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THE NEPAL
HIMALAYA NOTES
2012
GOVINDA LAMICHHANE
DEEPA SHRESTHA
BIRAJ SHRESTHA
MEDINI PRAJAPATI
NARESH KUSI
SHRIJANA VAIDYA
BISHOK DANGOL
ANJU RANA
PUNAM SHRESTHA
SUDEEP GHIMIRE
ANUJ PRADHAN
RAJU JATI
GYANU MASKEY
EDITORIAL TEAM
BHUMIKA BASUKALA
NIMA LAMA
BIJAYA MISHRA
NIRAJ R THAPA
PRASHIDHA YONZON
PRERANA MISHRA
DIVYA DHAKAL
NANDANI P GHIMIRE
BHUWAN WAIBA
BARSA PARAJULI
KANCHAN OJHA
SHARMILA KARMACHARYA
PRAMILA PAUDYAL

Table of Contents
AGRICULTURE ..................................................................................................... 1
WILDLIFE ............................................................................................................. 6
DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................. 15
FOREST ............................................................................................................. 20
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE ........................................................ 28
WATER .............................................................................................................. 35
HEALTH AND POPULATION ............................................................................... 37
Headlines Himalaya 2012

AGRICULTURE
FOODGRAIN PRODUCTION FALL SHORT
Production of rice, wheat, maize, millet and barley has decreased to 7.76 million MT compared to 8.11
million MT last year. Rice production has decreased to 4.02 million MT compared to 4.52 million MT
last year. Cultivation area shrank by one percent with irregular monsoon and insufficient irrigation
adding to the woes. According to Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative (MoAC) Nepal is
experiencing food shortage of 316,465 MT this year. REF#190
FERTILE LAND FACES WATER SHORTAGE
Due to lack of irrigation facilities, about 1,000 ha of fertile land remain fallow in Bidur Municipality of
Nuwakot District, central Nepal. Neither locals nor the authorities are bothered about making
necessary arrangements of irrigation. REF#191
AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION GOES UP IN WESTERN NEPAL
With high quality seeds and modern technology in place, commercial farming is booming. As a result,
it has been creating income opportunities for farmers in Western Nepal. Apart from traditional
farming, they are also taking up alternative farming such as vegetable and herbs as their newfound
economic liberator. Farming of oil based perfume flowers Chamomile and Mentha is also widely
practiced. Over 5000 families have taken up commercial farming in Dang, Surkhet and Bardia districts.
REF#192
AGRO ECONOMIC SURVEY IN THREE ECOLOGICAL REGIONS
There has been no significant decrease in Land holding per household with increase in population,
according to the agro economic survey conducted after 27 years in Marpha of Mustang (Mountan),
Aapchaur of Gulmi (Hill) and Bishnupura of Rupandehi (Tarai) districts. Agriculture dependent
communities in Marpha and Aapchaur have decreased by 11% and 35% respectively due to migration
and overseas employment in contrast to 50% increase in Bishnupura. Economically, agriculture
supports 25% of the farmers (for three months) in Aapchaur and 75% of the farmers (for one year) in
Bishnupura. Apple produce accounts for 71% of the total production in Marpha. REF#195
INCREASE IN APPLE AND POTATO PRODUTION
Potatoes worth NRS 130 million annually is being produced in Hemja of Kaski District, west Nepal.
Potato production is spread over 450 hectares of land and more than 500 farmers of the village are
engaged. Similarly, in Mustang District, west Nepal, more than 2000 farmers have taken up apple
farming as the district gets connected with the road network. Earlier, due to unavailability of road
many farmers saw their produce go wasted. REF#199
FOOD CRISIS IN RUKUM
Fourteen VDCs of Rukum District in west Nepal have been declared as insecure zones as it is reeling
under food crisis because of a decline in agriculture production. According to District Agriculture
Development Office, adverse weather condition has resulted 26 percent and 18 percent decrease in
maize and paddy production respectively. REF#200
1 Headlines Himalaya 2012

DROUGHT PUSHES DOWN TEA PRODUCTION
Earlier, farmers used to pluck tea buds by mid-March as bud nipped at this time of the year is
considered best but with less rain this winter buds are not mature enough and the plants are dying
out. Since three years, production of orthodox tea has been hit hard by drought in Ilam District. More
than 7,500 farmers have planted tea in over 16,400 hectares of land in Ilam, Panchthar, Jhapa,
Terhathum and Dhankuta Districts of east Nepal. REF#200
COFFEE PRODUCTION INCREASES IN WEST NEPAL
Coffee produced in about 1,752 hectares of land in 10 districts (Parbat, Baglung, Gulmi, Argakhanchi,
Syangja, Kaski, Tanahun, Lamjung, Gorkha and Myagdi) of west Nepal has contributed around 49
percent of the total coffee production in the country. Around 29,000 farmers are involved in coffee
farming. REF#202
ILAM TEA IN HIGH DEMAND
Over the past three years, tea entrepreneurs from European countries are buying organic tea from the
traders in Ilam District, east Nepal. After tea producers and estates laid emphasis on organic
production, the district has witnessed growing inflow of tea traders from abroad. REF#203
DISEASE TAKES TOLL ON TEA PRODUCTION
Outbreak of red spider mite disease in tea estates of Ilam District, east Nepal, is taking its toll on tea
production. Increase in temperature has further led to the spread of disease adding woe to the
orthodox tea growers. According to one of the farmer, they plucked 700 kg tea leaves last year but
now they could pluck only 22 kg of tea leaves. REF#209
PROTESTING FARMERS
According to Ministry of Agriculture Development, the country require 74,000 tons of paddy seeds for
its cultivation in around 1.5 million hectares of land but the nation is falling short of 7,000 tons of
paddy seeds every year. Meanwhile, farmers of five districts (Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha,
Ramechhap and Okhaldhunga) in central Nepal staged protests against the short supply of chemical
fertilizers in the market. It is estimated that these districts need 15,000 tons of urea and 1500 tons of
Diammonium Phosphat (DAP). REF#210
FOOD SCARCITY HITS WEST NEPAL
As low crop production plagues western hill districts, population suffering from food insecurity is
estimated to be around 0.49 million in the first quarter of this year. Five VDCs of Darchula District
have been classified as ‘highly food insecure’, 233 VDCs in 13 districts are ‘moderately food insecure’
and 235 VDCs in 17 districts as ‘food insecure’. While in Jumla District, women have launched
campaign for the conservation and promotion of locally produced crops. REF#212
FERTILIZER CRISIS AND IRRITATED FARMERS
As paddy season starts, short supply of fertilizer has put farmers in the lurch. The Ministry of
Agriculture and Development (MoAD) reported that due to unavailability of funds it will import only
5,000 tons of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) this year though it had planned to import 30,000 tons of
DAP. According to an estimate some 700,000 metric tons of fertilizer is needed. The irked farmers
have warned to take to the streets against the government move. REF#213
2 Headlines Himalaya 2012

TEA PRODUCTION DIPS BY MORE THAN HALF
Soaring temperatures, erratic rainfall and pest infestation has led to a significant reduction in tea
production in Ilam and Jhapa districts compared to previous year. Several tea estates (85 %) in the
districts witnessed more than 50 percent decline in production. In one of the instances, a tea estate
processed 15,000 kg of tea-leaves in a day, compared to 26,000 kg in previous years. To grapple with
pest infestation, farmers are demanding technical assistance from the government to get acquainted
with the pesticide usage. Many small tea growers are switching to paddy cultivation as tea production
continues to dwindle. REF#214
CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE CHANGING LIVES
An integrated approach to agriculture as a part of President Chure Conservation Program in several
VDCs of Surkhet District, west Nepal, has benefitted 14,000 households and has provided employment
to more than 35,000 people. Under this program, locals have constructed 40 check dams to store rain
water in order to irrigate their farm fields during water stricken months. REF#216
VILLAGERS GRAPPLING WITH WATER SHORTAGE
Due to lack of maintenance of a water supply pipeline, Ghartichhap VDC of Kavrepalanchowk District,
central Nepal, is reeling under acute water crisis. Farmers in Saptari District, central Nepal, are
worried as only 20 percent of the farmlands in the district have completed rice plantation but due to
long dry spells 80 percent of the land still remains uncultivated. With not much rainfall this monsoon,
water level in several irrigation canals in the district has decreased. REF#217
HEAVY RAIN INUNDATES FIELDS AND SCORES OF HOUSES
In west Nepal, floods inundated 25 houses in Beni of Myagdi District, 30 houses in Bagartol VDC of
Nawalparasi District and destroyed crops plantation in around 100 hectares of land at four VDCs in
Banke district. In Salme VDC of Nuwakot District, central Nepal, more than 25 hectares of agriculture
land has been inundated. Similarly, flood submerged around 20 acres of paddy fields in Kanchapur
VDC of Saptari District, east Nepal, after the collapse of an embankment of irrigation canal. REF#218
POOR MONSOON LIKELY TO CAST SHADOW IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR
According to Ministry of Agriculture, this year the country has witnessed paddy transplantation in
only 1.28 million hectares of land (84 percent) compared to 1.53 million hectares previous year-
primarily due to late monsoon and fertilizer shortage. Paddy transplantation in the hill and mountain
regions stood at 90 percent and 86 percent respectively whereas in Saptari, Mohattari, Siraha and
Dhanusha districts of terai region has been at 35 percent, 40 percent, 45 percent and 47 percent of the
land respectively. REF#218
FARMERS JOIN HANDS AGAINST PESTICIDE USE
Farmers in Panchkhal VDC of Kavrepalanchowk District, central Nepal, have committed not to use
pesticides and are turning into organic farming. Government’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
program is yet to be launched in Panchkhal. According past ICIMOD studies, few years ago farmers
here have resorted to excessive use of pesticides to increase their yield. REF#220
3 Headlines Himalaya 2012

LUCRATIVE HERB FARMING
More farmers in Prangbung VDC of Panchthar District, east Nepal, are turning into medicinal herb
farming as they are finding it lucrative. Switching from traditional farming (corn and potato) to herb
farming has changed their living standard says one of the farmer. Every year the village alone exports
medicinal herbs worth more than NRS 20 million. REF#221
FLOODED ROAD LEAVES FARMERS IN DESPAIR
This year apple farmers and traders in Mustang District, west Nepal, will not be able to export about
4000 tons of apples produced in the district after a recent flood washed away a section of Beni-
Jomsom road. It is estimated that the loss will be to the tune of NRS 2.2 million. REF#222
SCIENTISTS HONORED FOR DEVELOPING RUST RESISTANT VARIETY OF WHEAT
A team of five Nepali agricultural scientists were honored with BGRI Gene Stewardship Award 2012.
The team has developed three Ug99 resistant wheat varieties which are double rust resistant and also
has a higher yield. REF#222
POOR INVESTMENT HINDERS AGRICULTURE GROWTH IN NEPAL
Nepal invests only NRS 2291 in a hectare of its agricultural land which is one of the lowest among the
South Asian countries. Low investment has weakened the food security situation in the country,
according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Add to it, there is no irrigation facility in two-thirds of arable
land, use of fertilizers is low, and there is a shortage of improved seeds. Last year, the government
allotted about 3.22 percent of its budget to agriculture sector. REF#224
COMMUNITY SEED BANK IS GETTING BETTER
This year alone the community seed bank in Dadeldhura District, west Nepal, has sold seed worth NRS
1 million to the farmers. Seed plantation is being carried out in around 300-500 hectares of land in the
district. The seed bank which was established four years ago has helped farmers to conserve the agrobiodiversity.
REF#224
SELF EMPLOYMENT LOAN SCHEME
The Agriculture Development Bank is providing loans to unemployed youths under the self
employment program in 25 districts. The bank will provide easy loan of maximum Rs. 80,000 per
person/group for vegetable farming, floriculture, rickshaw operation, among others. A fund of NRS 1
billion has been allocated to run the program in other 50 districts. REF#225
WHAT’S NEXT?
Crisis looms large for Nepali tea growers. Come 2013, India will only import tea leaves which uses
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method. However, tea leaves produced in Nepal do not follow
IPM method which promotes use of only non-hazardous pesticides and plucking of tea leaves only
after a certain period of use of chemicals. This measure is likely to hit Nepali tea growers which
exports two third of its production to India. REF#226
BETEL NUTS IMPORT JUMPS TO RS 110M
Nepal imported betel nuts worth staggering Rs 110 million through Kakadvitta of Jhapa in the last one
and half months. The import through the Mechi Customs Office for the whole of last year was Rs
151.4 million. The surge in the import comes amid increasing cases of betel nut smuggling to India
from Nepal. Recently, the police seized 73 sacks (3,700 kg) of betel nuts from Nakalbanda, Jhapa, that
4 Headlines Himalaya 2012

were being smuggled into India. The illegal export of betel nuts to India from Nepal has been in
practice for years. Traders import betel nuts from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand,
among others, and smuggle them to bordering Indian states. REF#227
BARREN LAND AND TOURISM PROMOTION IN MYAGDI
Cultivable land in Myagdi district, namely in the Takam, Devisthan, Histan Muna, Mudi and other
VDCs have remained barren for lack of manpower. As youth are lured for foreign employment, rural
farmlands have been covered with various kinds of weeds. There is the lack of agricultural workers in
time of planting and harvesting, and food import has been increasing. According to Agriculture
Development Office, 15 percent of the total 30,856 hectares of cultivable land is barren. While on the
other hand some enthusiastic youths of the area have geared up efforts for promoting tourism at
Todke in Myagdi. The locals of Todke area are working actively for the development of tourism
infrastructure with the development of a Master Plan. REF#229
YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE
At a time when farmers in other parts of the country are said to have given up agricultural saying the
government has failed to bring proper policies to promote modern system of farming, farmers in Dang
district have brought a modern livestock farm into operation. Fourteen youth entrepreneurs have
been involved in the livestock farm, which covers around 1285 hector of land at Fulbari VDC and
supports 60 employees. Besides livestock farming, the farm also produces various vegetables, fruits,
crop development, and herb plantation. REF#229
VEGETABLE FARMING TRANSFORMING LIVES
Vegetable farming has done wonders in many parts of the country. In Gurudham village of Siraha
district where most of the people led a hand-to-mouth existence a decade ago, villagers during the
season grow and export up to 50 tons of vegetables per week earning weekly revenue of NPR 500,000
to 700,000. REF#230
SAND EXTRACTION: PROBLEM TO FARMERS
Vegetable farmers in Kathmandu are deprived of irrigation due to the growing sand extraction from
the riverbed of the local Manohara stream. Farmers making a living from vegetable cultivation say
that lack of irrigation has also hit the output. A farmer said that now they are compelled to dig well in
their fields for irrigation purposes as the riverbed has deepened and it is difficult to channelize the
river water to the fields. The farmers are also facing the problem of increasing pollution in the
Manohara stream these days as they wash their vegetables in the stream before taking it for sale.
REF#230
WHEN DEMANDS ARE NOT FULFILLED
When farmers did not get enough fertilizer during Paddy Season, they hijacked five trucks carrying
chemical fertilizer belonging to the Agriculture Materials Corporation in Rajbiraj, Nepal. Similarly,
Marshyangdi-A hydro-power project, which was under construction is shut indefinitely by locals,
accusing that project was moving ahead without coordination and failed to carry out development
activities in affected area. REF#232
5 Headlines Himalaya 2012

CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS DECLINING CROP PRODUCTION
Soil experts in western Nepal say there are growing indications that rampant use of chemical
fertilizers has reduced crop production over the past few years. The chemical fertilizers which have
replaced cow and buffalo dung, accelerate the acidity level of the soil which in return affects the
growth of the crops. REF#233
FOOD CRISIS IN RUKUM
Eastern part of Rukum, west Nepal is facing food scarcity as production of maize decreased by 26.36
per cent this year. More than 150 residents have submitted an application to the District
Administration demanding immediate supply of 2,100 quintals of rice. REF#233
WILDLIFE
ELEPHANTS ON THE RAMPAGE
More than twelve tuskers that entered a village in Jhapa District, east Nepal, from India mauled three
persons to death and destroyed paddy fields. It has become an uphill battle for security personal to
gain control over the rampaging giants. REF#189
WRONG CLAIM OF NO RHINO POACHING IN 2011
According to Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation and WWF Nepal, no rhino was
poached in 2011. This report doesn’t look to have the ground, as 141 st issue of Headlines Himalaya
reported killing of Male rhino in Chitwan earlier in 2011. The department also claimed that this year
235 arrests were made against wildlife criminals and handing over of 141 guns to the park officials by
the communities near the park area. REF#189
FISHING USING ELECTRIC CURRENT AND TOXINS
Use of toxins and electric current is on the rise for fishing in the rivers of Jhapa and Morang districts,
east Nepal. A toxin, Theoden which is readily available in the local market, is used widely by the
fishermen. REF#190
NEW SPECIES OF MUSK DEER AND BIRDS
A new species of Musk deer has been recorded in Mustang District, west Nepal, as revealed by DNA
test. The other three Musk deer species found in Nepal are Moschus chrysogaster, Moschus
leucogaster and Moschus fuscus. Similarly, a new species of bird, Ashey Minivet, was sighted in
Prakashpur area of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, east Nepal. With this the number of bird species in
Nepal has gone up to 871. REF#190
TUSKER TERROR CONTINUES
Wild elephants have destroyed houses in Jhapa District, east Nepal. It has been an everyday story
about tuskers entering into the human settlements. Similarly, a herd of 10 elephants destroyed
houses nearby human settlements in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, east Nepal. In another incident,
human casualty has been reported from a tusker attack in Bardiya District, west Nepal. REF#191
6 Headlines Himalaya 2012

VILLAGERS OFFER PRAYERS TO STOP ELEPHANT RAMPAGE
As elephant menace continues in Bhadrapur of Jhapa District, east Nepal, locals are performing
religious rites and offering prayers to lord Ganesh to prevent incidents of elephant attack. In last one
month, six people have died and more than 12 people have been injured as a result of Human-
Elephant conflict in the area. REF#193
KILLING OF ANIMALS
In Bajura District, west Nepal, illegal killing of birds and animals has increased and they are sold in
local eateries by the poachers but the authorities have paid no heed to the situation. Similarly, over
the last year wildlife poaching has intensified in Khotang District, east Nepal, as more than four dozen
of porcupine and over 100 deer were reported to have been killed. REF#194
FOR THE LOVE OF BIRD
An initiative towards bird conservation by locals, a pond has been built in a community forest in
Tehrathum District, east Nepal, as the water sources is drying up. The forest, a model community
forest in the district, is home to 20 different species of residential and migratory birds. REF#195
POACHING INTENSIFIES IN ANNAPURNAS
Illegal trade of medicinal plants and poaching of wild animals have increased in Annapurna
Conservation Area in past few months. Increase in poaching is linked to the lack of conservation
awareness in locals and expansion of road network providing easy access for poachers. Meanwhile,
Police in Kathmandu has arrested four people in possession of tiger organs including four paws, six
bones and a moustache. REF#195
BLACKBUCKS POPULATION UP
As per the officials, blackbucks’ number has increased to 264 (154 females, 101 males and 9 infants).
This is the increase of 52 blackbucks in 10 months, which has been considered the highest in last two
decades. REF#196
NOW IT’S TIME FOR TORTOISE SMUGGLING
In a recent report, it has been revealed that tortoises captured from the wetlands of Nepal are being
smuggled to Khasa, a neighboring town in China. Interestingly, authorities in Nepal are focused on
curbing smuggling of red sandalwood, they have not come across any cases of tortoise smuggling so
far. Every week around 60 tortoises makes it way to the China border and each tortoise fetch up to
NRS 15,000 in the Chinese market. In another incident, four suspected traders were held in
Nawalparasi District, west Nepal, for possessing tiger skin. REF#197
FEMALE A STEP FORWARD
Bina Sunaha (18) from Kanchanpur district, Western Nepal has become first female mahout (elephant
handler) in Nepal through free competition with other male aspirants for the job. Now she has the
responsibility to take care of seven elephants including four female and two male and one baby
elephant. REF#198
7 Headlines Himalaya 2012

SMUGGLERS AND POACHERS
Seventeen timber smugglers were apprehended in Morang District, east Nepal, by the District Forest
Office. In news, two people were arrested for killing elephants using electricity in Bardia District, west
Nepal and two musk traders were nabbed by the security personal for possessing 14 grams of
musk pods. REF#199
KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE RESERVE
Shortage of tuskers has affected jungle safari causing a decline in the number of tourists. Only one out
of four elephants in the reserve is in a healthy state to ferry tourists around the area. Whereas,
according to the census study the number of wild buffalo has increased in the reserve. It listed 257
wild buffaloes in its recent study compared to 219 in 2009. REF#200
KILLING OF A RHINO
First rhino kill of this year has been reported from Chitwan National Park as the poachers gunned
down a female rhino. The rhino was found dead on the western side of the park. Park authorities
were able to recover its missing horn from different sites. No arrests have been made. REF#201
NO BORDER FENCE TO OBSTRUCT WILDLIFE MOVEMENT
Wildlife movements along Nepal-India border will be free and unrestricted as per the agreement
signed by high officials of both the country in Bharaich of India. As per the agreement, no fencing is
allowed along the wildlife corridor unless there is a dense human settlement. Earlier in March 2011,
India dug a trench in the biological corridors of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) to stop the loss caused
in Nepal by the Indian wildlife movement. REF#202
SMUGGLERS HELD
Six people along with three Chinese nationals were arrested with 6 kg of Yarshagumba in
Sindhupalchowk District, central Nepal, near China border. Smuggling of Yarshagumba to China using
this route is not new but this is the first instance where arrest has been made. Meanwhile, Police in
Kathmandu arrested two wildlife traders in possession of tiger’s claw, jackal skin and 150 pieces of
Yarshagumba. REF#204
TSUM VALLEY IS OFFICIALLY NOW A NO KILL ZONE
Chumchet and Chekampar VDCs situated in Tsum Valley have been officially declared a “Non Violence
Zone” where locals are not allowed to kill/sacrifice/hunt animals, harvest bee hive, set fires in forest
and transport of animals in the valley. Those failing to comply will have to light candles worth more
than NRS 20,000 and have to offer prayer for more than 1000 times in the monastery. After severe
drought hit the valley in 1920, over 90 years ago, locals have refrained from killing animals. REF#204
POACHERS JAILED FOR 15 YEARS
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has sentenced five poachers to 15 years of
imprisonment and slapped a fine of NRS 100,000 each. Two other accomplices have been fined NRS
80,000. Those convicted were arrested for the killings of endangered animals (Musk deer and Snow
leopard) and selling their body parts. REF#205
8 Headlines Himalaya 2012

DWINDLING POPULATION OF MALE WILD BUFFALO
According to a recent study, there are only 34 male wild buffaloes compared to 54 in 2004 in Koshi
Tappu Wildlife Reserve. But there has been an increase in overall wild buffalo population. Negligence
on the part of army personnel deployed in the area and Reserve authority has been blamed for the
dwindling population. REF#207
CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK: SOLAR FENCE AND ARMY BRUTALITY
A 35 km long solar powered fence along the buffer zone of Chitwan National park has helped locals in
preventing trespassing of animals into human settlements. This has eased off Human Wildlife conflict
in the area, giving relief to the locals. Meanwhile, a 45 year old woman who was rescued from the
army brutality by the villagers in Patihani VDC (Buffer zone) last week is under mental stress. A group
of three army personnel tried to assault her physically while she was in the nearby community forest
to collect fodder. Though locals have filed a complaint against the culprits but no legal action has been
into consideration. REF#207
INDIAN NATIONALS LINKED WITH RHINO POACHING
Following an arrest in Chitwan National Park, it is suspected that people across the border are getting
increasingly involved in Rhino poaching. During patrolling, the park authorities encountered a group
of four poachers; one got arrested while others managed to flee. All of them are said to be of Indian
origin. The arrested individual has committed suicide after describing physical features of his three
accomplices. REF#208
SMUGGLERS HELD WITH ANIMAL PARTS
A Saudi National who was preparing to board a plane bound for Doha, was arrested with a musk pod
from the airport in Kathmandu. In another incident police in Kathmandu Valley arrested two persons
for possession of 20 kg of dried seahorse. REF#209
BIRDS IN DECLINE
Black-bellied tern (Sterna acuticauda), Nepal’s residential water bird, is listed as endangered in the
IUCN Red List. With this, 36 bird bird species in Nepal are in the globally threatened list. Similarly,
Oriental white-backed vulture (Gyps bengalensis) around the East-West Highway across the Tarai is
declining. Recent study shows an annual decline of 14 percent in vulture population in Nepal (lower
than India and Pakistan). REF#210
FROM CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Three army personnel (ex-general, a captain and a retired army man) were arrested for hunting deer
in Chitwan National Park. This is the first time that the ex-general was caught red handed though he
was suspected for hunting in the national park in several occasions. Meanwhile, the first test flight of
drone (a battery run airborne instrument that sends pictures and videos) was successfully conducted
in Chitwan National Park. Once put into service, this technology will keep check on the activities of the
National Park. REF#210
ELEPHANT CALF KILLED, HERD ON A RAMPAGE
An elephant calf was hacked to death by the villagers in Bahundangi of Jhapa District, east Nepal. The
calf had entered the area in search of food from the bordering Indian forest. Following the killing of a
calf, a herd of 150 enraged elephants wrecked havoc in the village. REF#210
9 Headlines Himalaya 2012

50 KILOGRAMS OF PANGOLIN SCALES SEIZED
A person was arrested with 50 kg of pangolin scales in Sindhupalchowk District, east of Kathmandu,
along the Arniko highway close to the China border. The accused has admitted his involvement in
smuggling pangolin body parts to China for several times in the past. This is the first time that the
police have seized such a huge quantity of pangolin body parts being smuggled to China. REF#212
RED PANDA: CARNAGE AND CONSERVATION
In the past five months, 6 red pandas have fallen prey to hunters in Jajarkot District, west Nepal. In
absence of forest authority, poaching of wild animals for its flesh and skin is rampant in the area.
Meanwhile, the chief warden of Makalu Barun National Park in Sankhuwasabha District, east Nepal,
has expressed his discontent over spending millions of rupees meant for red panda conservation as it
was conducted prior to any scientific study. The conservation program supported by the Netherland
government has spent around NRS 3.75 million. REF#214
ELEPHANT HERD GIVES SLEEPLESS NIGHT TO VILLAGERS
More than 150 elephants that have entered from Indian side of the border are seeking refuge in the
forest of Bahundagi, Shantinagar, Mechinagar, Buddhabare in Jhapa District, east Nepal. Panicked
locals are spending sleepless night to safeguard their crops. The district administration of Jhapa has
sought help of army personnel to chase these giants away from settlement areas. REF#214
APINAMPA CONSERVATION AREA HAS 243 BIRDS’ SPECIES
A recently conducted survey recorded 243 birds’ species including some rare species in Apinampa
Conservation Area. Located in Darchula District, west Nepal, it was declared conservation area in
December 2009. REF#214
DISMAYED FARMERS
In the past three months, around 300 Himalayan goat have fallen prey to stray dogs and Jackals in
Chhoser VDC of Upper Mustang, west Nepal. Goat rearing is the major source of income for the
farmers but poisoning predators is not an option as it would have an adverse effect on snow leopards.
REF#215
PRAISE AND CRITICISMS FOR COMBATING WILDLIFE TRADE
According to WWF, the Wildlife Crime Scorecard, Nepal along with India has performed well in
combating illegal trade on tigers, rhinos and elephants. Meanwhile, come October, Nepal including
six other countries must draw up the required legislation or submit their missing annual reports to
CITES on wildlife trade regulation. Failing to do this would prevent these countries from legally trading
any of the CITES regulated species. REF#216
GOVT REPORTS INCREASE IN TIGER POPULATION BUT IS IT VALID
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) has reported tiger population
in Nepal has increased to 176 after the recently conducted survey in Bardiya National Park and
ShuklaPhata Wildlife Reserve, which recorded 21 tigers. The 2010 census already reported 155 tigers
in the country. The total tiger population of 176 is based on the previous counts rather than
simultaneous survey. REF#216
10 Headlines Himalaya 2012

