Water from Fog Catcher Net

Shreeram Ghimire
Kathmandu

            UN says, 85% people of this planet live in driest half of planet with 1 in every 10 people have no access to safe drinking water. With this devastating figure, new systems like collection of water from cold fog net have been introduced. The Cold Fog Net system is based on principle of collecting dew in stem of trees during ancient time. Modern method of developing fog net was firstly practiced by Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC) during 1980s. The fine mesh is suspended 1.5 m above ground between two posts. Canal of bamboo or PVC pipe is assembled at bottom where every drop of water settles and is drained by pipe to collection system.

          Arid and semi arid region can use this system. It can provide 200-250 liters of water every day depending on size of net, height of net and nature of climate. The water is safe for drinking and can be used for irrigation.

        Today, more than 25 countries have practiced this method. One of typical example is capital city of Peru, Lima. More than 6500 people are directly benefited by installing fog catcher net in arid region of Lima where people use collected water for drinking and farming purpose. Chile is next good example where annual precipitation is very low. Similarly adventurers and researchers use this technique to collect water in arid region.

          Remote areas of Nepal with strenuous condition of drinking water where light wind flows can practice this system. Terai region can collect millions liters of water during winter. Even mid hill area facing problem of irrigation during winter can use this system. Agencies are needed to find feasibility information about climate and geography.

Holding elections crucial for constitution implementation

       The current political scenario in the country is highly polarized. The major political parties, which stood together at the time of promulgation of the constitution fourteen months back, are now poles apart at this important juncture of its implementation. The major ruling parties – the Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist Centre) – are pushing for constitution amendment while the main opposition party, the CPN (UML), is balking at the idea.

      The assertion of the two major ruling parties is that constitution implementation in the true sense would be possible only when it is made 'inclusive and acceptable' to all sides, which means the concerns of the Madhes-centric parties are well taken into account. The Madhes-centric parties are not happy with some provisions of the constitution and want them to be addressed through amendment to the constitution.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, on behalf the ruling parties and the government, floated a constitution amendment proposal which seeks to make amendments to the provisions in the constitution related to citizenship, the shape of the National Assembly- the Upper House of Parliament, delineation of the border of the provinces and  national language. The main opposition party, on the other hand, says constitution amendment is not the present need while holding the three-tiers of election is the key to constitution implementation as it is mandatory as per the constitutional provision.

It has alleged that the constitution amendment proposal has been brought at the behest of some foreign powers and to appease the vested interests of some leaders of the Madhes-centric parties. Some UML leaders have also challenged the Madhes-centric parties to prove the agendas they have raised, their demands included, by contesting in the election, rather than taking the country on a collision course.   

      Although Prime Minister Dahal many times tried to woo the main opposition party into supporting the constitution amendment proposal, UML chairman KP Oli is not very convinced and has flatly rejected Dahal's overtures. He has said that his party would fight tooth and nail to defeat the proposal. While accepting that it is the government's right to table such a proposal in the parliament, the UML strongman has threatened that his party would make all-out efforts to fail the proposal. In fact, the party has called its cadres to come out in protest against the proposal and its proposition; and there have been demonstrations in some parts of the country.

      The Madhes-centric parties, most of which support the present coalition government, on their part are pressing for the constitution amendment. They have even given ultimatum to the government to register the constitution amendment proposal in parliament by the end of November, lest face their wrath – in the form of withdrawing support to the government and virulent protests. So far, this is the political scenario.

Local elections long overdue

      Whatever the controversy over the constitution amendment, election of the local bodies has been long overdue. Though the country has moved ahead in practicing the democratic republican system since the time of the adoption of the Interim Constitution a decade back, the political parties have missed when it comes to consolidating the democracy at the grassroots by holding the local body elections.

      It is only when the local bodies that are the foundation of democracy are run with the direct participation of the people that the people get a sense of ownership over the system. The people want to see that the development works at the local level are expedited and all the administrative services are closer to their doorsteps. They want to participate in local development. This is achieved best through their elected representatives. So, the holding of the local election is a must for institutionalizing and strengthening democracy.

      However, the sad part of the story in our case is that the elections to the local bodies have not been held for the last 19 years.

      Nothing else but the perennial political instability during this period, and lack of will power and capacity of the political parties is to be blamed for this crash of the foundation of democracy.

      The constitution can be best put into action by holding the local body election as is mandated in the constitution. The constitution itself will be in question if the elections are not held in the stipulated time, i.e. by mid-April 2017. If election to the local bodies is deferred and not held this time, it will invite another constitutional crisis, further exacerbating the political instability and fluidity. This situation might lead to political unrest and quagmire, putting the so-called epochal achievements into peril and a period of misery to the sovereign citizens.  

