Climate change problem and its ground reality in Nepal

Climate change has been a topic of discussion since past few years, its relevancy and awareness has spread with the confusion among the different stake holders regarding its work methodology and its practices. With high priority and concern, large amount of international funds has been poured-in in regards to the climate change activities and campaigns where the awareness spread in the field has not only created a trend of awareness but to a level has created a confusion among the different entities to work together for the cause. The basic entities in the field of climate change in Nepal have been working individually in regards to their sectors and work practices. In Nepal the work entities have been basically divided in these categories
1. Donor
2. Line agencies
3. The government4. Local organization
5. Consumer

The different categories of organization work at different levels of action and awareness strategy where the government and line agencies work in policy and strategy level. The government role is immense in respect to the services that it provides through its different organizations but due to lack of infrastructure and mobility in the rural areas the human resources are limited within the urban area where the rural people lack the services which they are in dire need of. The Donor organization works in providing funds and receiving the feedbacks only. Local organization works in collaboration of the line agencies and government in following the strategies in action. At consumer level they work toward the adaptation and adaptability of the problem where lack of coordination and planning has been hindering the prospect of investment and research.

Especially in a country like Nepal where the education rate is very low, People know that changes are happening and they are adapting to it but they lack the technical knowhow of what, where and how?
Looking at the scenario and economic condition of Nepal and its pollution rates, Nepal stand nowhere to talk about its contribution in Green house gases emission rates but consequently it faces a huge price of global warming and climate change in retrospect to its adaptability and consequences.

The world Wild Life Nepal in its website says, “Communities in the target area are facing the natural hazards such as landslides, earthquakes and forest fires. Serious drought, temperature increases, and flash flooding are causing serious detrimental impacts on community livelihoods – causing food insecurity; lack of access to freshwater for irrigation and household needs; soil erosion; damage to infrastructure (including irrigation systems, land, property and roads); increase in pests and diseases, and changes to ecosystems (including NTFPs). These hazards are in part as a result of non-climate drivers (such as land use changes, unsustainable use of natural resources, governance, tourism) but are exacerbated by climatic variability. Communities in the target area do not have adequate access to information on climate data and local planning structures (including Village Development Committee Plans, and Buffer Zone Management Plans) have not taken into account risks as a result of climate change. WWF will play a crucial role in working with communities to ensure risks to ecosystem integrity (and therefore ecosystem services) are minimized; thereby building on existing or developing new relationships with other NGOs, private sector organizations, government agencies or research institutions to ensure all vulnerabilities facing people and the natural environment are addressed.”

Climate change has been an effective sector of funding where different Non government organizations are mushrooming in. According to a report from the Centre District Office there are thousands of organizations registered or that have the work capability to work in the field of climate change. Though different NGOs are operational but most of them are limited within bring funds and lack real operational skills where the government lack of monitoring mechanism has boosted their confidence.

Like such Saurav Dhakal, British Council International Climate Champion 2010/11 recently shared his experience of the ground reality of the climate change and its adaptation problems that he encountered during his visit to far rural villages of Dailekh and Terahthum. He shared some key points in his study report of “Adaptation learning highways” which are given below.

Community perception on climate change:

• Delay and reduced snowfall
• Delay in erratic rainfall
• Prolonged dry spells
• Water stress
• Increased pest incident
• Early maturing of crops and new crop opportunities

Dhakal further highlighted the issues and gaps of climate change in following key points.