RAMPAGING ELEPHANTS KILLS A FARMER IN JHAPA
A farmer in Budhabare VDC of Jhapa District, east Nepal, was killed by a rampaging elephants while he
was irrigating rice fields. With this the number of death toll due to elephant attack in the district has
reached nine. REF#217
POACHERS AND SMUGGLERS
The poacher has been sent to custody for further investigation after his arrest last month. For his
involvement in smuggling of rhino horns and killings of nine rhinos in Chitwan National Park, he has
been dubbed as the most wanted poacher by the park authority. Police have arrested two smugglers
in Jhapa District, east Nepal, for possessing two elephant tusks each of 19 inches and 13 inches long
respectively. REF#217
CONSERVATION AREAS REELS UNDER STAFF CRUNCH
Banke National Park, Api-Nampa Conservation Area and Blackbuck Conservation Area are
administered by only 6, 2 and 2 staffs against the requirement of 170, 64 and 16 staffs respectively.
Likewise, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) is also facing shortage
of human resources. REF#217
MENACING RHINOS
Villagers of Gunjanagar VDC in Chitwan District, central Nepal, are living in constant threat from the
crash of marauding Rhinoceros. Every night they enter their farm lands and destroy their crops.
However no casualties have been reported so far. REF#218
BAT HUNTERS
Killings of bat among Chepang community – the hunters and gathers -for its meat have increased
recently in Siddhi, Korak, Lothar and Shaktikhor VDCs of Chitwan District, central Nepal. It is also their
source of income and in a day a person hunts about 150 bats in average. Government has imposed
ban on bat hunting but they do not seem to be aware of it. REF#220
DWINDLING POPULATION OF DOLPHINS IN KARNALI RIVER
A study on Dolphins of Karnali River suggests that the population distribution and its range have been
declining by 0.495 and 1.165 km respectively every year since 1982 (first study). Furthermore, the
study underlines that river pollution, low water level, decrease in prey, change in land use and habitat
fragmentation, are threatening the existence of dolphins. REF#221
MORE THAN 350 WILDLIFE CRIMINALS HELD
According to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), last year 374
people were arrested for their involvement in wildlife and forest related crime. Along with the
National Crime Control Coordination Committee established under the forest ministry, wildlife crime
control bureaus are actively involved in twelve districts. REF#222
LEOPARD CAT
A camera trapping survey in Kanchanjunga Conservation Area has recorded a leopard cat at an
altitude of 4500m above sea level. Researchers involved in the survey state that this is the highest
point the leopard cat has been captured so far. REF#223
11 Headlines Himalaya 2012

SECURITY ON TOES IN CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Following the shutdown of hotels inside Chitwan National Park, the park authority in Chitwan
National Park has beefed up the security fearing that there will be increase in poaching activity.
Earlier, the park authority also used to hire jeeps and elephants for patrolling from these hotels.
REF#223
226 of BIRD SPECIES IN GHODAGHODI LAKE
Recent bird census in Ghodaghodi lake area has recorded 226 species including 18 globally threatened
bird species. The first census was carried out in 1992 which recorded 144 species. Since, its first census
several conservation activities have been initiated. GLA was declared an Important Bird Area of Nepal
in 2005. REF#223
BLOW THE SIREN
Now people of Bahundangi, Shantinagar and Dhaijan in Jhapa District, east Nepal, will be alerted with
sirens about the tuskers entering the village. The siren is a hand held device and has an audible
distance of up to 1.5 km. REF#224
RHINO POACHERS GET JAIL SENTENCE
Supreme Court has slammed ten year jail terms for 5 poachers for killing rhino in April 2005 and five
year sentence for other 10 individuals for their involvement in smuggling of the horn. All these
poachers were convicted by the Chitwan National Park in January 2008. REF#225
ELEPHANT MENACE IS BACK IN CHITWAN
Fear has gripped the residents of Piple, Lothar and Madi VDC of Chitwan District, central Nepal, after
the herds of wild elephants coming out from the forests are wandering villages and destroying crops
and settlements. The effort of park authorities to ward off tuskers from the settlement area is going
futile as they enter from one village to other. In the past two years, 12 people have lost their lives in
elephant attacks. Meanwhile, elephants in breeding center and those used by the national park have
not been supplied with fodder for the last 17 days due to contractor negligence. REF#225
KILLER LEOPARD
Last week, three children were killed in a Leopard attack in a village in Baitadi District, west Nepal.
With this the death toll due to leopard attack in the village has reached to 13 in past one year.
REF#226
AUTHORITIES CONFISCATE ORCHIDS AND PANGOLIN SCALES
Security personnel seized 25 kg of orchids from a passenger bus in Kavrepalanchowk District, central
Nepal, near China border. Similarly, police confiscated 37.8 kg of pangolin’s scales, 28 kg of sea horses
and 2 kg of orchids in Sindhupalchowk District, central Nepal. It was being smuggled to China.
REF#226
POACHING SOARS AS FESTIVAL NEARS
With Dashain around the corner, wildlife poaching has gone rampant in Jajarkot District, west Nepal,
to meet the growing demand for meat. A local said at least 10,000 animal traps had been laid in the
forest areas. For forest authorities it is an uphill battle to keep tab on these poachers with limited
human resources. REF#226
12 Headlines Himalaya 2012

KILLING ENDANGERED SPECIES, NOW LEGAL
In a remote little village of Kaski district, locals are allowed to ´legally´ kill endangered species like
leopards and bears. The Chiwa -- village leader -- has officially declared that the locals are allowed to
hunt down leopards and bears. After a leopard killed as many as 21 goats in a single day, the locals
recently approached the Chiwa, asking for permission to kill leopards and bears. As the government
has no presence in the village, the Chiwa is the single most powerful authority. REF#227
CONCERN AS WILDLIFE TRADE FLOURISHES
The ever flourishing trade of wildlife body parts, including those of the tiger, rhino and leopard, in
hilly districts namely Darchula, Baitadi and Dadeldhura in the Far-Western region of the country along
the Nepal-India border has sent alarm bells ringing among authorities. The police in Baitadi district on
Saturday arrested a man with around 10 sets of skins of the barking deer ‘Ratuwa’. About 10 days ago,
a local report claimed that smuggling of around 10 sacks of wildlife body parts were being ferried
along Darchula district in Nepal that borders India and China. REF#227
RED PANDA FOUND IN ILLAM
A team of domestic tourists including Chief District Officer had found three red pandas, a rare species,
in the community forest of Illam district, Eastern Nepal. According to the chairperson of community
forest some seven red pandas have been found in this week only. Also locals have engaged their
collective efforts to protect red panda in the local forest. REF#228
RARE CRANES MAKE FIRST APPEARANCE IN KANCHANPUR
The rare Sarus cranes have been spotted in southern parts of the Kanchanpur district, Far Western
Nepal, for the first time. This type of crane is usually found near the Pyaratal wetland in the Dudhuwa
National Park of India. According to the Bird Conservation Association, the Sarus crane's natural
habitat is around the Annapurna area and these birds might have migrated to the Tarai with the start
of the winter season. REF#228
POACHERS HELD
The team deployed by central police investigation bureau has arrested three people in Hetauda bus
park, Makwanpur for trading alligator’s skin and rare birds and obtained sixteen pairs of skin; two
pairs of alligator’s skin, and one rare bird. One has been arrested by the police along with tiger hide.
Also, in another case, the CIB arrested four persons from Hetauda, Makwanpur while they were
attempting to sell python hide. Two python skins measuring 15.6 feet and 11.6 feet, have been seized
from them. REF#228
RISING NUMBER OF BUFFALOES AND BIRDS
The Reserve that had turned into a desert due to the devastating Saptakoshi floods that occurred at
Kushaha-4, in the northern part of Sunsari district some four years back is gradually transforming into
a green land, and thereby increasing the number of wild buffaloes. Last year, some 219 buffaloes
were counted in the reserve, this year the count is 259. The number of migrant birds is also reported
to have been increasing in the area. REF#229
13 Headlines Himalaya 2012

HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT CONTINUES
Human and wildlife conflict has always been one of the challenges for conservation. Recently a local
man was killed by an elephant at Madi in south Chitwan, Nepal. It has been reported that four people
have been killed by wild animals in Chitwan this month alone. REF#229
BEAR BILE TRADERS ABDUCTED
A team from the Metropolitan Police Range, Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu on Friday arrested four
people in Thamel with bear bile. According to investigators, two of the racketeers' used to push body
parts of endangered animals from their home districts to Kathmandu and another would look for
foreign buyers. A tola (11.66 gm) of bear bile fetches racketeers up to Rs 20,000. Bear bile is believed
to break down gallstones. REF#230
INSUFFICIENT EFFORTS FOR GHARIAL CONSERVATION
Excessive extraction of silt and sand and over fishing form the Rapti and Narayani rivers have
obstructed habitat of gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) in terms of difficulties in finding food, movement
and place for laying eggs. As a result the only organization (Crocodile Conservation Centre (CCC))
established in Chitwan National Park with the objective of conserving the species is lagging in the
effort to achieve the goal. REF#231
SMUGGLER ARRESTED
Poaching and the declining home range have contributed to the decline in the population of Red
Panda and leopard. Three person with leopard's hide from Malekhu Bazaar and two wildlife poachers
and traders with three pieces of red panda skin have been arrested in Kathmandu. According to the
National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973, those convicted of poaching endangered red
panda face imprisonment of 5 to 15 years or a fine of Rs 50,000 to 100,000 or both. REF#231
ELEPHANT ATTACK IN BARA
Two people lost their lives in an elephant attack at Sapahai VDC in Bara district. Elephant attack is
frequent in Terai region but the concerned authorities are least bothered, although each family is
entitled to NRs 3, 00,000 as compensation, they are provided only NRs 50, 000 at present. REF#231
DHORPATAN HUNTING RESERVE COLLECTS NPR 1.4 M REVENUE
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve where permission for hunting on payment was granted from October 1 to
November 1, 2012 has witnessed hunting of nine wild lives by seven foreign hunters. The reserve area
collected total revenue of NPR 1.4 million. Meanwhile, the preparation to declare Dhorpatan Hunting
Reserve as Madhyabarti Chhetra (buffer zone) is in the final stage. REF#232
NEW BIRD SPECIES SPOTTED
According to convenor of the Nepal Bird Experts´ Association, Central Region, an extinct bird species
´Fuchche Rani Chari´ (Minivet Species) has been seen for the first time in Chitwan, Central Nepal.
Earlier, this bird was found in Koshi region, eastern Nepal, and was spotted by a team led by bird
expert Tika Giri this week. REF#232
ELEPHANTS UNDERFED
For the last six months, 56 elephants reared in Sauraha Elephant Breeding Center at Chitwan National
Park (CNP) have not been fed properly. The problem is said to be created by the contractors who are
not regular in delivering food to the breeding centre. The centre has resorted to buying food from the
local market in an attempt to feed the elephants.REF#233
14 Headlines Himalaya 2012

KILLER ELEPHANT ON THE LOOSE
After devastating life and property by wild tuskers including an elephant called “Dhurbe” in southern
Nepal, soldiers in Nepal are on the alert. Wild elephants killed more than a dozen people and
destroyed property worth millions in three months. The increasing human-animal conflict in recent
times is seen as the biggest challenge in the field of wildlife conservation in the country.REF#233
TIGER HIDES
From Central and Western development Region, police arrested alleged members of a racket trading
in organs of endangered wildlife species which included two tiger skins. The group has been actively
trading tiger skin, animal bones, rhinoceros horns, bear gulls and musk glands and supplying the
animal parts to the international market. REF#233
DEVELOPMENT
LOCAL EFFORT FOR ELECTRICITY
The local people from Hardeni VDC, Udaypur District, Eastern Nepal, have constructed micro-hydro
plant with their own effort. The initiative was started in 2008 with a contribution of Rs 30,000 per
villager. With the investment of NPR 7.3 million, 17kw of the electricity has been generated and
supplied to 70 households. The Local Government supported NPR 5.4 million for the project. REF#198
CASH CROPS AND BEEKEEPING FOR BETTER LIFE
Lack of local government support and apathy notwithstanding, the farmers in Sankhuwasabha district,
Eastern Nepal have started to earn good money from selling of Broom Grass (Thysanolaena maxima,
locally known as Amriso) after making it their main crop. Currently, more than 50 local family of
Mamling VDC earn up to NPR. 50,000 annually. Besides selling, farmers barter broom grass with rice in
1:2 ratio in weight. Now, more than 10 VDC in this region have adapted broom grass cultivation.
Similarly, production of Junar fruit (sweet orange or Citrus sinensis) contributes 190 -290 million
Rupees annually to farmers of Sindhuli district, Central Nepal. Favourable weather has increased Junar
production by 25% this year. In Sindhuli, there are four pocket VDCs for the production of ‘Junar’ and
40 VDCs are involved partially. In Morang district, Eastern Nepal, Community Forest User Groups are
promoting commercial beekeeping to the farmers. This year, local people extracted 2,850 Kg of honey
from 45 hives. Market value of honey is NPR 450 per kg. REF#198
CEMENT FACTORY FACES PUBLIC OUTRAGE
Locals in Arghakhanchi District, west Nepal, has disrupted the operation of the cement industry as
they complained that the mining work has dried up the water sources in the area. The industry was
established six years ago with an investment of NRS 1.6 Billion and the government has leased out the
mine for 30 years. Mining work has come to halt from November 2011. It has been actively producing
700 tons of clinkers a day. REF#199
WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT
The first ever “World Happiness Report” published by the Earth Institute has ranked Bhutanese
happiness levels slightly above (among South Asian nations) than India, and significantly above than
Nepal and Bangladesh. On the scale 0 to 10, the score is 5.35 for Nepal, 5.51 for India, 5.65 for Bhutan
and 5.25 for Bangladesh. Several factors were taken into considerations while measuring happiness at
15 Headlines Himalaya 2012