Deepraj Sanyal

Kathmandu

A Decade of Peace Process: What's the achievement?

It has been a decade since Nepal entered into the formal peace process with the signing of Comprehensive Peace Accord in November 2006. The CPA had not only formally ended the decade-long armed insurgency afflicting the country, but also paved a solid way for peace, development and prosperity. With the passage of 10 years now, it is pertinent enough to mull how Nepal has fared on peace process and its progression towards more functional and inclusive democracy. 

Counting the achievements, integration of rebel Maoist fighters into the Nepal Army, two elections of the constituent assembly, and promulgation of constitution in 2015 are the most significant. However, have people realized the peace they had aspired after the rebel Maoist party laid down the arms? It is still a burning question.

It was not unusual that we Nepalese placed unprecedented hope on the political parties after the signing of the CPA. Similar hope piled on then rebellion party Maoist during the first election of the Constituent Assembly, which however failed to bring constitution. Needless to say, the dissolution of the first CA was not only the huge loss of money and waste of time but it also mounted dejection among the people (voters) thereby eroding trust on the political parties.

The second election of the Constituent Assembly brought the constitution, but the dissatisfactions are rife on it before it goes to full implementation. The political parties especially the region-centric from the southern plains have emerged so aggressive that they are warning of barring the activities on implementing federalism and the constitution. The ruling political parties- CPN (Maoist Centre) and the Nepali Congress- are making utmost efforts to amend the constitution in the name of ensuring broader acceptability, while the major opposition, CPN-UML, is adamant on not letting any change in the national charter. The UML is smelling a rat, arguing the amendment would jeopardize national interest. Thus eludes consensus. It is not sure how long this difference goes on inviting conflict.

Are there not anything worth mentioning that Nepali are to witness peaceful days with change in system and economic prosperity? Is mere political development enough to ensure peace? Of course, the national incidents have shown that political developments do not ensure the peace to the people. Internalization of changed system- federalism- is a long process, as the preparation for these are occurring but slowly. Interestingly, federalism, frankly speaking, is publicly assured as a solution of many problems! Yes, in the legal and administrative fronts too, initiatives have been forwarded for the federal system to put in place as fixing high courts and judges for them.

Despite some achievements in the decade-long peace process, one of the most important parts to mention is transitional justice. How have we experienced to this regard? It is really worrying to state here that Member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Madhabi Bhatta, was saying recently in a program that the Commission was yet to begin the investigation on the people murdered and forcefully disappeared. She urged all to be watchful on the TRC's activities to ensure justice to the victims.

Similar regret came from Chairman of the Commission on Inquiry of Enforced Disappeared Persons, Lokendra Mallik. He said the CIEDP was desperately waiting for the laws to make the CIEDP more functional, to accelerate its activities. He however expressed commitment that the CIEDP would investigate into the complaints on murder and disappearance.

The political indifference towards forming these transitional justice mechanism was so blatant that these two commissions- TRC and CIEDP- were formed only after eight years of the signing of CPA. When do these mechanisms carry out their works? How do the conflict victims get relief and justice? Do mere elections ensure stability and peace?

An observation by political analyst Professor Lokraj Baral about election seems so pertinent now in Nepal, "Election mere does not ensure democracy. It's only electo-cracy." It suggests elections are not enough for sustainable democracy where people feel peace and country witnessed stability. But our political parties are now concentrating on elections with differences intact. 

Needless to say, peace is not the mere absence of war/conflict. Nepal is waging conflict but still in need of peace. The meaning of peace process rests on how political activities ensure ownership of constitution by all Nepali citizens, hold elections peacefully, reduce gap between different classes and most importantly cater justice to the conflict victims. 

Narayan Prasad Ghimire

Kathmandu

Being Parliamentarian does not mean a Job Holder

             Legislative Parliament has increased the salary of parliamentarians by skipping the other genuine national issues. Earlier, it is wonderful that this bill for salary increment could easily pass though there would be so many disputes to pass even a small issue. The salary of the parliamentarians have been increased by 25 % whereas meeting allowance and residence cost have been increased by 5 times and 3 times respectively. Transportation cost has been increased to 1000 from 150. Now, a parliamentarian will receive more than 80 thousands per month apart from meeting allowance and transportation.

           There are so many issues in pending which the parliamentarians should accomplish without making any delay. The decision process of the impeachment motion against the CIAA chief has been extended unexpectedly.  The election law has not been formulated yet. The processes of reconstruction, after the 'Gorkha quake', is surprisingly slow. The parliamentarians have been badly criticized for not raising the day to day public issues.