• Lack of mechanism or existing mechanism is not actively functioning to discuss on farmers problem and technical backstopping on problem
• Lack of technical backstopping for farmers to solve the problem in field level from line agencies. Most of the technical service providers agencies are centered in district headquarters
• Less information on adaptation of farming techniques and seed methodology
• Less knowledge on responsibilities of line agencies toward farmers
• Lack of effective information flow system
• Lack of introduction of new technology in adaptation of farming techniques
• Lack of effective human resource in the field

He said, “People in rural parts of Nepal they majorly lack knowledge sharing and most importantly they are unaware of the resources that are available to reduces the effective of climate change. It’s a worrying situation especially in rural villages where prominent changes are happening and people have no idea of what’s happening. The awareness program of line agencies has reached places but they are inconclusive way limited to center and cities where people in rural areas are confused. The government needs to collaborate in a proper mechanism in dealing with such scenario where the gaps in between the line agencies, and the people should be overcome. The ultimate goal is to provide relief to the public where a reality check needs to be done from all sides and proper efforts have to be done in dealing with the situation.”

Ministry of Environment (MoE) in its portal states, “The Government of Nepal, Ministry of Environment (MoE) has received support from the Embassy of Denmark in Nepal to implement climate change activities. The MoE prepared, through this support, the status report while participating the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties to UNFCCC and 5th session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties (CMP) to the KP. In addition, this funding was also used to prepare and publish the Status of Climate Change in Nepal. The MoE has felt an urgent need for preparing Strategy for Climate Change Strategy and Framework for Climate Change Fund from this support within the broader framework of the Climate Change Policy, 2011. This strategy is expected to streamline all climate change activities in Nepal and include negotiation approaches and will contribute to future climate change negotiations as well. Similarly, the framework for climate change fund will provide a basis to channelize funding on climate change activities received from different sources in the country. The Ministry of Environment intends to prepare the Climate Change Strategy and Framework for Climate Change Fund by procuring consulting services. The key output of this study will be the final reports on: (i) Climate Change Strategy; and (ii) Framework for Climate Change Fund.”

With stakeholders of climate change being more focused in managing the funds and other operational issues climate change industry in Nepal has been a booming industry. The reality of the rural villages and lack of effective human resource in addressing the issue has evolved as a serious problem. Lack of monitoring from the government side and effective mechanism to upgrade the human resource and to outreach the people seems to be the problem at large. Climate change in Nepal has been an issue of concern to all where lack of coordination among the stakeholder hiders the process of awareness and adaptation.

Further climate change strategy and adaptation perspective can be gained from the following link
http://www.scribd.com/doc/24367688/Research-Paper-Nepal-s-Position-Paper-for-the-en-Negotiations-COP15-by-Shreedeep-Rayamajhi

