The streets of Kathmandu would be filled with protesters every day during the 2006 protest. Within moments, the streets would be littered with tear gas, water cannons, stones, and brick pieces. Commoners, lawyers, journalists, poets and writers had all taken to the streets. Tumkhewa joined the protests daily. During those days, places like Gurukul, Naya Baneshwor, Putalisadak, Bagbazar, Ratnapark and Khullamanch would be teeming with protesters. Writers from across the country had converged on the streets. 

This was the first time such a massive number of citizens had taken to the streets for democracy after the protests of 1950, 1960 and 1990. “The current environment is not like that time. Back then, there was a deep camaraderie among poets and writers. Now, we may seem close on social media, but our hearts are far apart,” she added.

The list of injustices and violence that Nepali women have had to endure solely for being women is quite long. Although women have risen above the situation of having to commit sati (self-immolation) upon their husband’s death, Nepali society is still not free from such crimes. Women’s contributions at all levels and stages are significant, but their true value and recognition have not been adequately acknowledged. Since Nepali women have assumed all important positions in the country, Tumkhewa feels if the Nepal Academy has a female chancellor, its dignity would be enhanced further.

The Mahakumbha Mela, a grand religious fair, is beginning at Chatara of Barahachhetra municipality-1 in Sunsari today.

President Ram Chandra Paudel is scheduled to inaugurate the fair, according to Ramesh Karki, Mayor of Barahachhetra municipality, and Co-Chair of Mela main organizing committee.

The grand fair, which runs for a month, is expected to draw some 3 million visitors. Arrangement has been made accordingly; the organizing committee shared.

Total 2,000 security persons including the Nepali Army, the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, have been mobilized on the inaugural day. The number of visitors will be estimated with the help of CCTV footage.

There are 26 sub-committees under the main organizing committee for the effective management of the grand fair. Similarly, the fair will have 480 trade stalls.

The organizing committee has banned the sales and distribution of alcohol in the area for 40 days.

Nearly 800 households in the district have been forced to live in darkness owing to electricity disruption for two days.

The Dillichaur Hydropower Project failed to generate power owing to the cut off in water supply. The canal supplying water to the hydropower was damaged by a landslide.

The canal collapsed, disrupting water supply. It was damaged in a 25-meter stretch. "Although locals had noticed cracks on the canal wall, it lacked timely repair, resulting in power disruption since Sunday," said Chairman of Vidyut Cooperatives, Krishna Bahadur Budha, expressing regret.

Budha informed that it costs Rs 600, 000 as per technicians to reconstruct the channel.

Nearly 800 households from ward 4, 5 and 6 of Patarasi Rural Municipality have been deprived of electricity after the damage in water supply. It also caused difficulty in the daily works of government offices, banks and financial institutions.

Meanwhile, Rs 300, 000 has been allocated from the rural municipality for the reconstruction of the hydropower canal.

Rural municipality Chair Purna Singh Bohara informed that they were at work to resume power supply at the earliest.

Incidences of forest fires reported across Nepal have led to a surge in air pollution in major cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Air quality has deteriorated significantly, with Kathmandu ranking as the third most polluted city globally this afternoon, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 165.

It was measured 158 in Khumaltar, 175 around the Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, and 120 in the Ratnapark area and these measurements are highly concerning given public health. 

According to environmental activist Rajan Thapa, an AQI above 100 poses a severe risk to human health.

An AQI value of 50 is considered good for public health, from 51-100 moderate, 100-150 unhealthy and it is highly hazardous if measured 150-200.

Typically, Nepal experiences approximately 2,500 incidents of wildfires annually, with a majority (80 percent) occurring between the last week of February and the last week of May. The period from mid-March to mid-May is particularly vulnerable, accounting for 60 percent of reported forest fires.

The main contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, poor waste management practices, and forest fires. Addressing these issues systematically is needed, he asserted.

Promoting the use of environmentally friendly vehicles can significantly mitigate air pollution, according to Thapa.

 However, meteorologist Barun Paudel warns that the upcoming week is unlikely to see rainfall, posing challenges in containing forest fires. A potential heat wave could exacerbate dry conditions, further increasing the risk of wildfires.

Wildfire expert Sundar Sharma said that the surge in forest fires has worsened air quality in major towns like Kathmandu. Wildfire smoke poses serious health risks, including eye problems. According to the United States-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Nepal reported forest fires at 130 locations across the country on Monday.

Sharma shared about a concerning trend of increasing environmental dryness in Nepal, with a notable rise in forest fires over the past three days. "Control measures for forest fires are required to tackle air pollution," he asserted.

Similarly, Spokesperson of the Forests and Environment Ministry, Badri Raj Dhungana, said lack of state's adequate investment, awareness and inter-bodies coordination for the improvement of air quality are reasons behind such problems.

He underlined, "Air pollution is increasing in lack of provision of environmental impact assessment in the course of constructing different projects, lack of effective implementation of rules related to garbage management and environmental standard."

Dhungana pointed out the need of forwarding publicity activities to control forest fire was necessary as pollution is increasing due to forest fire, he stressed.

Chest specialist, Dr Niraj Bam, said air pollution has been posing short-term and long-term health problems on human health.

Respiratory diseases, common cold and cough, asthma, lung cancer, high blood pressure, paralysis and heart attack are also caused by air pollution.

People suffering from such health problems should be alert during the air pollution, he mentioned.

Chest Specialist Bam urged one and all to limit themselves inside the house if possible during pollution hour, to use mask compulsorily if it is urgent to go out and avoid early morning walk as the air is more polluted in the morning.

Management Action Plan for Kathmandu Valley, 2076 BS, an AQI of more than 300 is considered a disaster. In order to prevent this disaster, it has been mentioned in the action plan not to burn garbage, to increase the use of brooms and vacuums to clean the roads, and to issue public notices to children, senior citizens and patients to take special precautions.

Similarly, in the National Environment Policy, 2076 BS, it is mentioned that national standards related to prevention of water, air, soil, sound, electricity, magnetic waves, radioactive radiation, and hazardous chemical pollution will be prepared and implemented in order to reduce pollution.

According to the strategy, air, water and sound quality will be mapped by establishing and operating quality measurement centers in areas at risk of pollution including major cities and industrial establishments.

It is mentioned in the policy that environment-friendly technology will be implemented to manage polluted smoke, dust, and water emitted from industries and other businesses sectors. RSS