  

The increment of the salary of the parliamentarians according to the time is understandable given that they, like everyone else, need a good salary to live in Kathmandu. But the understandability has a limit- it should be justified what types of life style a parliamentarian should live and how much money is needed for such a life style in the capital. The next thing is, the job of a 'Parliamentarian' is not a government job. Being a parliamentarian means to serve the society. However, our parliamentarians have ridiculed themselves by assuming themselves to be government job holders. While the country is suffering from different types of problems, different issues are pending in the parliament and the victims of quake and blockade have not been able to heal their wound, the lawmakers have increased their salary and facilities. This is utterly against the interest of people. It is more so when all political parties remain silent on this misuse of public property.

Add to this, the increment of meeting allowance by five times is more disgusting. Earlier, meeting allowance was Rs. 250 but after this increment a parliamentarian will receive Rs. 1000 for a meeting. As we understand, the basic work of a lawmaker is to attend the meetings of the parliament and participate in the decision process. For that they get salary, transportation and other facilities form the government's fund. My point is it is not a right idea to pay extra for the people to do the things they have to do.

In conclusion, there are so many issues to be accomplished and the parliamentarians are carrying a key of the country. The works of reconstruction remain the same. The country has not been able to walk on the highway of economic prosperity. After all, condition of the country is highly pathetic and in such a grim situation the parliamentarians have increased their facilities. This is downplaying of people’s aspirations. The parliamentarians should prove the reason behind the increment. Otherwise these increased facilities will hurt them back.  On top of everything, they should understand that they are not doing government jobs.

Bishownath Acharya

Kathmandu

FARWEST: The Base of Future Federal Nepalese Economy

Ravi Dhungel
Dhangadhi, Kailali

          Farwest, currently fifth development region of Nepal and seventh state of the newly mapped Federal Nepal, is talked often as land of economic possibilities and potentials. With respect to its natural and non natural resources availability, the talk is rational and logical. But what is not logical is the vision of negligence from government as well as private sector of Nepal. The economic policy making at government level seems to ignore the chance of obtaining benefits from economic potentials widely spread in this region. The formulated policy lacks in implementative level whether it is related to sectoral economic promotion or infrastructure development for economic activities. Private sectors too are not keen to start or expand their businesses and industries to this region. They rate investment here is too risky as their exists no real favourable environment and support for their business endeavors. They are right to certain extent. But who else will do as they themselves are the potential doers. If they do attempt for any business here in this region, the huge potentials of mega economic activities will surely go idle. This is not to mean they have run a marathon without a proper running track. The intervention of government is key for making operating environment for them and it should participate actively in economic activity promotion to this region primarily at strategy and policy making level. If this is not done, the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) expansion and economic growth of Nepal is not possible even after the federalism. Considering the widespread variety and huge quantity of resources Farwest stands as the base for future federal Nepalese economy.

        Farwest has huge amount of water resources. Many mini, micro and mega hydro-electricity projects can be built around it. The big Pancheswar Project with a total capacity of 6720 Megawatt (Installed capacity 4800 Megawatt) stands as the big base for industrialization in this region. This will solve the lack of electricity problem and encourage commencement of new industries and expansion of other operating industries around the country to this state. The project will itself provide more than twenty thousand employment opportunities during its operation. After its completion and expected rapid industrial growth in this region, Farwest will stand as key employment hub for people from other states of the country. Along with this, the hydro-electricity projects like West Seti and Chameliya are going to make this state as the key supplier and transmitter of electricity to other states of the Federal Nepal. Further, with the completion of Pancheswar and irrigation projects like Ranijamara, more than 40% of the productive non irrigated land will be well-irrigated with estimated rise in crop productivity of 20-30% in the state. There will be surplus crop production than the need of the state which can be starving states and help to survive the people living there. Additionally, it can be a hunting home for water and adventure tourism as its river and water sites are rated as one of the best destination by many international tourism and adventure organizations. If well developed, only this will increase revenue from tourism by 2-5%.

           It also has tremendous variety of non-water natural resources which can be significant contributor to future federal Nepalese economy and it’s GDP. It consists of more than 300 species of vegetation. Most of them can be used for herbal medicines. Some of these are so rare and can be found in few numbers in other states and countries around the world. Herbal medicine industries and processing industries of herbs like Yarsagumba, Paanchaaule, Harrro, Barro and others found in upper-hilly and mountainous region of the state can be established. The medicine produced from these could be base for herbal medicine practice in the country. A research by NADPA (Nepal Ayurvedic Drugs Producers Associations) shows that with these industries, Farwest can supply around 11-16% of herbal medicine needs of Nepal along with possible remarkable share in Nepalese herbal export. Another scope for Farwest for being the base of future federal Nepalese economy is its tourism. Conventional site seeing, mountaineering expedition, home stay, trekking through new routes, river rafting, adventure sports, wildlife and vegetation observation etc. are possible tourism scope in this region. These opportunities are the future base to lengthen the stay duration of tourists in Nepal which is only 12-15 days at this time. This can work as catalyst to increase the national tourism revenue as the longer the tourist stay, higher will be their expenditure.

         Farwest is enriched with mineral mines like mica, copper, coal and petroleum. Nepal has to be dependent on India for petroleum products. The utilization of petroleum resource found in Kailali and Kanchanpur could be base for solving petroleum scarcity problems seen in recent days. The literacy rate of the region is rising as per population census conducted at different times. The literacy rate of the region has already gone to around 50% which shows high level of learning in the region. The literate people more active in economic activities at rural, urban and foreign employment. This has contributed in making the economically active population more conscious on learning skills and being competent. The declining child mortality rate, reducing maternal mortality rate, satisfactory immunization programmes etc. are good signs for improving health status of the residents here. High flow of remittance from foreign employment has improved the living standard of urban, semi-urban and rural communities of the region. This means the populations here are becoming financially strong for making high and heavy expenses. This has opened new gates for national and multi-national companies for their quality products. This is base for new small to large entrepreneurial activities. Along with this, its linkage with both Indian and Chinese borders is the scope for easy bilateral and third country trade with both the countries. Farwest has the opportunity of grabbing its geographical position being bridge between Indian and Chinese trade in its favour in form of tax and non-tax benefits. The Indian roadways and railway expansions will surely fasten the accessibility of the region to key Indian cities like New Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur and Deheradun. This is the base for faster trade, tourism and pilgrimages between the countries.

          The above discussed economic potentials and perspectives of this region has been based on various statistical and judgmental evidences. There is nothing new in saying it as a pearl of potential as it has been said so far like this many times. What need to be understood is that it has huge role to play in future federal Nepalese economy in different aspects. All these precious potentials should be linked with national economic planning and policy making. Only this will help in attaining the recent objective of National Planning Commission to reduce the current poverty level of 24% down to below 5% and national GDP of double digit growth by the end of 2030. The best answer to the question of who to make effort for achieving this goal is private sector, the government itself and integration of public-private role where required in economic phenomenon. As mentioned earlier, Farwest is the key component of future industrialization, tourism, employment, agriculture, wildlife, vegetation, mines, supplier of vital natural resources, labor force and capital. This is enough to claim it to be the forefront pillar of future Nepalese economy. That's why, it should not neglected and farsighted at planning level, strategy formulation level for economic welfare, economic policy making level, public and private business commencement and expansion and government budgetary allocation. By these deeds only this wonderful base for future Nepalese economy could be the backbone of the national economy of the country. If this is not done, this amazing fertile base of future federal Nepalese economy is sure to be idle and possible skyscraper of economic growth, development and prosperity along with higher GDP of Nepal is not accomplishable at rapid pace letting the nation to be still behind in global economic horizon.

Government Plans to Limit Aid Money for Medical Assistance

The current government has planned to put ceiling on medical assistance amount. The government has been providing to the VIPs, those who have made special contributions to the country, for their treatment in expensive hospitals of foreign lands. Ministry of health has planned to limit the aid just up to 1.5 million.

The proposal for the ceiling on medical assistance amount has been made in the second amendment of the Citizens Relief Compensation and Economic Assistance Procedure by Ministry of Health in which the government has planned to provide just up to 1.5 million to each individual. Earlier, there was no limitations of aid money for the treatment which may be the result of their own reckless habits and unhealthy behaviors. In the same proposal for the amendment, the Ministry of Health has planned to provide up to 5 lakh to those who have contributed significantly in the field of art, literature, music, public administration and similar domain by analyzing the nature of their problems and diseases.

The proposal, ceiling on medical assistance amount, is highly appreciable, if it is implemented properly. The statement of Gagan Kumar Thapa, health minister, regarding the proposal for amendment gives a good symbol. It shows more a less the misuse of public property on the name of treatment of VIPs will be stopped. More to add, this proposal will control the culture of fleeing to the expensive hospitals of foreign countries for the treatment of minor ups and downs in the health of VIPs, especially the politicians of our nation.

In a nutshell, providing funds haphazardly in the name of treatment was absolutely wrong. Instead of providing public property for the treatment of one individual, the government should focus on the development of health institutions and their infrastructures. The treatment expenses of one VIP in a foreign land can cover the health security of a number of common people in our nation. So, the proposal of Ministry of Health to limit the aid money for the treatment of VIPs is highly appreciable. Now, the government should continue such a changeable task in the coming days as well. 

Bishownath Acharya
Kathmandu