An Introduction to Hanumandhoka Durbar Square

Built in the mid Sixteen century, Hanuman Dhoka is a pristine ample craftsmanship of the rich tradition and culture of the Malla Dynasty. From the prolific craftsmanship of the Mallas to the later added Western European influence by the Ranas, the Durbar Square hold a special amalgamation of the east meets the west.
Moving on from centuries, it has seen the rise and fall of many Kings from Mallas to the recent Shahs witnessing their glory of fame and pride. Registered to the world heritage site, this palace stands testament to the glorious tradition of Kingship in Nepal. With several complexes connected together spreading in about five acres explicates historical and traditional values; the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar square is a live example of the rich culture and tradition.
The durbar Square has ten courtyards flourishing with statues and artifacts enthrall the vision where one gets nostalgic towards this museum of time. The palace was once residence of the Shahs till the late seventies, when the royal residence shifted to the Narayanhiti Palace. The old palace still has its ritual and ceremonial importance where the King of Nepal were crowned and their coronation ceremonies would take place here.
Starting off from the east entrance, a big statue of Hanuman (Monkey god) welcomes you inside; it is believed that King Pratap Malla had set-up the statue there to scare away bad and evil spirits from his palace. It dates back to the 1672. Moving on to the lobby, a half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Narasimha Avatar appears on the left side of the lobby. The statue is carved in a big black stone where the craftsmanship clearly highlights the prolific style of the Malla dynasty. The statue portrays the Narshimha Avatar killing the Herainyakasyapu the demon who threaded the world with his evil and outcaste the practice of the religion.
Similarly, with the pride of royalty, a big inscription lies just in front of the palace. The inscription is laid on a stone in 15 different languages by King Pratap Malla in the glory of his regime.
Nasal Chowk
Literally meaning the Dancing courtyard, the Nasal Chowk or Courtyard is dedicated to lord Shiva where a big status of the Natraj is placed on the east side of the courtyard. The courtyard was build by the Malla kings where once it use to serve as their private residence of the then kings but in the transcending flow of time, it was further recaptured and portions were added to the current state by the powerful Ranas where the western influences can be widely seen. In the open veranda faming the pride, still lays the throne of the Malla kings which orchestrates the richness and power of the wide spectrum of their regime.
Highlighting the famous Basantapur Tower at its door step, the Nasal Chowk welcomes the arrivals with its glorious craftsmanship and tradition where the carved windows and doors simply wow in plethora of the craftsmanship. From the tower you can see the 360 view of the Kathmandu in the most profound way where the beautiful mountain range adds colors to the view. Apart from that, the stringent taste of exotic and erotic carvings with in the struts on the façade, one can feel the rich influence of the great Kama sutra. It is believed that the Malla kings use to see the city below from the towers where these towers served as a medium of observatory.
The courtyard has witnessed the rise and fall of many kings where the courtyard is live testimony to the coronation ceremony of the King s of Nepal. In this quest the Late King Birendra and the last king of Shah Dynasty King Gynandra were both crowed king here in this courtyard.
Mul Chowk
Dedicated to the Taleju Bhawani, the Mul Chowk or courtyard holds a special enigma to its presence. Located in isolation with minimal rituals happening in the courtyard is open only in specially occasion and festivals for ritual and tantric ceremonies. With in the periphery is located a two storey Pagoda style temple which holds mystery to its origin where history defines it as an enigma of Hinduism.
The goddess Taleju was the main deity of the royal Malla family where after centuries’ she still holds a strong presence among kathmanduties.
Especially in the ninth day of Dashain the Mul chowk gets lively where the priest sacrifice 108 animals in fulfill the century’s old tantric ritual. On that particular day the temple is opened for general public and it is believed that on that particular night the goddess, she comes down in the temple and endowed her presence. The temple is located at a height where it can be view from most parts of the Kathmandu.
Mohan Chowk
Built in 1649 by the Malla Kings, the Mohan Chowk or courtyard has a significant role in the history of Malla dynasty. More or less it was related to royalty and was closely associated with the Malla kings. It is believe that to become a Malla king you needed to be born in the Mohan Chowk which testifies its glory during those days. In the middle of the Courtyard lies a golden waterspout which in the ancient days was used by the Malla kings for their daily dip. Beautiful artistic tower are located in the four corners of the courtyard. Currently the Mohan Chowk is out of display.

Tribhuwan Museum
Example of the western architect, this portion of the durbar square was build by the Ranas in the 19th centuries. The Tribhuwan Museum is an explanatory example of the time and royalty that witnessed the various aspects of art, craft, technology, fashion and other amenities of the country that highlighted royalty and their lifestyle. It strongly exhibits items of stone carvings, several spectacular thrones, Jewel-studded ornaments used for coronations, weapons, furniture, wooden temple carvings, and coin collections.
With highlighting the glorious life style of the King’s of Nepal an exact replica of King Tibhuvan bedroom is also on display. Dedicated to the King Mahendra a small section on the southeast corner highlights the two thrones of the King.
The Hanuman Durbar Square is a exemplary audience that has witness the past in a glorious tradition showcasing and transcending the pride, honor and culture of the country where it stand tall with the pride of craftsmanship and culture in the most profound way of a time’s kaleidoscope.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

