Nepal

Summary:
Nepalese gardeners in Reading, UK, have demonstrated that homemade compost made from kitchen and garden waste outperforms shop-bought compost in growing mustard plants. A study by the University of Reading found that mustard plants grown in community-made compost showed better growth, larger leaves and flowers, and stronger roots. Nutrient analysis revealed higher micronutrient levels in the homemade compost, enriching the soil more effectively. The project, involving the Integrated Research Development Centre (IRDC) and the Nepalese community, also helped members learn to produce two types of compost. This research supports sustainable, affordable gardening practices within the community.

Archive: https://archive.md/EW38C

Electricity Authority Executive Director Says Load Shedding Has Not Started in Chitwan

Summary:
Hitendra Dev Shakya, the Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), stated that the claims about load shedding starting in Chitwan are not true. He explained that power supply was temporarily stopped for maintenance work, specifically to upgrade the substation in Chitwan by replacing old conductors that could no longer handle the load.

Due to the old conductors' inability to support increased electricity demand, especially during the hot season and irrigation period when load increases significantly, there were power outages which some misinterpreted as load shedding.

The Chanauli distribution center had issued a 6-hour load shedding schedule due to the overloaded 33 kV conductor from Bharatpur substation, which cannot handle more than 300 amperes, but currently faces demand up to 450 amperes. This has led to the necessity of load shedding in certain feeder lines supplying Narayani-Madi, Meghauli-Vijaynagar-Shukrungar, and Jagatpur-Rampur areas.

To solve this issue, a new 33 kV transmission line from Baseni substation is under construction to increase capacity.

Additionally, Shakya mentioned that the administrative review committee's deadline for resolving the dispute over payments for dedicated and trunk lines has been extended by 35 days. If payments are not cleared, power lines may be cut off.

Archive: https://archive.md/MAbKV

Summary:
A Cathay Pacific Airbus A330 was grounded at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu, for nearly two weeks after its left engine malfunctioned unexpectedly during takeoff preparations on July 11, 2025. The 12-ton engine was removed and replaced outdoors in front of Nepal Airlines’ maintenance hangar due to the lack of adequate hangar infrastructure at TIA.

Cathay Pacific flew a spare engine to Kathmandu using a Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft, as the airport cannot accommodate larger 747-800 cargo jets due to limited parking space. The grounded aircraft occupied valuable apron space, causing congestion and delays. Despite airport requests to move the plane to remote parking, Cathay Pacific preferred to pay fees to keep it at the main apron.

The incident highlights TIA’s outdated facilities, especially the absence of an international-standard hangar for large aircraft maintenance and overhaul. Nepal lacks essential parts and tools for wide-body aircraft servicing, forcing airlines to rely on external support during technical emergencies. This event echoes similar challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic with other grounded aircraft.

Archive: https://archive.md/XFMWL

Stolen Five Hundred-Year-Old Thangka from Mahavihar and Smuggled to America Returned to Nepal

Summary:
Three ancient artifacts, including a 575-year-old Thangka painting, stolen from the Itumbahal Thangka Mahavihar in Nepal in 1980 and smuggled to the USA, have been returned to Nepal. The artifacts were handed over by the National Museum to the Thangka Mahavihar Preservation Society in Itumbahal for restoration. The three pieces include:

• A 575-year-old Thangka depicting Gagansingh Bharoya and his wife
• A 300-year-old Chintamani Lokeshwar Thangka
• A 321-year-old Thangka featuring Keshchandra with Bhairav

These artworks were stolen on September 14, 1980 (Bhadra 29, 2037 BS) and later traced to Chicago. With coordination between Nepalese authorities and the Newah Guthi in the USA, they were repatriated and kept at the National Museum before being handed over for preservation.

The return ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister Prakash Man Singh along with museum officials and society representatives. The Thangka paintings were traditionally displayed annually during the Gula festival for fifteen days until they were stolen. Their recovery marks the end of a two-decade effort to bring these cultural treasures back to Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/ks3lo

Risk of Food Crisis Due to Drought in Madhes, Nepal, Only about 51% of the planned rice cultivation

Summary: Current Situation:

• Only about 51% of the planned rice cultivation (ropai) has been completed in Madhes province due to insufficient rainfall.
• The planting season should be ending but significant areas remain unplanted.

Key Statistics:

• Out of 372,000 hectares meant for rice cultivation, only 192,000 hectares have been planted.