country level (Political freedom, strong social networks and absence of corruption) and at individual
level (good mental and physical health, someone to count on, job security and stable families).
REF#201
LOCALS MAKE BUCKS
In Baglung District, west Nepal, locals of four VDCs are earning money by selling electricity to the
national grid after the 107 KW electricity generated from six micro hydro projects in the area is
connected to the newly constructed 11 KV grid. This has helped villagers to make extra money and has
offered other income generating activities. Locals can also purchase power in case they fall short.
About 3,500 watts of electricity is generated in the district. REF#201
TOURISM AT ITS BEST
According to Travel and Tourism Economic Impact 2012 published by the World Travel and Tourism
Council, in Nepal tourism sector contributed 3.3 percent (412,500) to total employment in 2011 and
its GDP contribution stood at NRS 119.1 billion. Among 181 tourist destinations, the report has ranked
Nepal at 34 for employment opportunity through travel and tourism; 127 for attracting tourists; 120
for capital investment in tourism and 127 in tourist spending respectively. REF#201
POLICE TO PATROL DURING YARSHAGUMBA HARVEST IN MANANG
To maintain law and order, police will patrol the northern part of Manang District, west Nepal, during
the harvest of Yarshagumba which starts from April. Also like previous year, locals have banned
outsiders (from other districts) to collect the medicinal herb. Temporary security post has been
established in several areas of the district. Following the killings of seven people from Gorkha District
three years ago during Yarshagumba harvest in Manang, security has been beefed up. REF#203
MISUSE OF DEVELOPMENT FUNDS
A former Local Development Officer of Bara district, east Nepal, is serving jail sentence after he was
charged for embezzling more than Rs 40 million of development budgets. Rampant corruption prevails
in local government level amidst political instability in other parts of the country as well. According to
Ministry of Local Development, 10 districts (Bara, Parsa, Rauthahat, Sarlahi, Sirha, Saptari, Mahottari,
Sunsari, Rupandehi and Kathmandu) have been tagged as hotspots when it comes to misuse of
development funds. REF#204
WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN WEST NEPAL ARE DEPRIVED OF BASIC NEEDS
Nepal Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2010, a report by UNICEF, has underlined that women and
children in far west and mid west region are not faring well in terms of health, sanitation, education,
awareness, discrimination, custom and tradition. It is to be noted that the statistics paint a bleak
picture despite of millions of dollars being poured in through scores of NGOs/INGOs working towards
the development of women and children in west Nepal. REF#205
WORLD BANK SAYS NEPAL IS FASTEST URBANIZING COUNTRY IN SOUTH ASIA
The latest World Bank assessment has quoted, “Nepal as the fastest urbanizing nation in the region”.
As per their statistics, around 20 percent of population lives in urban areas which have grown at more
than 5 percent on average since the 1970s. Urban area generates about 65 percent of gross domestic
product. The report also underlined that Nepal's economy has undergone major structural shifts over
the past few decades, from an agriculture economy to a service-based economy. However it warned
16 Headlines Himalaya 2012

that the country could fail to attain economic efficiency due to inadequate infrastructure, haphazard
planning and poor business environment. REF#206
FOOD DEFICIT VS FOOD SURPLUS
According to Nepal Food Corporation, Karnali region in far west Nepal is facing a food shortage as the
available food stock is only adequate for two weeks. The government has allocated NRS 370 million
against the demand of NRS 480 million for food assistance in the region (last year it received NRS 800
million). In contrast, Nepal has projected a food surplus of 886,000 tons of net edible grains- double
than last year. Number of districts with food deficit has decreased to 27 from 33 last year with
Mountain and Hill regions for the first time reporting a surplus of 15,774 and 92,900 tons respectively.
REF#208
NEPAL HAS A POTENTIAL OF USD 18 MILLION IN CLEAN ENERGY SECTOR
‘Sustainable Energy Finance Market Study for Finance Sector in Nepal’ a report by International
Finance Corporation (IFC) has stated that Nepal has an investment potential of US$17.92 million (Rs
1.6 billion) in energy efficient and renewable energy projects. According to the report, tea processing
units ($8.06 million) have the highest investment potential followed by brick kilns ($2.51 million) and
cement plants ($1.76 million) respectively amongst the 51 industrial units surveyed. REF#208
MONEY FIRST WASH LATER
Raute community in Salyan District, west Nepal, was bribed NRS 200 each to make them bath. This
was the first time that they used soap while bathing but they were skeptic that their leader would
reject the idea. They were also positive about washing clothes and brushing teeth but refused to
accept any vaccines to their children. A Doctor has been supporting the health and development of
Raute on his personal expenses in the area. REF#209
MICRO HYDRO PLANTS AND WATER CRISIS
The 20 Micro Hydro projects that have been constructed in the last five years in Solukhumbu District,
east Nepal, generate around 715 KW of electricity benefitting 6000 households. On a different note,
Micro Hydro plants in Chitwan District, central Nepal, have ceased operation due to decrease in water
level in the river affecting electricity supply in several Chepangs villages. Meanwhile, Dharan in
Sunsari District, east Nepal, is facing acute water shortage as water supply has gone down to 12.2
million liters per day against the demand of 20 million liters. REF#209
THIRTEEN MICRO HYDRO PLANTS GO KAPUT
Hundreds of households in several parts of the Mugu District, west Nepal, are compelled to live in the
dark as 13 micro hydro plants in the district have stopped working due to lack of proper maintenance.
This has compelled villagers to go back to traditional way of lighting their houses. Several hydro
projects were only operational for one or two years and couple of the projects have been financed by
Poverty Alleviation Fund. REF#214
NO NEW LEASE AGREEMENT FOR HOTELS INSIDE CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Forest ministry is adamant about not extending the lease agreement for six hotels operating inside
Chitwan National Park despite several requests from tourism entrepreneurs and tourism ministry. The
agreement was expired this month and the hoteliers will be able to relocate their property by the end
17 Headlines Himalaya 2012

of this year. This is not the first time that the agreement has expired; in 2009 it was extended by the
government considering tourism year 2011. REF#215
OLD HABITS DIE HARD
A village in Doti District, west Nepal, is equipped with outhouses facility but the villagers, mostly
Dalits, prefer to defecate in the open. One of the locals reported that they are more comfortable with
open defecation rather than using toilet. About 40 toilets have been built in the village which they
have turned into a hayloft. In some instances, people have sold off the toilet parts. In the other news,
according to the Ministry of Urban Development over 47 percent of the population in the country still
defecates in open. REF#216
WHERE TEACHERS GUARD SCHOOl PROPERTY
Six primary school teachers of a community school in Kathmandu are being paid NRS 13,470 as a
monthly remuneration for looking after school infrastructure by the District Education Office. The
teachers have been assigned one school each to report the status quo of school’s property to the
concerned authority on a daily basis. The schools were shutdown a year ago as there were no
students. REF#219
NEPAL’S ELECTRICITY BLUES
Starting this week, power outage has increased to 46 hours per week after decrease in water level in
the river and 100 MW surge in electricity demand. Further, India has also cut the supply of 35 MW of
electricity to the national grid. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the state owned entity, has also
increased the tariff to 20 percent for consuming more than 20 KWh or units please check electricity
monthly. REF#219
NEW WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT BITE THE DUST
The Solid Waste Management Act-2011 which was drafted four years ago by the Solid Waste
Management Technical Support Centre (SWMTSC) is yet to come into play due to frequent
restructuring of ministries. Earlier when the draft was prepared, SWMTSC was under Ministry of Local
Development but now it is featured under the newly formed Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD).
REF#211
WHEN IT COMES TO GOOD GOVERNANCE, BHAKTAPUR TOPS THE LIST
Bhaktapur has outclassed all the 58 municipalities of the country in meeting the government-set
minimum standards of performance according to the Local Body Fiscal Commission. The evaluation
was based on 13 indicators including financial management, resource mobilization, communication,
transparency, monitoring and evaluation. Bhaktapur is followed by Dhankuta and Sindhupalchowk
respectively while Kathmandu and Malangwa is listed in 57 and 58 positions respectively and were
declared unable to fulfill the set minimum criteria. REF#215
LALITPUR - LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN A SORRY STATE
The 39 VDCs out of 41 VDCs of Lalitpur District, central Nepal, has failed on the minimum conditions
and performance measures (MC/PM) - a system to monitor the performance of the local bodies on
governance and community development programs – according to an assessment by Local Bodies
18 Headlines Himalaya 2012

Fiscal Commission. This means that these VDCs are ineligible for any additional funding from the local
development ministry. REF#220
EMBEZZLEMENT AND CORRUPTED OFFICERS
Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development have cited massive irregularity in social security
and development funds of three districts (Dhanusha, Mahottari and Siraha) of eastern Nepal and have
singled out the village secretaries for misappropriation of funds. Following the charges, ministry has
suspended 18 village secretaries and the Local Development Officer of Dhanusha district. In Saptari
district 51 village secretaries faced corruption charges last year. REF#220
THE LUNCHBOX APPROACH
To encourage students to attend school the District Education officer of Sindhupalchowk , central
Nepal, distributed lunchboxes to around 1300 students from Danuwar and Majhi communities of
eight community schools in Bhimtar VDC. Now with the lunchbox in hand, students can take food to
the school. Skipping classes for lunch has been a common practice among students. Elated students
after receiving the lunchbox feel encouraged to go to school. REF#221
MILK HOLIDAY
With an increasing supply of fresh milk, the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has announced
milk holiday in milk distribution centers of seven districts (Morang, Kavre, Ilam, Panchthar, Banke,
Bardia and Kailali). At present the DDC has a surplus of 25,000 liters of milk supply in a day and
following the announcement it will not collect fresh milk for one or two days from those centers.
Everyday DDC collects a total of 250,000 liters of milk from its five dozen distribution centers across
the country. REF#221
ID CARDS FOR POOR
Around 7.2 million people living below poverty line (with annual income less than NRS 19,243 and
calorie intake under 2,220 per person per day) will be issued ID cards to ensure programs designed for
the target groups are not exploited and resources are properly utilized. In the first phase the cards will
be distributed in 25 districts in two months. REF#222
NO ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN BARDIA NATIONAL PARK, COURT ORDERS
Supreme Court has ordered not to go ahead with the construction of 12 km road in Bardia National
Park. Following the acknowledgement by ministry of environment, government had recognized the
construction of the road earlier. REF#222
HYDRO PROJECTS WOES
Eight hydro projects (450 MW) seeking an approval from forest ministry suffered a setback after they
were asked to share 5 percent of the profits as environmental service tax, according to a recent move
by forest ministry. Meanwhile, the storage capacity of Kulekhani I and II hydropower projects has
decreased by 11 meters due to sedimentation. REF#222
GOVT CONTEMPLATING ON TWO DAY WEEKLY OFF TO EASE POWER CRISIS
Ministry of energy has proposed for a two day (Saturday and Sunday) weekly off in government
offices and education institutions to reduce electricity load on national grid supply. Should this come
into effect, the nation will save 0.4 million units of electricity a day said one of the officials. REF#222
19 Headlines Himalaya 2012

NOMADIC RAUTES RAISING CATTLE
Rautes, who are known for living a nomadic life normally doing no gardening, farming, or work for
others as tenants or wage laborers have gradually started raising cattle's in Sirsha VDC of Dadeldhura,
Nepal. Altogether 24, out of the 31 Raute families in Sirsha VDC have started keeping buffalos, goats
and cows. A family of Raute is keeping on an average 10 goats and a buffalo or a cow. REF#229
BESISAHAR TO CHAME: 20 YEARS OF ROAD CONSTRUCTION
The locals of Besisahar of Lamjung and Chame of Manang had to wait for 20 years for a road
connection. It now takes 8 hours to reach Chame from Besisahar instead of the two days it took
before the construction of the road. Nepal Army, which was given the charge of construction of the
Besisahar-Chame road in 1992, spent 766.6 million on the project. REF#229
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT UNVEILED
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) stated that Nepali people have longer life expectancy
(67 in 2009) than the peoples of five other countries in South Asia. Nepal has also made progresses in
terms of the access to improved drinking water sources (76 percent in 1990 to 88 percent in 2008) and
improved sanitation facilities (31 percent 1990 to 20 percent 2008), the two key indicators of
Millennium Development Goals. REF#231
MADI TO RECEIVE ELECTRICITY AT LAST
The locals of Madi in Chitwan, Central Nepal, finally heaved a sigh of relief as they are going to get
electricity at last. Since a decade the village electrification plan had been halted because Chitwan
National Park refused to allow electric lines through the park. Now electrification prospects for the
village appear bright but project cost is likely to double due to the need to lay underground cables.
REF#232
FOREST
LEASEHOLD FORESTRY FARING WELL
Each household in a village in Nawalparasi District, west Nepal, has been assigned with one hectare of
bare land to grow and harvest fodder and fuel wood. There are 16 groups (181 households) in the
village. Last year, 10 leasehold groups earned Rs 200,000 selling broom-grass and each household
cultivated 6,000 broom-grass saplings and other kinds of plants. REF#188
WOMEN BEHIND TIMBER SMUGGLING AND RHINO CONSERVATION
In two separate incidents, women involvement in timber smuggling have been reported from a
community forest in Hetauda District, central Nepal, and from Sukhlaphanta wildlife reserve, west
Nepal. In contrast, to curb poaching of rhinos and smuggling of timber, women in Nawalparasi
District, west Nepal, patrol the community forest area. The community forest is spread over 530
hectares and is home to 18 rhinos. REF#188
DEFORESTATION CONTINUES UNABATED
District forest office (DFO) in Kailali, west Nepal, has seized around 3000 cu ft of illegally felled timber
this year alone. DFO is facing manpower crunch as there are 22 vacant posts of forest guards.
Similarly, Chure forest area in Kanchanpur and Dadeldhura districts has come on the smugglers radar
as thousands of trees have been felled from 5 community forest and for the upcoming irrigation
20 Headlines Himalaya 2012

project around 25,000 cu ft of timber have been felled in a buffer zone near Bardia National Park,
west Nepal. REF#188
ALL IS NOT WELL WITH FOREST MINISTRY
In a report given to Ministry of forest and soil conservation, Commission for the Investigation of the
Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has underlined involvement of ministers, forest officers in deforestation
and their nexus with timber smugglers. CIAA has also emphasized the need for effective monitoring
of community forests across the country. Similarly, four assistant forest officers have been suspended
for their involvement in rampant deforestation in the five community forests in Kanchanpur and
Dadeldhura districts. REF#189
WOMEN IN CONSERVATION
Women have been patrolling the forest area spread over 896 hectare in chure range of Parsa Wildlife
Reserve in Makwanpur District, central Nepal. It all started with 23 women two years ago after rise in
illegal felling of trees and poaching activity in the forest area. REF#189
ENCROACHERS IN, FOREST OUT
Around 75 hectare land of a community forest has been encroached in Baridya District, west Nepal.
More than 800 shelters have been built in the name of landless and bonded laborers. No stern action
has been taken against encroachers as they are politically influenced. REF#189
COUNTRY’S FIRST CONSERVED FOREST
Madane Forest, with an area of 13,761 hectares spread in 11 Villages in Gulmi District, west Nepal, has
been registered as the nation’s first conserved forest. The forest also includes a large pasture area.
REF#189
CHURE IN DIRE STRAITS
About 130,000 cubic feet of timber has been cut illegally from over a dozen community forest in Chure
region in west Nepal, according to the investigation team of Commission for the Investigation of
Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Report corroborated the involvement of local people and their nexus with
District Forest Office for rampant deforestation. REF#191
SMUGGLERS NABBED
Around 150 kg of red sandalwood was confiscated at Dolalghat in Kavrepalanchowk District, central
Nepal, while en route to China border. Similarly, two smugglers were apprehended in Kathmandu
Valley while trying to smuggle 27 kg of orchids to China. In another incident, smugglers were taken
into custody for possessing 7 kg of Pangolin scales by the security personal in Kathmandu valley.
REF#191
LOCAL HAMMERS CHURE CONSERVATION PROGRAM
The President Chure Conservation Program has come to a standstill for past four months. Despite
massive deforestation in Chure forest range, conservation program is of less interest to the locals and
as a result, this years’ budget of NRS 6.2 million has been left unspent. Following the arrest of the
chairman of the community forest, the locals have refused to support the program, whereas some
locals themselves are involved in the smuggling of timber. REF#192
21 Headlines Himalaya 2012

DEFORESTATION: POLITICS TAKES CENTRE STAGE, FOREST LOSING OUT
Excessive felling of trees by Community forest user groups in Dang District, West Nepal, and
involvement of user groups in Chure denudation in Udaypur District, East Nepal, remains unchecked
by District forest offices as the communities are backed by political parties. Meanwhile, user
committees after receiving hush money from contractors, have allowed cutting of thousands of trees
in Pyuthan District, West Nepal. Amidst all these, Government of Nepal received NRS 4.45 billion for
multi stakeholder forestry program, the first multi stakeholder project undertaken in Nepal’s forestry
sector. REF#192
MOTORBIKE FOR SMUGGLING OF SANDALWOOD
Three men were arrested with 26 kg of red sandalwood in Kavre District, Central Nepal, on their way
to Tatopani, Nepal-China border. They were carrying bars of red sandalwood in duffel bags on two
motorcycles. Earlier, motorcycles were never stopped for checking. REF#192
FOREST ENCROACHERS
To construct a religious site in one of the community forest, four to five hundred people affiliated with
various religious organizations are staging protest against Kathmandu District forest office. The forest
officer is no mood to throw in the towel. Meanwhile, over 2000 houses have been built encroaching
737 hectares of national and community forest in Gularia of Bardia District, west Nepal. Whereas in
Makwanpur District, over 130 hectares of degraded forest has been leased out to Chepangs and
women community. REF#193
GOVERNMENT EFFORT TO CURB TIMBER SMUGGLING PAYS OFF
Deforestation rate in a community forest near Nepal-China border in Rasuwa District, central Nepal,
has eased off with timely intervention of Ministry of Home and Ministry of Foreign affairs as the
authorities has asked their Chinese counterpart to check on the smuggled woods crossing the border.
REF#193
24,000 TREES TO BE AXED
The forest ministry has given a green signal to fell over 24,000 trees belonging to 42 community
forests of Chitwan and Makwanpur districts, central Nepal. The deforestation drive is for the
upcoming 220 KV transmission line project of Nepal Electricity Authority. REF#193
DEFORESTATION IN LALITPUR
Deforestation is at its peak in community, private and national forests in southern area of Lalitpur
District, central Nepal, but the forest authorities are taking no action despite of local complaints.
Smuggled woods are thus transported to the capital without any intervention by security personal.
Meanwhile, ban on tree felling has hit hard the lives of Raute community, the nomadic group, in Dang
District, west Nepal, as they make their living by selling wooden utensils. REF#194
PEOPLE, POWER AND DEFORESTATION
Acting on a tip off, forest authority in Basanta forest area in Kailali District, far west Nepal, uncovered
more than 1000 cu ft of illegally felled trees from the villagers which was hidden in their houses. But
the effort went in vain as the authorities were heavily repressed by politically affiliated villagers.
Similarly, dealing with timber smugglers is not easy for forest personnel in Dang District, west Nepal,
22 Headlines Himalaya 2012

ecause they are better equipped with arms and when apprehended, they are released on bail
without any charges. REF#195
SMUGGLING EVERYWHERE
Four people in possession of tiger parts (Bones, palm and moustache) and four other with 800 grams
of rhino horn have been arrested from Kathmandu. Police has also seized two trucks of illegally cut Sal
(Shorea robusta) woods from Gulariya, Central Nepal; a tractor of such wood from Biratnagar, eastern
Nepal and some wooden logs hidden inside sand from Dhading, Central Nepal. Further, 2,275 kg of
betel nuts have been seized while being smuggled to India. Meanwhile, three officials of Banke
Mahara forest in Mahottari District, Central Nepal have been suspended after the forest lost about
4000 cu. ft. of woods in last six months. REF#196
PROTECTED AREAS
Locals are apprehensive about the declaration of Panchase as conservation area as they fear that they
will lose their rights over forest. Located on the tri junction of Syangja, Parbat and Kaski districts, it
has the highest number of Orchid species in the country. Meanwhile, in a fresh move by the ministry
of forests and soil conservation, no new license will be issued for the construction of hydro power
projects in the conservation areas. REF#197
OFFICERS AND SMUGGLERS
Kathmandu police apprehended the personal secretary of the Forest State Minister red-handed while
taking bribe. Meanwhile, Nawalparasi District Forest Office in west Nepal has issued arrest warrants
against Community Forest officials who allegedly directed subordinates to fell trees. Similarly, two
Maoists commanders were held in Chitwan District for smuggling of woods from a community forest.
REF#197
RAVAGES OF FOREST FIRE
A colossal fire along the Annapurna trekking route has destroyed a large area of a rhododendron
forest. Similarly, a fire that broke out at the site of the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project at
Lamabagar in Dolakha, Central Nepal has spread to the nearby forest. The fire was reportedly caused
by electric sparks at the tunnel construction work. Meanwhile, a similar fire in the Panchakanya and
Hamarjung forest areas in Tehrathum, Eastern Nepal since the past four days has destroyed 195
hectares of forest land, 13 houses and cowsheds. Another story from Dhankuta, Eastern Nepal, says
forest fire has cleared more than 12 community forests and three houses were destroyed. REF#198
CHURE CONSERVATION PROGRAM IS NOT WELL
The President Chure Conservation Program in Kapilbastu District, west Nepal, has not lived up to its
expectations as most of the programs are led by central government agencies without consultation of
locals. As a part of the program, several plantation drives have been initiated in thousands of hectares
of community forests and pasture area but lack of conservation effort has left the program in the
lurch. REF#200
FOREST FIRE AND DEFORESTATION
More than 600 hectares of forestland have been destroyed in a ravaging fire in Resunga of Gulmi
District, west Nepal. Meanwhile, rampant deforestation has been reported from the forests in Jhapa
and Ilam districts, east Nepal. Several areas in the districts are gaining notoriety for illegal logging and
23 Headlines Himalaya 2012

timber smuggling. Forest authorities have started a campaign against illegal logging as a result of
which timber smugglers are being arrested almost every day. REF#200
DEFORESTATION AND ENCROACHMENTS
In the past two months, Kanchanpur District, west Nepal, has witnessed a rampant increase in
deforestation. During the period, District Forest Office confiscated more than 1000 cubic feet of illegal
timber and arrested 19 smugglers. Also, more than 50 families have been evicted from the encroached
forestland. REF#201
LANDLESS SQUATTERS
Police while evicting squatters set ablaze hundred of illegal huts in Taulihawa of Kapilvastu District,
west Nepal. Over 50 hectares of land of Bageshwori community forest had been encroached in just
two months. Earlier, they could not be evicted due to support from local political leaders. However,
local people have welcomed this bold move. Meanwhile, more than 9000 people in Makwanpur
District, central Nepal, have applied for landless Identity card and Badi community, a landless group,
in Rukum District, west Nepal, are all set to obtain a land ownership certificate. REF#202
DEFORESTATION: AUTHORITIES HELD AND LOCALS TAKE CHARGE
Office bearers of the Community forest user group in Argakhanchi District, west Nepal, have been
arrested for felling of more than 250 trees. Locals in Gaur of Rautahat District, east Nepal, have
formed a struggle committee to fight against rampant deforestation taking place in the area and have
filed complaints against the forest authority. Similarly, eighteen office bearers of 2 community forests
in Palpa District, west Nepal, have been arrested for illegal felling of trees. REF#202
COMMUNITY FOREST FACES BRUNT OF DEFORESTATION
A community forest in Lubhu of Lalitpur District, central Nepal, which is spread over 5.45 hectares, has
no single tree in the forest instead local use the forest to graze their cattle. Similarly, more than 500
trees (worth NRS 3 million) were uprooted recklessly by the office bearers of community forest users’
groups from the 3 community forests in Dovan of Palpa District, west Nepal, for the expansion of
electricity transmission lines from the Jhumsakhola Hydro Project-III. The office bearers have been
arrested by the District Forest Office for their delinquency. REF#203
AXING OF TREES IN CONSERVATION AREA
A local resident and his four accomplices have been charged for illegally felling of 300 trees worth NRS
10 million inside Sherdung forest, part of Gaurishanker Conservation Area (GCA). As per the
permission obtained from the office of GCA, he had permit to cut only 150 trees in his private forest.
Last month, the accused was summoned to the court but he refused to turn up instead his supporters
ransacked a unit office of GCA after a case was registered against him. Meanwhile, locals have vented
their frustation against the GCA officials for the delay in taking action to check illegal logging. REF#203
ACCUSED FOREST OFFICIALS SET FREE
Six District Forest Officers and two forest officers who were accused of smuggling of timber last year
have been set free by the District Forest Office Banke, west Nepal, after issuing them a warning. The
District Forest Officer quoted "Issuing a warning against the guilty means the guilty is punished. The
accused might be dismissed if they repeat such a mistake". However, none of the accused was
formally charged. The trend of releasing forest employees without booking them is normal. REF#203
24 Headlines Himalaya 2012

COST OF CONSERVATION: WOMEN ATTACKED FOR SAVING FOREST
The chairman, Nanda Devi Kunwar, of the proposed community forest in Dhangadi District, west
Nepal, was attacked by the forest encroachers as she was erecting a fence along the forest boundary
to keep encroachers at bay. She sustained severe injury on both the hands while trying to avoid
attack which was aimed at her throat. A week before, the District Forest Office had apprehended the
accused and was set free after issuing the warning. The accused is still at large. REF#204
TREE OWNER CERTIFICATE
District Forest Office in Makwanpur, central Nepal, has issued an ownership certificate of butter trees
(Diploknema butyracea) to Chepang people after 20 years. Locally known as Chiuri, they sell butter
extracted from the seeds produced by the tree for their livelihood. Trees are also gifted as a present
and dowry. Chepangs value the trees highly and are considered a measure of the household’s wealth.
However, land ownership certificate is still a farfetched dream for these indigenous people. REF#204
FIRE RAGES ON: HOUSES DESTROYED, FORESTS GUTTED
Forest fire engulfed around 1500 hectares of forests in Dang District, west Nepal, including four
community forests. In a similar incident, property worth millions of rupees have been destroyed after
fire broke out in Shivanagar VDC of Siraha District, east Nepal, and Neulapur VDC, buffer zone of
Bardia National Park. According to NASA satellite image dated 24 April 2012, there were 159 forest
fires across the country, most of them occurring in the southern region. Previous day recording was
141 forest fires. REF#204
FIRE FIRE EVERYWHERE
Fire engulfed over 174 hectares of forest in Okhaldunga District, east Nepal, and property worth NRS
20 million was gutted as fire broke out in Bhutaha VDC of Sunsari District, east Nepal. Meanwhile,
around 200 hectares of forest were ravaged by fire in Dhunche of Langtang National Park. REF#205
FOREST MANAGERS OR DAMAGERS
Office bearers of the proposed community forest in Sunsari District, east Nepal, have been accused of
felling 900 cu ft of timber and in Dhading District, central Nepal. Security personnel arrested
community forest chairman along with other accomplices for their involvement in timber smuggling.
In western Nepal, to rehabilitate freed Kamaiyas in Bardiya District, District Forest Office is axing trees
in more than half a dozen community forests. Similarly, involvement of forest officers in rampant
cutting of pine trees for sap extraction has been reported from the eight districts of far west Nepal.
REF#210
MANANG GOES GREEN AS LOCAL PLANT TREES
Tree plantation campaign in Lomanthang, Charang, Chhoser and Surkhang of Upper Mustang and
Chhusang, Muktinath, Kagbeni and Jomsom of Lower Mustang is in a full swing. More than 500,000
saplings have been planted in Upper Mustang alone. Locals are paid NRS 32 for each planted sapling.
The campaign started four years ago with support from District Soil Conservation Office (DSCO) and
the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). REF#213
25 Headlines Himalaya 2012

COURT ORDERS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST BUREAUCRATS IF INVOLVED IN DEFORESTATION
After the increasing cases of involvement of forest officers in illegal logging from community forests,
the Administrative Court has ordered the government to take action against those office bearers. Of
late, massive deforestation has been reported from Dadeldhura, Kailali, Banke, Bardiya, Sarlahi,
Sindhuli, Terhathum, Nawalparasi and Panchthar districts. REF#215
FOREST DEPARTMENT REWARDS FARMERS
The District Forest Office in Chitwan under the “President Chure Conservation Program” has rewarded
a cash prize of NRS 3000 each to 10 farmers from 5 different community forests of Bhandarbhar forest
area for not grazing their cattle in the forest. According to the forest officer, this will motivate the
famers in keeping their cattle at bay from forest area. REF#217
OF ENCROACHERS AND FOREST OFFICERS
The encroachers - 21 families – who were living in a community forest in Pipledanda VDC in
Kanchanpur District, west Nepal, for past 3 years were evicted by Sukhlaphata wildlife reserve
authority. The forest is used by wild animals for their movement. The authority has provided lands to
the affected families in different location. Meanwhile, the District Forest Office in Rautahat, central
Nepal, has suspended its 9 employees after they failed to report the felling of trees in national forest.
REF#218
HORSES, FOREST RANGERS AND TIMBER SMUGGLERS
For the District Forest Office in Solukhumbu, east Nepal, to keep tab on illegal felling of trees has been
an uphill task after their two horses, the only means of transportation, died 7 years ago. While, in a
community forest of Lahan municipality in Siraha District, east Nepal, smuggling of trees has
exacerbated as the forest is without a ranger for last five years. REF#219
190 TONS OF SEIZED SANDALWOODS AWAITS INDIAN CUSTODY
In absence of legal provision, the Department of Forest has not been able to handover the seized
sandalwood to the government of India for the past 3 years. More than 190 tons of red sandalwood
confiscated from the smugglers en route to China has been dumped at the premises of Department of
Forest in Kathmandu. Couple of years ago, the Government of Nepal through its cabinet decision
transported few tons of it back to India. According to CITES the sale of sandalwood is permitted only
after receiving consent from the country of origin. REF#220
MORE WOMEN LEADING THE COMMUNITY FOREST
In Baijapur VDC of Banke District, west Nepal, women participation in a forest user group executive
committee has been overwhelming. There are nine community forests in the village in which two user
groups are led by women and each of the user group has 5 women representatives. In a way it has
also enhanced their leadership skills. Profit incurred from the community forest is being spent to
improve the socio economic status of women. REF#221
CORRUPTION CHARGES AGAINST FOREST OFFICERS
A total of 196 people including forest officers, community forest user groups (108) and timber
entrepreneurs in Dadeldhura District, west Nepal, were charged for corruption by the Commission for
Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Following the news on massive deforestation, the CIAA
26 Headlines Himalaya 2012

investigated that around 7,553,128 cubic feet of wood worth NRS 430.31 million were illegally felled.
REF#223
SECURITY FOILS TIMBER SMUGGLING ATTEMPT, ONE SHOT DEAD
In Sindhupalchowk District near China border, a group of 50 smugglers flee the scene leaving 71 logs
(1500 kg) of red sandalwood, which were being loaded onto trucks, after security personnel opened
fire in retaliation. During the crossfire, one porter was shot dead and four others were arrested. With
the recent leadership change in district police, it is believed that smugglers are on prowl. REF#223
TWO THUMBS UP FOR COMMUNITY FORESTRY
Fifty eight community forests under the Charnawati watershed Dolakha District, central Nepal, have
received USD 44,000 for sequestering 1.254 million tons of carbon dioxide. In another positive note,
Dr Narayankaji Shrestha- a pioneer community forestry activist in the country- has been recognized
with first-ever Wangari Mathai award. REF#224
MORE THAN 20 PERCENT OF THE FOREST AREA IS UNDER ENCROACHMENT
Out of 62,211 hectares of forest area in Kapilvastu District, west Nepal, about 13,000 hectares has
been lost to encroachment over the last 20 years, according to District Forest Office. Deforestation has
also fueled up in the past couple of years. REF#225
GOVT SUSPENDS 41 DADELDHURA TEACHERS FOR ‘DEFORESTATION’
District Education Office (DEO), Dadeldhura, Far Western Nepal, suspended 12 teachers and the
schools concerned have been directed to suspend the 29 other private teachers for their alleged
involvement in deforestation as directed by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority
(CIAA). It has also been learnt that the teachers were also working as office bearers of community
forest user groups. REF#228
COMMUNITY FOREST USER PUNISHED FOR COMPLAINING IRREGULARITIES
The Narayansthan Community Forest Consumers Group (CFCG) in Kavrepalanchowk district, Central
Nepal, has barred the complainant from entering the community forest after he allegedly complained
about the irregularities by the CFCG and arbitrary felling of trees to the government through ‘Hello
Sarkar’ network. REF#228
FESTIVE SEASONS, FEAST FOR TIMBER SMUGGLERS
The festive season saw rampant smuggling of timber from various community forests of Sunsari. More
than 15,000 cubic feet of sal (Shorea robusta) worth over 50 million rupees is reported to have been
smuggled from Janajagriti, Amaha and Kalindra community forests of Bharaul, Sunsari. According to
members of community forest user groups, about 80 timber smugglers aided by their associates
would enter the forest areas with tractors and smuggle timber by terrorizing them. According to
sources, over 80 sal trees have been felled and smuggled from the Janajagriti community forest alone.
REF#230
HIMALAYAN RARE PLANT SPECIES ON VERGE OF EXTINCTION
Appropriate time for collecting seeds from the Himalaya region is considered to be between October
15 and November 15. However, due to the delay in granting permission by Ministry of Forest and Soil
Conservation (MoFSC) to National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), many rare/
endangered plant species are now on the verge of extinction. This lack of coordination will only make
27 Headlines Himalaya 2012

it possible to collect 20 percent of the seeds from 10,781 samples of seeds from 90 species of
agricultural plants in Nepal. REF#231
SHAM PLANTATION
The fifteen hectors of Paramanandapur in Saptari, Eastern Nepal where plantation was carried out 3
months ago has turned into a popular cattle grazing area. District office was given a total budget of
NPR 0.8 million whereas district forest office Saptari had spent NPR 0.375 million for the plantation.
District office Saptari has yet to make public how they spent NRP 1.81 million provided for plantation
in the fiscal year. REF#232
ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE
ILLEGAL QUARRYING CONTINUES
For the past two months, illegal extraction of stone from mining sites in Lele and Nallu area of Lalitpur
District, central Nepal, is going unabatedly. Mining was ceased in the area after a study revealed that
most of the mining sites were found to violate the environmental regulations. Locals have accused
authorities of turning a blind eye to illegal quarrying. Similarly, stone quarrying without
environmental considerations near the foothills of Chure has put Chure forest area at risk in Dhangadi
District, west Nepal. REF#190
NO EIA OF HOTELS INSIDE CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Six hotels situated inside Chitwan National Park area have failed to submit Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) report even after two years of operation. In consideration of the tourism year,
government had extended the permission till July 2012 to operate hotels within the national park
area. According to the agreement made with Department of National Park and Wildlife Reserve, these
hotels were supposed to prepare EIA report within one year of operation. REF#190
WHAT’S BEHIND THE DECLINE IN CATERPILLAR FUNGUS?
In Dolpa District, west Nepal, natural production of Cordyceps sinensis, a traditional Chinese
medicine, also known as Yarshagumba is declining. The average per capita harvest in 2006 was 267
pieces but it declined to 125 pieces in 2010, decrease of 32 pieces per person affecting the main
source of income (70%) of the households in the area. Decline could be due to overharvesting, premature
harvesting, over grazing, unavailability of the host larvae or climate change. In the alpine
pastures, harvesters spent more time than before to collect the medicinal fungus. REF#193
MELTING OF HIMALAYAN GLACIERS NOT SO FAST
New study has shown that Himalayan glacier is not receding faster and melting is taking place 10
times less quickly than predicted. The analysis was based on the satellite data from 2003 to 2010 and
estimated the melting rate at 4 billion tons per year but the previous survey based on ground based
measurements estimated ice loss of up to 50 billion tons per year. REF#194
28 Headlines Himalaya 2012

EARLY BLOOMING OF RHODODENDRON
This year Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and Pathivara in Taplejung District, east Nepal, have
witnessed the blooming of rhododendron in late January, two months earlier than before. Tourism
entrepreneurs worry that during tourist season (March - April) flowers might dry out as it is one of the
major attraction for the people visiting this area. REF#194
DECLINING MIGRATROY BIRDS
19 migratory bird species visited Few lake this year, opposed to 29 last year. Drying up of lakes,
decrease of damp areas, illegal hunting, and encroachment of lake and climate change have been
presented as the causes of decline. Meanwhile, Commercial fish farming in Badhaiya wetland in
Bardia district, Western Nepal have caused decline in arrival of migratory birds. The habitat has got
fragmented and there are less conservation activities going on. REF#196
138 HECTARES OF PHEWA LAKE ENCROACHED
A survey has revealed that around 138 hectares of Land of Phewa Lake in Pokhara has been
encroached. It is estimated that over 800 people have encroached the lake area and 107 hectares of
the encroached land have been transformed into agriculture land. Survey also indicated that around
175,000 cubic meters of silt is deposited in the lake every year. REF#204
ENCROACHMENTS AND ENCROACHERS
Since 1990, more than 231 hectares (175 hectares in Baglung, 40 hectares in Myagdi and 16 hectares
in Rukum districts) of land in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve have been encroached. Around 311
households are living in the encroached area. Meanwhile, a person was attacked by a group of
encroachers after he filed a case against them for encroaching and illegal felling of trees from a
national forest in Dolakha District, central Nepal. He has sustained serious injury and is undergoing
treatment. REF#205
POKHARA FLASH FLOODS SWEEPS VILLAGES AND KILL DOZENS
Flash flood in Seti River triggered by an avalanche on the Annapurna mountain range has
killed 17 people, leaving more than 50 people missing and swept away bridges and settlements at
Kharapani bazaar and Tatopani village in Kaski District, west Nepal. Avalanche in the Annapurna range
(which normally occur between March and mid-June) blocked the flow of Seti river in its upstream
inducing a massive flash flood of boulders, debris and mud downstream. The area falls in the
Annapurna Conservation Area and Machhapuchchhre Model Trek route also starts from the area.
REF#205
DISTRICT OFFICER DEEMS EXPORT OF STONES AS LEGAL!
Illegal extraction of stones from a river in Dhanusa District, central Nepal, is going unabated which is
meant for export to India. The Chief District Officer (CDO) considered the entire operation as legal
despite of a ban imposed by the government. More than 50 trucks loaded with stones and pebbles are
exported to India every day. REF#205
FIRE ENGULFS VILLAGE
Around 3000 houses were gutted in fire affecting 1000 families leaving 11000 people homeless in
Aurahi VDC of Siraha District, central Nepal. Fire that sparked off from the house of a local
resident wiped out almost the entire village and caused the damage estimated at NRS 1 billion. The
29 Headlines Himalaya 2012

VDC is also known as village of landlords where each family had a stock of around 10 quintals of rice,
wheat and paddy but now they are left with nothing. REF#207
SNOWPACK CAUSED SETI FLASH FLOOD
A study team after its 11 days survey has confirmed that the cause of the Seti Flood which occurred
earlier this month in Kaski District, west Nepal, is due to the accumulation of snow and sudden
swelling of glacial waters. The team has warned that there would be a similar disastrous flood in the
future with increase in snowfall. REF#207
CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE HIMALAYAS
During the last 25 years, Himalayas have witnessed warming about three times faster than the global
average temperature, including increase in average annual precipitation and annual mean
temperature by 6.52 millimeter and 1.5 degree Celsius per year respectively. The study which covered
around 90 percent of the total Nepal Himalayas was based on the satellite imagery from NASA. For
the first time this study has documented climatic and phonological changes at the landscape level in
the Himalayas. REF#207
IS CLIMATE CHANGING ON EVEREST?
An expedition team has pulled off from its Everest trek citing unprecedented temperatures and
unstable ice. The team also reported unusual sightings such as Sherpas working in T-shirts while
setting up a base camp; only few days recorded temperature colder than -10C; lake formation at the
base camp at the beginning of May among many others. REF#208
YARSHAGUMBA COLLECTORS GO HOME DEJECTED
Unlike previous year, the collectors of Yarshagumba this year in the highlands of Darchula District,
west Nepal, were only able to harvest few pieces. Those who collected 150 to 200 pieces last year
were lucky enough to collect only 20 to 30 pieces. The region has not witnessed any rainfall for the
past two months and there has been less snowfall. Similar incident has been reported from the
Yarshagumba collectors in Dolpa District, west Nepal. REF#209
NATION SWEATS AS MERCURY SOARS UP
Many parts of the country are reeling under severe heat wave with the maximum temperature
shooting over 3 to 4 degree Celsius above normal. Several districts in Tarai region recorded the
highest temperatures above 40 degrees. According to Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD)
official, this year the country experienced scant rainfall in April and May compared to previous year.
REF#210
A TALE OF YARSHAGUMBA
Along with hundreds of migrant harvesters headed to collect caterpillar fungus in northern part of
Bajhang District, west Nepal, are teachers and students of a local school. As the school remains closed
during the harvest season, they have decided to continue their classes in the field when they have
time. Children accompany their elders for harvest as they are more efficient than their elders.
Meanwhile, locals in highlands of Dolpa are concerned about the influx of harvesters as trampling is
damaging the pasture lands. REF#211
30 Headlines Himalaya 2012

FLOOD WREAKS HAVOC, KOSHI AT AN ALARMING LEVEL
Torrential rain and swollen rivers washed away houses and killed three people in a village in Bajura
District, west Nepal, and landslide damaged several houses and micro hydro stations in Dhading
District, central Nepal. Similarly, flood water of Seti River has rendered several people homeless and
has put more than 150 houses at flood risk in Hemja VDC of Kaski District, central Nepal. The swelling
river has also eroded up to 60 meters of its 300-metre banks putting the Pokhara-Baglung highway at
risk. Meanwhile, red flag was hoisted (warning signal) at the Koshi barrage after the water level at
Koshi River marked 157,205 cusec, highest for this year. REF#212
VILLAGES INSPIRING TO BECOME ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
With the installation of improved cooking stove and toilet facility, seven villages in Bhojpur District,
east Nepal, have been declared smoke free and open defecation free zone. While Phu VDC in Manang
District, west Nepal, has prohibit smoking cigarette in the entire village. Those found smoking will be
penalized and the shops will be fined up to NRS 100,000 for selling cigarettes. REF#212
NO OUTHOUSES IN NATION’S ONLY HUNTING RESERVE
Tourists coming to Dhorpatan hunting reserve in Baglung District, west Nepal, have no options but to
defecate in open as the outhouses are not available. There are seven hotels in the reserve area but
only one has lavatory facility. Interestingly, in 800 houses around the reserve area there are only four
outhouses. Locals explained that they have not felt the need of constructing toilets as they stay here
for only six months of the year as seasonal residents. REF#212
VILLAGERS, FLOOD RISK AND MONASTERY
People of Halji village in Humla District, west Nepal, are living in constant fear amidst the high flood
risk. The villagers are unwilling to migrate to safer places as the village is home to 11th century
monastery and it holds a strong significance among them. Landslide and glacial lake outburst also
threatens the village. REF#213
FLOOD DISASTER IN NEPAL HIMALAYA
Vehicular movement between Kalikot and Jumla districts, west Nepal, has been disrupted due to
landslides along the Karnali Highway. In Korbang Jhimpe VDC of Salyan District, west Nepal, several
houses were swept away due to rising water level in a local river. Also, more than 195 people have
been rendered homeless in five VDCs of Taplejung District, east Nepal, due to floods and landslides.
Similar news has been reported from different parts of Parbat District, west Nepal. Meanwhile,
swelling Seti River at Masinabagar and Hemja in Kaski district, west Nepal, continues to erode the
settlement area putting 150 households at risk. REF#213
ALL ABOUT FLOOD
Flood in Kimrung River of Ghandruk in Kaski District, west Nepal, triggered by an avalanche at the
Annapurna South Mountain has swept away a suspension bridge that links Chhomrang and the
Annapurna Base Camp. According to a local, the river has been flooded 35 times in the last month.
Meanwhile, swelling Seti River has inundated 30 houses at Ramghat and Gaighat and swept away
drinking water pipeline. The pipeline distributed 15 million liters of water to Pokhara city daily.
REF#214
STUDY SAYS, CLIMATE CHANGE MAY TRIGGER HABITAT LOSS OF SNOW LEOPARD
31 Headlines Himalaya 2012

A study titled “Conservation and climate change: Assessing the vulnerability of snow leopard habitat
to tree line shift in the Himalaya” has indicated that of the estimated 217,000 km 2 of snow leopard
habitat in the Himalayan region, about 30 percent may be lost due to tree line shifting and shrinking
of the alpine zone. The study highlights that in case of IPCC greenhouse gas high emission scenario,
Bhutan and Nepal may lose snow leopard habitat by about 55% and 40% respectively whereas the
loss has been estimated to be 25% in India and China. REF#214
THOUSANDS DISPLACED BY LANDSLIDES AND FLOODS
Swollen river have inundated more than 2000 houses in three VDCs of Dang District, west Nepal.
Similarly, increasing water level in Saptakoshi River has swept away 12 houses in Gobargada VDC in
Saptari District, east Nepal. Meanwhile, rainfall triggered landslides have displaced several houses in
various VDCs of Ilam, Dhankuta and Myagdi districts. Whereas, water level in Koshi River has reached
this year´s high of 194,375 cusec. REF#215
FLOOD HAVOC CONTINUES
Flood displaced around 150 families leaving more than 2000 houses waterlogged in Deukhuri of Dang
District, west Nepal. Meanwhile, the Koshi Barrage dam authority opened 32 flood gates out of 52
after water level in the Koshi River increased to 246,362 cusecs per second (highest of this year).
Similarly, increasing water level in Narayani River has created panic among locals of Nawalparasi
District, west Nepal. In Damauli of Tanahun District, landslide swept away drinking water pipelines.
REF#216
TOURISM AT ODDS WITH HYDROPOWER DAMS
Tourism entrepreneurs have halted the construction of the 102 MW Middle Bhote Kosi project in
Sindhupalchowk District, central Nepal. They argue that the hydropower plant will decrease the water
level in the river and pose threat to rafting tourism. The river is famous for rafting sites among
adventure tourists. REF#216
AFTER 26 YEARS GOVT SEEKS ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT FOR COUNTRY’S FIRST CONSERVATION
AREA
As directed by the government, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) will be under new
management starting next year after its second term 10-year agreement expired with National Trust
for Nature Conservation (NTNC) on July 15. Government has extended the agreement for only six
months to NTNC which has been undertaking ACAP management since its inception in 1986. ACAP is
the country's biggest revenue generating conservation project. REF#216
IT’S ALL ABOUT FLOOD
Following an incessant rain some 200 houses have been inundated in Bardiya district, west Nepal, and
a Dalit settlements in Beluwa village in Parsa District, central Nepal, have been left stranded after the
only road access to the village were submerged after a overflowing irrigation canal. Meanwhile, due
to flood related incidents in Gulmi and Dang districts, west Nepal, hundreds of families have been
displaced and 10 people are reported to have been killed. Similar flood related incidents have also
been reported in other parts of western Nepal. Also, the Karnali highway, the only road network to
Karnali Zone, has been blocked for a month due to landslides. REF#217
32 Headlines Himalaya 2012

SWELLING RIVERS AND EROSION
Spur of Gandak dam has suffered a huge damage followed by erosion brought about by swollen
Narayani River in Nawalparasi District, west Nepal. Rivers flowing through the buffer zone in Chitwan
National Park have eroded around 100 hectares of land. For the damage incurred, the park authority
will provide a cash compensation of NRS 25 million to the affected families. Similarly, after erosion
near Banbasa Bridge, rising water level in Mahakali River in west Nepal has put several villages at risk
of flooding. REF#218
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FOR 102 MW HYDRO PROJECT
The 102 MW Middle Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project in Sindhupalchowk District, central Nepal, will
have no negative impact on the environment and local people according to a recently concluded
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). It is a first of a kind hydro project in the country which also
aims to promote rafting tourism in the Bhotekoshi River, one of the seven most popular destinations
for white-water rafting in Nepal. REF#219
DATABASE TO PROVIDE CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS
To draw Nepal’s effective climate response plans and to deal with various climate change impacts, the
Asian Development Bank has prepared an application that provides climate change projections for
areas as small as 12 sq km. The database will benefit from farmers to planners, according to ADB.
REF#220
IS YOUR VEHICLE EURO III STANDARD?
The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MOEST) has implemented “The Nepal vehicles
Emission 2069” which means vehicles with Euro III standard will only be allowed to import in the
country. According to an official at the Department of Transport Management, there are around 1.37
million registered vehicles in the country and they all belong to Euro I and II- emission standard
introduced back in 1999. REF#220
FLOODS: HOUSES INUNDATED, HISTORICAL MONUMENT IN DANGER
More than 500 houses of 200 families in Odraha VDC of Saptari District, east Nepal, were inundated
by the swelling Triyuga River. In Parbat District, west Nepal, flood swept away drinking water pipeline,
a power station and a bridge connecting to Myagdi district. Meanwhile, an 11 foot Ashoka pillar (built
in 249 BC to mark the birthplace of Krakucchanda Buddha) at Gotihawa VDC in Kapilvastu District,
west Nepal, has been submerged in water for the past one month. Though in every monsoon, flood
water put a serious threat on the pillar locals argue that government is paying no heed in protecting
this monument. REF#221
HEAVY RAIN PLAYS HAVOC ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Swelling of rivers followed by incessant rain has displaced more than 600 families in Kanchanpur
District, west Nepal, and water level in Mahakali River has increased to 255,000 cusec. Similarly, about
300 houses were inundated in Lalbojhi VDC of Kailali District, west Nepal, and more than 150 houses
were affected in Tilathi VDC of Sarlahi District, east Nepal. Meanwhile, Kathmandu valley also
recorded 200 percent rainfall (400 mm) so far this month. REF#223
33 Headlines Himalaya 2012

MANASLU AVALANCHE
Nine people were killed while several other climbers have gone missing after an avalanche in the
world’s eighth tallest peak swept away their camps. The accident site is at the third base camp
(6,500m) of Mt. Mansalu located in Samagaun VDC of Gorkha District, west Nepal. Interestingly, this
year the number of trekkers to Mt. Manaslu have increased by 50 percent after China stopped issuing
climbing permits in Tibetan Himalayas. REF#224
SMUGGLERS OUTWIT SECURITY CHECKS
In a recent report it has been revealed that smugglers have changed their modus operandi to smuggle
red sandalwood to China. Instead of wood they are smuggling its powdered form and according to a
source it is being smuggled daily across the border easily passing the security checks as the security
personnel are not accustomed to the powder form. Wood fetches NRS 12000-NRS 16000 per kg and
powder is sold at NRS 8000-NRS 10000 per kg in the Chinese market. REF#225
PROJECT FINED FOR FAILING TO MEET ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Ministry of Energy has fined a sum of NRS 100,000 to a developer of Charnawati Hydropower project
for violating environmental act. The project dug a tunnel instead of using pipes to pump water from
the canal which is against the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) provision. REF#226
CYCLONE NILAM MAKES NEPALI SKY OVERCAST
People across Nepal woke up to an overcast morning with decrease in temperature. Weathermen
attributed the sudden dip in temperatures to the clouds that were spread towards the Nepali sky by a
tropical storm that slammed into southern India yesterday. Cyclone Nilam that originated from
southern part of Bay of Bengal hit Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu of India with storms and rainfall,
killing about half a dozen people and leaving thousands of people displaced. REF#227
RUPA LAKE UNDER THREAT OF ENCROACHMENT
According to a survey carried out by the Valley Town Development Committee in Kaski district three
years ago, the Rupa lake area had shrunk to 90 hectares from 135 hectares 37 years ago. Haphazard
development works and opening of roads are to blame for the encroachment. Local efforts to
conserve the lake were not enough to and the need was for the construction of embankment around
it. REF#228
WOMEN MORE EXPOSED TO CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS
Researchers Jony Mainlay and Su Fei Tan after analysis of the existing climate change policies and
plans (National Adaptation Plan of Actions (NAPAs) and the Local Adaptation Plan of Actions (LAPAs))
of Nepal claimed Nepalese women are much more vulnerable to impacts of climate change. It is
ranked among the top five such countries. REF#231
JOINT EFFORTS TURN OUT TO BE VAIN
The illegal extraction of sand from Manohara stream bordering Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Central
Nepal, is on the rise following a gradual increase in constructions of buildings in the Kathmandu
Valley. This has increased risks to archeologically important heritage sites of Changu Narayan Temple
and Nilbarahai Temple. The joint efforts of District Administration Office, Police Administration,
various political parties and local bodies to check rampant extraction of sand have thus far proved to
be ineffective. REF#232
34 Headlines Himalaya 2012

WATER
WATER CRISIS HITS HARD
Locals of a village in Okhaldhunga District, east Nepal, are dependent on a single tap water supply and
it takes them 6 hours to fetch a bucket of water. Meanwhile, in a village in Baitadi District, west
Nepal, out houses built to declare the area as ‘Open Defecation Free Zone’ is of no use as Haliya (an
agricultural bonded laborer) community has started defecating in an open area due to water scarcity.
REF#189
CONTAMINATED WATER FOR VALLEY DENIZENS
According to a report, the water supplied by Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) is highly
contaminated. Among 21 treatment plants of KUKL, most are not in operation and the six new sources
have no treatment facility. Of the samples tested 73 percent of the water samples were found
problematic. REF#197
ARSENIC IN DRINKING WATER
For the past one decade, more than 600 families belonging to Kamaiya (Bonded laborer) community in
Kanchanpur District, west Nepal, are forced to drink arsenic contained water due to unavailability of
safe drinking water. Hand pumps installed to extract ground water (less than 25 feet below) draws
water with high level of arsenic contamination. REF#200
DECREASE IN WATER LEVEL COULD REDUCE POWER SUPPLY
Water level in Kulekhani Hydropower, the only reservoir based hydropower plant in the country, is
plummeting to 40-centimeter per day which could account for increase in load shedding hours in
coming months. Due to increase in sand sedimentation, the reservoir has failed to store water despite
of highest water level in the reservoir in the last four years. The hydropower has an
installed capacity of 92 MW and provides about 17% of the total hydroelectricity generated in the
country. REF#201
WATER PROJECTS FALL FLAT
Of the 38,000 drinking water projects in the country only half are operational and the remaining
halves are not functioning. It is estimated that NRS 15 billion is required to overhaul these projects.
However construction of new projects is less expensive than the maintenance costs. At present, more
than 20 organizations are working on water and sanitation programs. Only 55 percent of the country’s
population has access to clean drinking water. REF#203
WATER DISPUTE TURNS VIOLENT
Dispute over water usage between Nepali and Indian farmers has taken a heavy toll. The irrigation
canal which brings water from Thute River in Thori VDC in Parsa District, central Nepal, was being
used by both the farmers but conflict sparked up after the Indian farmers vehemently demolished the
canal used by Nepali farmers. Furthermore, the situation worsened after Nepali farmers staged
protest against this dubious move. Border Security Force of India has extended their support to their
Nepali counter parts to stop the violence. REF#205
SCARCE WATER
Surkhet valley in western Nepal is reeling under acute water shortage as the daily water supply has
gone down to 4 million liters against the demand of 10 million waters a day. Meanwhile, locals are
35 Headlines Himalaya 2012

praying to god for water in Pakarbas of Ramechhap District, central Nepal, as water woes continue to
plague the village. REF#208
AMID WATER CRISIS AND FOREST ENCROACHERS
Dang, a district in west Nepal, is reeling under acute water shortage due to prolong drought and
drying up of river and water sources. Drinking Water Division in the district is supplying only 1.6
million liters against the demand of 24.3 million liters. Meanwhile, the District forest office in Dang is
in the process of evicting forest encroachers. It is estimated that around 3500 hectares of forest land
has been encroached where more than 7000 houses has been built. REF#211
GOSAINKUNDA LAKE IS 18 M DEEP
Gosaikunda Lake one of the world's highest fresh water lakes situated at an altitude of 4360 m in
Rasuwa District, central Nepal, in Langtang National Park is 18.3 m deep according to a latest study.
Also a study on aquatic biodiversity and water quality of the lake has highlighted that lake ice is acidic
in nature and aquatic biodiversity of the lake complements acidic environment. REF#214
WATER SCARCITY AFTER FLOOD SWEEPS AWAY WATER PIPELINES
Already water stricken Ilam municipality is facing acute water shortage after landslides in Maimajuwa
VDC destroyed drinking water pipelines. Similarly, drinking water crisis in Pokhara looms large as
floods in Seti River swept away drinking water pipelines. REF#215
PRESENCE OF HIGH LEVEL OF COLIFORM BACTERIA IN WATER OF KATHMANDU
According to a study conducted by National Public Health Laboratory, about 70 percent of the
households in Kathmandu valley are supplied with water that contains high level of coliform bacteria.
In an analysis it found that the tap water contained more than 180 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 ml.
The permissible number is 5 fecal coliform per 100 ml. In another news, villagers in Doti District, west
Nepal, are migrating to highlands to keep them safe from cholera epidemic in the area which claimed
14 lives in June. REF#217
STAY AWAY FROM BOTTLED WATER
About 66 percent of the bottled water available in the market is contaminated states a report by
Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC). The study has detected high levels of
Coliform bacteria and low pH values. It also highlighted the quality of milk, edible oil, sweets, honey,
and other commodities to be below par. In addition, about 0.2mg of formalin per kg of fish was
measured in market fish which department officials have termed it as “no harm” to human health.
REF#220
WATER CRISIS IN THE CITY OF LAKES
The city of lakes, Pokhara, is facing an acute water crisis, even after seven months after the floods in
the Seti River which swept away the pipes. The swollen Seti swept away water pipes in many areas,
disrupting close to 50 percent of Pokhara's total water supply. The city's daily water demand stands at
41 million liters. The current supply is only 36 million for a population of more than 300,000. During
the monsoon, locals depended mostly on rainfall but with the onset of the dry winter season, the
water crisis has become severe. REF#229
36 Headlines Himalaya 2012

PINE PLANTATIONS AND DECLINING WATER SOURCES
The pine trees planted in Chaubas VDC of Kavre district in 1975 under Nepal-Australia Forest Tree
Project as an experiment to test its adaptation in the local environment have become a nuisance for
the locals. The trees are being held responsible for increasing water scarcity in the VDC. According to
the locals, the increasing scarcity of water has also affected farmers raising livestocks. According to
Kavre District Forest Office (DFO), forty percent land of the district is covered by forest. Of the total
77,552 hectares of the forest area in the district, pine forest occupies 11,556 hectares. REF#229
GOVT APATHETIC TO MAIPOKHARI CONSERVATION: LOCALS
Maipokhari of Ilam, Eastern Nepal which is rich in biodiversity has come under threat of extinction.
Local people and other stakeholders are concerned over decreasing water level in the lake and have
complained that lack of efforts to conserve biodiversity has put the area at risk and accused the
government of being apathetic towards conserving the lake. REF#233
HEALTH AND POPULATION
BIRDFLU IN EASTERN NEPAL
Following the death of more than 8,000 fouls in Sunsari District, an outbreak of bird flu has been
confirmed in poultry farms of Ilam, Sunsari and Panchthar districts, eastern Nepal. Following the
outbreak thousands of chickens were culled. No serious infection in human has been reported so far.
REF#193
BIRD FLU IS EVERYWHERE
The local administration in Gorkha District, Central Nepal has banned import of poultry with the
suspicion of bird flu as preliminary test was positive for the virus. Similarly, Government has declared
four villages in Sunsari and Jhapa districts in Eastern Nepal as bird flu affected area and decided to
send immediate relief to the affected villages and take measures to curb its spread in the neighboring
districts. REF#198
THE STURDY SHERPA’S
According to a study the specific methods of nutrition, hydration, rest periods, and load carrying
capacity of Sherpas and Porters allow their bodies to quickly acclimatize to ascend rapidly at high
altitudes. The study was conducted on Sherpa and Porters who trekked from Lukla to the summit of
Kala Patthar, Everest base camp, and Pumori base camp and back to Lukla in seven days. REF#199
BIRD FLU IN KATHMANDU
An outbreak of bird flu in a poultry farm in Kathmandu has been confirmed after a sample of dead
chicken tested positive for H5N1 virus. About 15,160 chickens have died of avian influenza in the farm.
REF#199
NEPAL AT A GLANCE, THIS WEEK
Directorate of Animal Health has put 27 districts at high risk, 18 districts at moderate risk and 26
districts at low risk respectively of bird flu. Meanwhile, country incurred a loss of NRS 45 million due
to fire related incidents in the span of three months with 367 incidents recorded across the country
where 45 people lost their lives. REF#201
37 Headlines Himalaya 2012

GREEN FOR HEALTHY HOMES, BLUE FOR OTHERWISE
To encourage healthy living in villages, Department of Water Supply and Sewerage launched a ‘total
sanitation program’ in 10 Open Defecation Free VDCs (Village Development Committees)-two VDCs
each in five development regions. Under this program, a house is subjected to receive a green sticker
if they meet criteria of a healthy house (sanitation facilities, clean drinking water, hygienic food, hand
washing with soap and clean house) failing to meet these criteria, they get blue stickers. REF#201
NEPAL POLIO FREE?
According to Ministry of Health and Population, no cases of Polio have been detected in the last 20
months but the ministry officials are still skeptic about declaring eradication of the disease. The last
infection was recorded in August of 2010. UNICEF and WHO are helping the government to run the
polio vaccine campaign in the country. REF#202
TYPHOID FEVER AND TUBERCULOSIS
Contaminated water and sanitation problems have led to outbreak of diarrhea in Bajura District, west
Nepal and in Morang District, east Nepal. Meanwhile, this year Makawanpur District, central Nepal,
witnessed 695 patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB), an increase of 25 percent compared to
previous year. Similarly an outbreak of an unidentified disease has been reported in a village in
Myagdi District, west Nepal, where around 200 villagers (mostly chidren and elderly people) have
fallen ill. REF#206
LAST WOMAN STANDING
A 75 year old woman from western Nepal is the only person alive in Nepal who fluently speaks the
Kusunda language. As per the Central Bureau of Statistics there are about 100 Kusunda tribes people
remaining but they neither understand nor speak the language. The unknown origins and mysterious
sentence structures of Kusunda have long baffled linguists as it is not phonologically, morphologically,
syntactically and lexically related to any other languages of the world. REF#206
NEPAL RECEIVES ACCOLADES IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
Nepal was recognized with 2012 Resolve Award for improving its Reproductive health. The universal
acclaim was for its innovative programs and policy efforts in maternal and neonatal health, including
the Safe Delivery Incentive Program (SDIP). REF#208
DENGUE AND DIARRHEA
Two people have been diagnosed with Dengue fever in Chitwan District, central Nepal. With the onset
of summer, cases of Dengue fever have increased in the district. In Salyan District, west Nepal, the
number of patients suffering from diarrhea has escalated to 200. Also, cases of Typhoid, Jaundice and
fever have increased. REF#209
STUDY SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON CHOLERA EPIDEMIC IN HAITI
UN Peacekeepers from Nepal and their alleged association with the origin of cholera epidemic in Haiti
in October 2010 has taken a new turn. Test conducted with the first Haitians to be struck by the
disease, the researchers have found two very different cholera strains. First is 01 serotype with close
resemblance to the Nepalese strain- found in about half the patients sampled and the second one is
non-01/O139 that has never been known to cause an epidemic- found in 21 percent of patients.
Another 7 percent of patients harbored both types. The lead investigator who is an expert on the
38 Headlines Himalaya 2012

interaction of cholera and environmental factors says that cholera epidemics in the country have been
linked with its climate, geography and hurricane. REF#211
DIARRHEA CLAIMS EIGHT LIVES
Eight people have lost their lives to diarrhea in a village in Doti District, west Nepal, during the past
week. Also 14 elderly people and 20 children are suffering from outbreak of diarrhea. Locals
complained that there is a short supply of medicine along with lack of health officials in the village
health post. According to the health officials, open defecation and drinking of contaminated water has
led to the outbreak of disease. REF#211
CONTAMINATED WATER LEADS TO DIARRHEA EPIDEMIC IN DOTI
Diarrhea outbreak in several VDCs of Doti District, west Nepal, has been linked with contaminated
drinking water after the water sampled tested positive for the cholera. According to the District Public
Health Office more than 330 people have suffered from diarrhea. REF#216
FIRST TOILET THEN POLITICS
In Bajura District, west Nepal, a political party in pursuit of declaring their village an open defecation
free zone has announced that an individual should have built toilet at home before seeking a
membership to their party. About 50 percent of the households in the village do not have toilets.
REF#218
VIRAL FEVER EPIDEMIC ACROSS THE COUNTRY
In the past weeks, viral fever outbreak has claimed lives of seven people and more than 600 people
have fallen ill in Dailekh District, west Nepal. Shortage of medicine and absence of health officials has
further worsened the situation. Similarly, Khotang and Morang districts in east, Chitwan District in
central region and Kailali, Kanchanpur and Parbat districts in the west are grappling with viral
outbreak. REF#221
HEALTH CENTERS AND EXPIRED DRUGS
Villagers of Baitadi District, west Nepal, have to walk for days to neighboring district to avail basic
health facilities as there are no staffs in the 19 health centers of the district. Similarly, vaccination
program in eastern part of Bajura District, west Nepal, has been disrupted after landslides washed
away medicines and equipments of the only health center three months ago. Meanwhile, date
expired drugs were recovered from the medical store of Bheri Zonal Hospital in Nepalgunj and the
Department of Drug Administration in Kailali confiscated date expired medicines from the local drug
sellers in the market. REF#221
NEPAL'S CENSUS REPORT OUT
The country’s population stands at 26,494,504 with an annual growth rate of 1.35 % as per the final
report of National Population and Housing Census 2011 published by the Central Bureau of Statistics.
As per the census, the male population is recorded as 12,849,041 while female stands at 13,645,463.
The sex ratio (number of males per 100 females) has decreased from 99.8 in 2001 to 94.2 in 2011. The
census also reported that 1.97 million were absentees abroad for over six months. The decade
witnessed increase in literacy rate (for population aged 5 years and above) to 65.9 percent from 54.1
percent in 2001. The male literacy rate is 75.1 percent in comparison to female which is 57.4 percent.
Kathmandu has highest literacy rate (86.3 percent) while Rautahat the least (41.7 percent). Terai
39 Headlines Himalaya 2012

constitutes of 50.27 percent (13,318,705) of the total population while population in hilly and
mountain areas constitute 43 percent (11,394,007) and 6.73 percent (1,781,792) respectively.
Similarly, there are 125 ethnic/caste groups reported in this census with majority of Chhetri (16.6
percent), Brahmin (12.2 percent) and Magar (7.1 percent) of the population. Also, the census reports
123 languages spoken in the country. REF#230
RISING DENGUE CASES
Dengue which was seen in Mechinagar municipality of Jhapa, east Nepal, has now been detected also
in Birtamod of Jhapa district. The number of people suffering from dengue has been reported to be
68 according to the District Public Health Office, Jhapa. REF#230
NEPAL'S PROGRESS IN TB AND AIDS/STD CONTROL
According to SAARC Tuberculosis and HIV/ AIDS Center (STAC), Nepal has exceeded the World Health
Organization’s (WHO) targets (i.e. 70 percent in TB diagnosis and 85 percent in treatment). Similarly,
National Centre for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC) reported that the number people living with AIDS
have fallen to 20,574—from 50,200 last year. REF#231
NUMBER OF PEOPLE MARRYING IN EARLY AGE HIGH IN NUWAKOT
According to the 11th National Census- 2011, number of child marriages (under 10 years of age) is
found to be higher (51,454 people among the total population) in Nuwakot district (north of
Kathmandu valley). REF#231
AVIAN INFLUENZA HITS
The test report conducted by Central Veterinary Lab in Kathmandu confirmed bird flu in Dharke,
Dhading district, Central Nepal. Over the past one week hundreds of chicken have died due to
outbreak of bird flu. REF#233
40 Headlines Himalaya 2012