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Summary: In Nepal, the construction of cable cars, originally intended for transportation and logistical convenience, has become a contentious issue due to policies that favor commercial interests. The Mukumlung (Pathibhara) cable car project in Taplejung is currently a hot topic. There are divided opinions: some support the project, while others, including local residents, oppose it, citing environmental concerns and cultural significance.

The Pathibhara area is both a historical and cultural site for the indigenous Limbu community and a significant religious site for Hindus. The decision to build a cable car here has sparked protests, leading to clashes and even gunfire, with two people injured. Despite these protests, business interests, supported by local and federal governments, push forward, anticipating increased tourism and economic benefits.

The primary concern is the impact on local employment and businesses. Traditionally, these areas rely on foot traffic for livelihoods, and the introduction of cable cars might bypass these local economies. The article also highlights the broader trend in Nepal of cable cars being constructed in religious sites primarily for profit rather than public transportation needs. There is an ongoing debate about balancing development with preserving cultural heritage and local livelihoods.

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The last time the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus), the smallest of the world’s 13 known otter species, was recorded by scientists in Nepal was in 1839.

“After years of speculation about its presence in Nepal, we can finally confirm that the small-clawed otter lives on in the country,” said Mohan Bikram Shrestha, the lead author of a short note published in the latest edition of the bulletin of the Otter Specialist Group at the IUCN, the global wildlife conservation authority.

Although historically three species of otters are believed to occur in Nepal, modern researchers had until now only confirmed the presence of smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) and Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), with a question mark hanging over the small-clawed otter. During that time, reports have come in, never confirmed until now, of small-clawed otter sightings in Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal’s eastern Himalayas and Kailali and Kapilvastu districts in the western plains.

Summary: A Dalit youth, Satyendra Ram, and Neha Rouniyar, from different castes in Nepal, faced severe challenges after their inter-caste marriage. Despite completing the legal marriage registration, they experienced harassment allegedly under the direction of the Home Minister and senior police officials.

The couple was reportedly pursued and detained by police, with claims of misuse of state power to break their relationship. They were even arrested in Mumbai by a police team sent from Nepal and charged with child marriage, despite already being of legal age. The couple petitioned the National Human Rights Commission and the Supreme Court of Nepal, which ultimately ruled in their favor, allowing Neha to stay with Satyendra.

Neha's father, Surendra Rouniyar, a businessman with political connections, allegedly used his influence to manipulate law enforcement against them. The case highlights issues of caste discrimination, misuse of authority, and legal lapses in Nepal, sparking public outrage and raising questions about human rights and justice for marginalized communities.

Archive: https://archive.md/3ocK4

The Nepal government has updated its peak profile, officially recognising 14 mountains surpassing 8,000 metres.

Experts emphasise, however, that the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA), the body recognised by the International Olympic Committee, must approve the new list for global recognition. The Department of Tourism recently published the revised peak profile on its website, adding six new eight-thousanders to Nepal’s official count.

Four of the newly recognised mountains—Yalung Khang (8,505 metres), Yalung Khang West (8,077 metres), Kanchenjunga Central (8,473 metres), and Kanchanjunga South (8,476 metres)—fall on the Kanchenjunga range.

Two peaks from the Lhotse range—Lhotse Middle (8,410 metres) and Lhotse Shar (8,400 metres)—have been added as well.

14 just in Nepal, that is; 20 worldwide.

Archive: https://archive.md/39dKM

For a group of young Nepali entrepreneurs, the vast accumulation of this low-value plastic waste presented an opportunity.

"A plastic road can use even low-value plastics," said Bimal Bastola, founder of Green Road Waste Management, the organization leading the initiative in Nepal.

Summary:

India and China have reached an agreement to use Lipulekh as a center for pilgrimage without consulting Nepal. This decision aims to resume the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage routes, which were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The agreement was made during a meeting in Beijing between India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as reported by India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Nepal has previously expressed formal disagreements regarding the use of Lipulekh by India and China. Experts in foreign affairs suggest that this agreement adds salt to old wounds, as both countries have ignored Nepal's stance on the matter. According to former diplomats and leaders, the use of Lipulekh should not involve third-party agreements without Nepal's consent, affirming that the territory up to Limpiyadhura is Nepalese.