• District-wise planting percentages: - Sarlahi: 56%

• Mahottari: 35%

• Siraha: 38%

• Dhanusha: 35%

• Saptari: 37%

• Baraa and Parsa districts have better progress with 80% and 81% planting, respectively.

Problems Identified:

• Lack of irrigation facilities; farmers depend on rainwater.
• Even in planted fields, rice seedlings are drying up due to inadequate water.
• Poor maintenance of canals and limited operation of boreholes and tubewells due to power supply issues.
• Late planting and water scarcity likely to cause a significant drop in rice production.

Implications:

• Last year (FY 2081/82), Madhes produced about 1.5 million metric tons of rice. This year, production is expected to fall substantially.
• Food crisis risk is rising, specially among small and marginalized farmers.
• Agricultural officials warn that the shortage could lead to food scarcity in the Terai region.

Government Response:

• Madhes has been declared a drought-affected area.
• A government team led by Irrigation Ministry officials has conducted on-site assessments and is preparing recommendations.
• Prime Minister announced installation of 500 boreholes to mitigate water shortage.
• Authorities aim to provide irrigation within the next 15-20 days but face challenges due to power and infrastructure limitations.

Recommendations:

• Consider alternative crops if irrigation and rain do not improve by mid-August.
• Improve electric supply for better operation of boreholes and tubewells.
• Focus on maintenance of existing irrigation infrastructure.

Additional Impact:

• Besides irrigation, potable water scarcity is worsening as rivers, wells, and hand pumps dry up.

This situation poses a significant threat to food security in Madhes due to ongoing drought and insufficient irrigation infrastructure. Immediate government action and alternative farming strategies are necessary to mitigate the crisis.

Archive: https://archive.md/i9qJr

Summary:
Former Maoist child soldiers in Nepal are seeking justice for years of neglect by successive governments. They have filed a petition in the Supreme Court demanding prosecution of top Maoist leaders, including former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Baburam Bhattarai, for using minors in armed conflict during the decade-long insurgency. Despite initial resistance from the court and slow judicial proceedings, the case is moving forward. Legal experts classify the use of child soldiers as a war crime under international law, but existing national laws fall short of explicitly addressing reparations for minors. The government has provided some compensation to former combatants but little to those disqualified as minors. Former child soldiers have also appealed to international bodies such as the UN for justice.

Key Points:

• Petition Filed: Nine former child soldiers led by Lenin Bista filed a Supreme Court petition in 2023 demanding prosecution of Maoist leaders Dahal and Bhattarai.
• Legal Challenges: Petition registration was initially denied due to jurisdiction issues but later accepted; final hearing held in July 2023 after delays.
• International Law Violation: Use of minors in armed conflict is considered a war crime; thousands of verified child soldiers were recruited during the Maoist insurgency.
• Government Response: Some financial support was given to combatants choosing voluntary retirement; minors disqualified from integration received minimal aid.
• Calls for Justice: Former child soldiers and advocates seek accountability and compensation, citing failure of past transitional justice efforts.
• UN Involvement: Petition was also submitted to the UN Human Rights Office demanding prioritization of justice for former child soldiers.

The case reflects ongoing struggles over transitional justice in Nepal's post-conflict period and highlights gaps in addressing the rights and rehabilitation of child combatants.

Archive: https://archive.md/S7v3Z

Summary:

• Cyber slavery is a growing forced labor issue in Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
• Victims, often young people from Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Philippines with basic English and digital skills, are lured by fake job offers in tech or customer service, promising high salaries abroad.
• Instead, they are trafficked into scam centers where they work long hours under armed guard, forced to run online scams such as crypto romance frauds and investment scams targeting global victims.
• Conditions are brutal: victims face torture, physical abuse, amputation, and psychological trauma. Escape is rare and difficult due to militarized compounds in remote, lawless border areas with corrupt officials and armed groups.
• Cyber slavery fuels a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise, severely impacting regional economies (up to 40% of GDP in some countries).
• Law enforcement struggles due to jurisdictional challenges, use of foreign servers, and the technical consent of workers under duress.
• Survivors often become advocates for others trapped in these cyber slavery rings after rescue.

Archive: https://archive.is/vgTa6

Summary:

• New Minimum Wage: The government of Nepal has increased the minimum monthly wage from Rs 17,300 to Rs 19,550.
• Effective Date: The new wage came into effect from Shravan 1, 2082 BS (mid-July 2025).
• Tripartite Agreement: This decision was made after an agreement between the government, employers, and trade unions during a meeting at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security.

Revised Minimum Wages:-

• Basic Salary: Rs 19,550/month
• Daily Wage: Rs 754
• Hourly Wage: Rs 101

Additional Cost: Employers must also contribute 20% to the Social Security Fund, increasing total monthly cost to Rs 21,984.

Legal Basis: The change follows provisions in the Labour Act 2074, which requires revision of minimum wages every two years based on recommendations.

Impact:- For Employers: Need to update payroll and HR policies, adjust budgets, and comply with the law to avoid penalties.

For Employees: Provides better financial support amid rising living costs, improves job security and life quality.

The article concludes that this wage adjustment is a significant step toward fairer pay in Nepal and calls for smooth adaptation by companies to comply with the law.

Archive: https://archive.md/nhqkM

Summary:
A 25-year-old Indian pilgrim, Pankaj Kumar Bhagat from Sitamarhi district, Bihar, was hacked to death during a dispute among pilgrims at Madhuganga Mahadev temple in Sindhuli, Nepal. The police suspect the attackers are also Indian nationals and are searching for them. Another unidentified man, aged 50-55, was found dead near the temple. Weapons were recovered from the scene.

Archive: https://archive.md/cmNVb

Summary:

• Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) Chair Dr. Khagendra Raj Dhakal recommended adopting key elements of Thailand's "30 Baht Scheme" to help Nepal advance Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
• The recommendation was made during a meeting with Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, in Bangkok on June 26, 2025.
• Thailand's 30 Baht Scheme, started in 2001, initially charged a nominal fee for healthcare but later became fully tax-funded and now covers nearly 75% of Thailand’s population through the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS). Together with other schemes, coverage exceeds 99%.
• The Thai model offers affordable services including outpatient, inpatient care, maternal health, diagnostics, and chronic disease management, mostly through public facilities.
• Dr. Dhakal suggested Nepal unify its UHC framework, digitize National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) enrollment, link health promotion funding to sin taxes (taxes on tobacco, alcohol), and pilot reforms in provinces with good digital infrastructure.
• Minister Paudel welcomed these ideas and expressed interest in working with NPI on health financing, digital integration, and policy innovation.
• The government is committed to expanding health coverage and reforming NHIP to better serve informal sector workers and low-income groups.
• The meeting also included other officials from Nepal’s delegation in Bangkok.

In short, Nepal is considering adapting Thailand’s successful low-cost, tax-funded health coverage model to improve its own national health insurance and universal health coverage system.

Archive: https://archive.md/Ue20M

Summary:
Two women-led courts in Nepal—the Hetauda Bench High Court and Makawanpur District Court—have shown outstanding judicial performance over the past two years, with high case clearance rates and improved service delivery.

Hetauda Bench High Court:

• Jurisdiction over Chitwan and Makawanpur districts
• Led by five female judges out of seven sanctioned posts
• In fiscal year 2024/25, cleared 1,247 out of 1,727 cases (72% clearance)
• No pending cases older than two years

Makawanpur District Court:

• Entirely run by four female judges
• In fiscal year 2024/25, resolved 2,868 out of 4,150 cases (69.11% clearance)
• Only two cases older than two years pending (down from 22 the previous year)

Judges emphasize that gender does not affect their ability to deliver justice impartially. The courts also have a significant number of women in administrative roles, contributing to efficient functioning. Legal experts praise the women judges for their leadership and positive impact, especially in sensitive cases. This success highlights women's capability in judicial leadership and effective justice delivery in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/LXhRq

Summary:
In Pokhara, Nepal, ornithologist Hemanta Dhakal keeps a daily rooftop watch near the new Pokhara International Airport to monitor vultures and prevent bird strikes with airplanes. Pokhara is home to nine vulture species, including critically endangered ones, whose flight paths cross near the airport’s runway. The airport, opened in late 2022, is close to prime vulture habitats and an old landfill site, attracting large birds and increasing collision risks.

A study led by Dhakal found significant risks of bird-aircraft collisions involving several vulture species. One incident in January 2023 involved a plane striking a steppe eagle, killing the bird. Despite initial reluctance from airport authorities, Dhakal trained staff in bird identification and management, helping reduce bird activity near the runway through methods like air gun harassment.

Challenges remain, including waste management issues and thermal currents that attract vultures during colder months. Dhakal advocates for better data collection, improved waste management, and use of drones or trained raptors to scare birds away. He warns unplanned infrastructure threatens decades of vulture conservation progress in Nepal, which saw population recoveries after banning the harmful drug diclofenac.