The Spark of Change

Everyday, we think about the change where we create our own image in giving it the description of our imagination. This description further gets influenced by the acts that are happening around us. We search reasons and questions for the acts but in reality we strees our brain so much and we get confused where we just accuse or throw words or blame others. But we forget that when we point one finger at others four fingers point at us.It’s said that “don’t hate the game hate the players;” likewise, Nepal’s politics today has turned into a garbage; a garbage full with pollutants of selfishness, corruption, and Hippocrates.Whether it Nepali Congress or UML or the Maoist party there is not a single politician or leader who could be respected or worth getting the respect. All of them, they are so limited and bounded by their selfish motives and games that they forget they are the servents of public. More or less, they indulging themselves to luxury of life with the hard earned money of tax payers and citizens disgarcing their oath of serving public.In fact reality is Politician is such a respectable position where we trusts the leaders to play a crucial role in overall development of the country but till date we see them engaging themselves in corruption, power politics, commission rackets, favoritism, social discrimination, lobbing selfish motives, accumulating people money in foreign banks etc . I bet there is not a single Politician who would be respected in true sense. They disgrace the societal value of socialism where they take the oath of serving the nation but alternately support their individual party in strengthening their forces and power.The problem here is not with the leaders, the problems here is with us the normal people, we select these leaders and when they get power they play and manipulate us in their desired ways but we keep our mouth shut, we just move to their rhythm where they treat us like nobody. I say and believe every Nepali has the bloody right to ask each of the leaders about what they did and what they are planning to do coz its our country and we pay taxes for the operation of the country. We pay tax in everything from buying a chocolate to sewage to cold drinks, evrything thing is tax but still we are least bothered group. Moreover, the hard earned money completely goes in vain paying hefty salary and comforting their luxury. It’s our responsibility to remind them of their mistake where we lack.Likewise, we blame everything upon them which is completely erratic and irresponsible, as they are selected by us. We do protests, do blockades, Chaka Jam, Bandhas etc on useless things but regarding our politician and their acts we keep silence making it limited with in the voices of a unknown tables and chairs.The fascinating part is we say politics is a dirty game, but it’s our garbage. Just by saying it bad or disgracing it, things won’t change. We have two choices either we keep our mouth shut and let the things that’s happening go on or do something about it in any way possible. It’s upon our efforts and we need to dig our hands into the garbage and clean it.We the young blood the so called generation-X need to wake up to this call and say that yes we are determined not just to blame but to take charge. We have to take resposibilitie in every possible way of being a good citizen and wrok our way in the system. It might take days or years, but change is suppose to happen and it will happen no matter what. We have the skills and courage and let’s unite to bring change.This is not just a call for me, you or anyone, it’s a call for every Nepali who feels pride to say he or she is Nepali and if you care spread the awareness and save our nation. Lets take the promise to bring change not just by words but by social awareness and by social change where our small effort counts and each individual matter to say that he or she is a part of this society and we can play a crucial role for the development of our country. Let’s make Nepal a better Nepal for the coming generation to be proud of where we can held our heads high to say we brought the change.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Nepal My Nepal

With the splendid Tradition and culture and warm hand greeting Namaste is how I define my Nepal.
In my Nepal everything is beautiful from the lust forest to high pristine hills to Virgin Mountain to unexplored valleys, its beyond once experience where words defy their limitation. It’s an enchanting experience of nature that drives your enthusiasm to see the real taste of nature in its every bliss.
From its one corner to another, Nepal is blessed with the best bio diversity and houses some of the rarest animals and plants in its vicinity.
Mostly, with the evolving adventure sport like Bunjey Jumping, Paragliding, Canyoning, White Water River Rafting, Rock climbing, Mountain Biking, Para Jumping, Mountaineering etc Nepal offers its best to its arrivals with what nature has to offer.
We Nepalese are very civilized people who believe in Tradition of hospitality. Our ancestors have set the pride of making this nation under the regime of no other country. Our KHUKARIS and our Madal are the live testimonials of what we are and what we can do at times of need.

Whether it’s Yeti or Gautam Buddha all have added shine to the prestige of Nepal’s Image where every Nepali feels proud to hold the Pride of Nepal and its Image.

Jay Nepal

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi