Nepali Times ePaper
Dear Nepali Times Reader,
COP28 in Dubai is seeing weakened commitments to fossil fuel phase-out, raising the risk of climate-induced disasters in the Himalaya and escalating infrastructure costs. Recent disasters in Sikkim and Nepal highlight the urgency for trans-boundary cooperation in early warning and mitigation. Despite a $700 million Loss and Damage Fund announcement in Dubai, it's a fraction of the $400 billion needed annually by developing countries. Experts say the need of the hour is tangible action. Frontpage update by Sonia Awale.
Other highlights from the issue:
One Month After Jajarkot Earthquake
Ramu Kharel and Maggie Doyne's recent visit to earthquake-affected areas in West Nepal revealed misleading reports of people dying from the cold, with many deaths attributed to acute illnesses and pre-existing conditions. The destruction in remote areas like Khalanga to Nalgad is severe. Healthcare facilities face challenges and water and sanitation remain a critical concern. Other urgent needs include winterised temporary shelters and earthquake-resistant rebuilding. While the one-door policy for aid management is effective, logistics and strategic distribution in difficult-to-reach villages must be prioritised, write Kharel and Doyne.
Nestled amidst pine-covered mountains, just an hour from Kathmandu’s Ring Road, a new University campus boasts facilities comparable to those in Korea or Canada. Rajendra Dhoj Joshi, a former Institute of Engineering member and World Bank consultant, long pondered Nepal's universities' failure to contribute to the economy and the mass migration of graduates. After a decade of lobbying, the Cabinet passed the University Act in May 2023, paving the way for new institutions like the Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology (MB-UST) in Chitlang. Kunda Dixit reports from Makwanpur.
Migrant Worker Teaches Others the Ropes
Rudra Bahadur Gurung reflects on his journey from humble childhood In Lamjung to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the field of industrial rope access. He initially considered a career in the Indian Army but returned to Nepal after a brief stint in training. He later went to the UAE for work. Despite facing challenges as a rope access worker, he excelled in the field, ultimately transitioning to non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection. In 2012, he moved to Nigeria helping to establish a training wing for his employer. In 2015, he returned to Nepal and founded Asset Integrity Group, a certified training company that mentors Nepalis in rope access, providing internationally accredited training in Kathmandu. Rudra's story in the latest installment of Diaspora Diaries.
Dhak Kumari Poudel, a 56-year-old grandmother, defies societal norms as she climbs transmission towers in Bhaktapur. Poudel has been working with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for 16 years and her main duties include disconnecting illegal power users, installing meters, and enhancing transmission capacity. Despite receiving NEA's Best Employee award twice, she faces disparaging remarks from some men who question her suitability for the job. Anita Bhetwal profiles Poudel who remains determined, finding empowerment and confidence in her fieldwork.
Suzana Thapa Shris, a 29-year-old artist, sought to shed light on the often overlooked lives of the wives that Gurkha soldiers left behind in her recent exhibition titled "Gurkha Women: An Echo in the Story." Coming from a Gurkha family, Thapa Shris was inspired to showcase the contribution of the women, who played pivotal roles in managing households and raising families while their husbands served abroad. The exhibition featured portraits, sketches, archival images, interviews, and installation art, aiming to honor the identity and contributions of Gurkha women.
This and more at nepalitimes.com.
Have a great weekend.
Nepali Times