Dhakal continues his vigil, sharing findings with conservation networks and officials to push for actions that protect both vultures and aviation safety.

Archive: https://archive.md/zJ4Ns

Summary:
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a show cause notice to KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, following the suicides of two Nepalese students on campus between February 16 and May 1, 2025. The notice highlights serious concerns regarding the university's mental health support system, safety protocols, and administrative response. The UGC's Fact-Finding Committee report pointed out critical lapses that contributed to these tragic events. KIIT has been asked to respond within a week. Failure to comply may result in public warnings, restrictions on new courses, programs, or campus expansions for up to three years, and a recommended inquiry committee formation.

Archive: https://archive.md/ZxEtx

Summary:
The Max Foundation has partnered with B P Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Nepal to expand breast cancer care access. Since the program's launch in 2021, patients have received timely treatment, improving outcomes and hope. The collaboration, supported by dedicated physicians like Dr. Guru Sharan Sah, aims to transform lives by providing better breast cancer treatment in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/qGCeF

Summary:
On July 21, 2025, Cambodian authorities in Siem Reap cracked down on an online scam operation, arresting 13 Nepali nationals (including 4 women) at a rented villa in Khnar village. The raid led to the confiscation of computers, laptops, phones, and other evidence. The suspects and evidence were taken to the Siem Reap Provincial Police for legal action. This action is part of Cambodia's ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and online scams.

Key Points:

• 13 Nepali nationals arrested in Siem Reap for suspected online scam activities.
• The operation took place on July 21, 2025, at a rented villa in Khnar village.
• Police seized 16 desktop computers, 2 laptops, multiple mobile phones, and other evidence.
• Suspects and evidence transferred to Siem Reap Provincial Police for legal proceedings.
• Authorities emphasize strict legal measures against cybercrime networks.

Archive: https://archive.md/Sq18v

Questions to the Health Minister about Irregularities in Medical Equipment Procurement: Is the Tender News Published a Coincidence or Collusion?

Summary:

• According to Nepali law, tender proposals remain confidential until the official opening date, making it suspicious if specific suppliers always win tenders.
• Since mid-2081 BS (around 2024 AD), multiple investigations by the media outlet "UkeRa" exposed irregularities and collusion in the procurement of medical equipment and supplies across various health institutions.
• Despite initial cancellations of some tenders after media reports, most tenders ended up being awarded to the same suppliers alleged to be involved in collusion.
• At a press conference, journalists questioned Health Minister Pradeep Paudel about these irregularities, implying either foresight (like astrology) or deliberate rigging.
• The minister appeared uncomfortable and avoided direct answers, citing legal constraints but failing to specify which laws prevent investigation or action.
• He claimed that 35% of the health budget remained unspent due to procurement delays and suggested changing procurement laws to address issues, but gave no concrete plans or timelines.
• Multiple examples were cited where tenders were either rigged with technical specifications favoring certain companies or cancelled only after media exposure.
• Hospitals like Narayani and Gajendra Narayan Singh showed clear patterns of awarding contracts to pre-determined suppliers, despite public allegations.
• The minister denied personal responsibility and blamed legal frameworks, while media reports consistently confirmed procurement collusion.
• The article criticizes the lack of accountability and calls for transparent investigations and reforms in procurement processes to prevent misuse of state resources.

In short, the article exposes widespread collusion in health equipment procurement in Nepal, questions the minister’s handling of the issue, and highlights the need for stronger oversight and legal reforms.

Archive: https://archive.md/tajhy

Hospitals that were closed for illegal and substandard facilities in Madesh have started reopening ‘In Settings’ as in corruption with the officials

Summary:
Several private hospitals in Nepal’s Madhes province that were closed during a government campaign to shut down health facilities operating without proper standards or licenses have started reopening. The Madhes provincial government had launched a strict inspection and closure drive called the “Operation Hospital” campaign to crack down on illegal and substandard hospitals. Over 130 such hospitals were found operating without proper registration or failing to meet health regulations and were ordered closed.

However, after the campaign ended, many of these hospitals resumed operations. Some reopened with local government permissions, while others allegedly reopened through unofficial arrangements or bribes. Hospital operators claim they paid intermediaries to get reopening approvals despite still lacking proper standards, raising concerns about corruption and negligence.

The provincial health minister confirmed that only a few hospitals that completed legal paperwork were officially allowed to reopen, but many more are operating without proper oversight. Officials monitoring the situation accuse local governments of forcing hospitals to reopen, undermining the provincial government's efforts. This situation highlights ongoing challenges in regulating private health facilities and ensuring public health safety in the region.

Archive: https://archive.md/0ihvA

Summary:
At least six major highways in Nepal are fully blocked due to floods and landslides caused by heavy rain. The blocked highways include:

• Koshi Highway (Sankhuwasabha)
• Mechi Highway (Tamor Corridor, Panchthar)
• Kaligandaki Corridor (Nawalparasi East)
• Sahid Highway (Rolpa)
• Jajarkot-Dolpa section of Bheri Corridor (Rukum West)

Some roads allow one-way traffic, including Tokha-Nuwakot road, parts of the Kaligandaki Corridor, Mid-Hill Highway (Galkot), and Sahid Highway (Rolpa).

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has advised people to avoid long-distance travel unless necessary due to ongoing monsoon risks. The Meteorological Forecasting Division predicts light to heavy rainfall in various provinces, with some hilly and mountainous areas expecting rain and snowfall.

Rescue efforts are underway amid continued disruptions.

Archive: https://archive.md/QLQBI

Summary:

• In the fiscal year 2024-25, Nepal recorded 18,926 cybercrime cases, averaging 52 cases daily. This is slightly lower than the previous year's 19,730 cases.
• The decrease does not necessarily mean improvement; it may reflect underreporting and decentralization of case management to district police offices.
• Cyber fraud is the most common crime, with 7,723 cases (40.82% of total), an 87.82% increase from the previous year.
• Other cybercrimes include hacking (3,503 cases), fake impersonation accounts (3,067), bullying/harassment (1,801), criminal defamation (1,026), hate speech (495), sexting (437), sextortion (84), sexual assault (8), threats, image morphing, and cases involving minors.
• Facebook Messenger led in cybercrime platforms with 9,829 incidents, followed by TikTok, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram.
• Telegram-related cases mostly involved online fraud but posed investigation challenges due to limited data access.
• Men are the majority of victims overall, mainly targeted in financial scams, while women face more harassment, bullying, sextortion, and threats.
• Cyber-dependent crimes such as unauthorized server access and malware attacks increased and are harder to investigate due to technical and international cooperation challenges.
• Nepal's current cybercrime law (Electronic Transaction Act 2008) is outdated and lacks clear definitions covering modern cybercrimes.
• The Cyber Bureau highlights the need for updated laws, better resources, technical expertise, infrastructure, and international cooperation to effectively combat cybercrime in Nepal.

Archive: https://archive.md/OfjIl

Caste-based discrimination in Nepal creates inequality from knowledge production to justice

Summary:
In Nepal, there is discrimination in knowledge production and justice delivery that favors dominant groups. Although the constitution guarantees the rights of marginalized communities like Dalits, implementation is weak. Laws protecting Dalit rights exist, but judicial punishments are minimal, and discretion often benefits the dominant classes. Victims are required to gather evidence themselves, which increases their vulnerability. Discrimination based on caste and gender is also present in education and knowledge production. Although bonded labor has been abolished legally, there is no proper rehabilitation or support system for those freed, causing ongoing problems. Human rights are seen as rights against the state, which must be held accountable, but this accountability is lacking.

In short, social and caste-based discrimination in Nepal creates inequality from knowledge production to justice, and there is a pressing need for better enforcement and reforms.

Archive: https://archive.md/TqemD

Summary:
Manaslu region in northern Gorkha saw a record 12,512 foreign tourist arrivals in the fiscal year 2024-25, up from 9,783 in 2023-24, according to the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). This sharp rise follows recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourists from France and Germany led the numbers, with 1,407 French and 1,130 German visitors. Other frequent visitors came from the Netherlands, Israel, Australia, Spain, Canada, Poland, and Italy. Peak trekking seasons are March-May and September-November. Improvements in trekking trails, especially in the Chaurikharka section of Chum Valley, and installation of 35 signposts and 16 trail markers have made travel safer and easier. Further upgrades are planned for Chum and Nubri valleys.

Archive: https://archive.md/X3QKu

Summary:

• One-way traffic for light vehicles has resumed on the Syaphrubesi–Rasuwagadhi road after being disrupted for 13 days due to severe flooding of the Bhotekoshi River on July 8.
• The flood washed away about one kilometer of road, cutting off a 16-kilometer stretch and halting access between Timure and Rasuwagadhi, affecting emergency transport and food supplies.
• Road authorities initially targeted reopening by July 19 but faced delays due to complications near the Lingling landslide area.
• Temporary tracks were built and rock drilling was done to create new paths, allowing light vehicles to pass.
• Heavy vehicles are still barred as repairs continue; studies are ongoing to allow freight transport in the second phase.
• The flood also destroyed the Miteri Bridge linking Nepal and China. China has expressed willingness to construct a temporary Bailey bridge within two months, and permanent bridge work is expected to start soon.
• The road section was part of a Chinese grant project started in 2019 but slowed by COVID-19.
• Local residents welcomed the reopening as essential deliveries resumed, preventing a crisis.
• Cross-border trade remains suspended due to the damage at Rasuwagadhi customs and other flood impacts on nearby roads.
• The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is coordinating with China to expedite reconstruction before the upcoming Dashain festival.

Archive: https://archive.md/7B27s

Summary:
Nepal has banned the messaging app Telegram due to concerns over rising online fraud and money laundering. The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) ordered internet service providers to immediately block access to Telegram, citing its misuse for criminal activities. Telegram, known for its privacy features, has been criticized for enabling illegal activities. This ban follows a similar move against TikTok in 2023, which was later lifted after the company agreed to comply with government regulations. Experts argue that such bans are difficult to enforce as users often use VPNs to bypass restrictions and suggest stronger regulatory measures instead of blanket bans.

Archive: https://archive.md/qogJ7

To reach the highest point on our planet is at once a measure of our ambition and achievement, and at the same time, of our frailties and vanity.

More than 100 years on from the tragic events of the 1924 Mount Everest Expedition, Julie Summers, the great niece of Sandy Irvine, and mountaineer and narrator Matt Sharman seek insights into the 1920s Everest expeditions in interviews with many well-know climbers, including Sir Chris Bonington, Rebecca Stephens, Krish Thapa, Dr. Melanie Windridge, Stephen Venables, Dawson Stelfox and Leo Houlding.

Along with extensive historical footage, photographs and documents, as well as interviews with Everest scholars and mountaineers the pair don't just re-tell the story of the three Everest expeditions of the 1920s, but re-examine them, asking what the mountain means for climbers and the people of Nepal 100 years on from the infamous disappearance of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine.

'Everest Revisited' is an Alpine Club production, produced with support from the Mount Everest Foundation. It was directed by John Porter and Dom Bush.

It stars Sir Chris Bonington, Leo Houlding, Rebecca Stephens, Jonathan Westaway, Stephen Venables, Melanie Windridge, Krish Thapa, Ed Douglas, Dawson Stelfox, Noel Odell, Julie Summers and Matt Sharman.

The film won the Jury Special Mention Award at the 2024 Krakow Mountain Festival and was runner-up for the Audience Choice Award at the 2024 London Mountain Film Festival.

Summary:
Nepal is currently battling two extreme weather problems simultaneously:

Dry Spell in Tarai:

• The southern Tarai region is experiencing a prolonged dry spell during mid-monsoon, severely affecting farmers.
• Hundreds of farmers can’t plant paddy due to lack of rainfall and irrigation issues.
• Irrigation canals like the Narayani system are clogged with river sediments and need urgent clearing.
• Local authorities struggle with stolen equipment and inadequate infrastructure.
• The drought has forced the Madhesh provincial government to declare the entire province drought-hit and supply drinking water by tanker trucks.
• This situation threatens food production and the region’s economy.

Floods and Landslides in Mountains and Hills:

• Mountainous regions are facing erratic weather with sudden floods and landslides, causing deaths and injuries.
• Glacial lake outbursts have triggered floods, notably the Bhotekoshi flood from a supraglacial lake previously unnoticed in Tibet.
• The unpredictable river rises and floods catch locals off guard.
• Infrastructure damage worth billions of rupees reported due to floods and landslides.

Broader Climate Context

• Nepal is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, facing increasing extreme weather events like glacial lake outbursts, droughts, and abnormal temperature rises.
• The country’s temperature is rising faster than the global average, with maximum temperatures increasing by 0.05°C per year.
• Despite these challenges, Nepal lacks adequate infrastructure and coordinated systems to handle such climate crises effectively.

Calls for Action

Experts stress that Nepal must develop better coordinated government responses and infrastructure to tackle climate challenges. The current situation, especially in Tarai, is an emergency affecting food security and livelihoods.

Archive: https://archive.md/PqSwh