Critics argue that such unilateral decisions by neighboring countries undermine Nepal's sovereignty and highlight the need for Nepal to assert its rights over its territory, especially given historical treaties and agreements that support its claims.

Archive: https://archive.md/dJUP8

Summary:

Bardiya National Park (BNP) conservationists are concerned about the possible migration of one-horned rhinos to India due to a lack of water sources in their habitat. It is estimated that around 20 rhinos have crossed into the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. Bijaya Raj Subedi, chief of the Division Forest Office in Bardiya, noted that the rhinos moved towards India primarily because of water shortages in the Geruwa area, which is their main habitat.

The Geruwa River's declining water flow has forced wildlife, including rhinos, to seek drinking water elsewhere during the dry season. According to the 2021 national rhino census, Nepal is home to 752 one-horned rhinos, with 38 residing in Bardiya National Park. Conservationists emphasize the need for immediate action to manage the habitat of these rhinos, warning that without intervention, the species may face extinction in Bardiya.

Monitoring efforts have begun to track the rhinos that may have migrated, but officials stated they cannot comment on the situation as no radio collars are used for tracking. Local conservationists are urging national park authorities to improve conditions in Bardiya to retain the rhinos and mitigate displacement caused by factors like noise pollution from nearby highways.

Archive: https://archive.is/htOw1

Summary:

नेपाल एयरलाइन्सका दुई वाइड बडी विमान खरिदमा भएको घुस लेनदेनमा नेपालीमूलका बेलायती नागरिक दीपक शर्मालाई दोषी ठहर गर्दै अमेरिकी अदालतले यूएईका बैंक खाताबाट नेपाली अधिकारीहरूलाई घुस दिएको तथ्य खोलेको छ।

Archive: https://archive.is/DeL8N

So, how's everyone doing?

How's your week been?

Any plans for today?

What are you working on?

Or if you just want to share something or just rant it out.

Summary:

On November 21, 2024, Nepal officially declared its first community-based red panda conservation area, called the Puwamajhuwa Community Red Panda Conservation Area. This important initiative, led by the Red Panda Network (RPN) in collaboration with local stakeholders, aims to protect red pandas and their habitat in a critical ecological corridor located in the biodiverse Himalayas.

Red pandas face threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and overgrazing, with an estimated population of only 2,500 to 10,000 remaining in the wild. The new conservation area spans 116.21 hectares of temperate broadleaf forest and aims to maintain a safe habitat for red pandas while promoting coexistence with local communities.

The conservation area's establishment is part of RPN's long-term goals to create a continuous protected stretch of land connecting various conservation areas across Nepal and India. The initiative emphasizes a community-led approach, involving local residents in the management of the conservation area and aiming to foster sustainable development opportunities that benefit both wildlife and local livelihoods.

The Puwamajhuwa Community Red Panda Conservation Area is seen as a significant milestone for red panda conservation in Nepal, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in protecting endangered species and their habitats. The local government and various organizations are committed to supporting the ongoing management and sustainability of this new conservation area.

Archive: https://archive.is/Xk8mc

Summary:

Smog has enveloped Kathmandu, significantly reducing visibility and obscuring views of the surrounding hills and mountains. On Thursday morning, the air quality deteriorated to hazardous levels, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 155 micrograms per cubic meter, ranking Kathmandu as the eighth most polluted city in the world. Experts warn that this pollution poses serious health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues, attributing the poor air quality to construction dust, vehicle emissions, and stubble burning. The situation raises significant public health concerns as the city grapples with ongoing pollution challenges.

Archive: https://archive.is/WUItn

Summary:

The reconstruction of the Sano Gaucharan Stadium has officially begun, with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City initiating the project. The estimated cost for the renovation is NPR 229,593,999, and the contract has been awarded to Shub Construction for NPR 188,674,827. The Deputy Mayor, Sunita Dangol, inaugurated the project, emphasizing the need for balanced development that includes physical infrastructure alongside economic and social growth.

The stadium will feature a playing field measuring 96 by 62 meters, equipped with an artificial grass surface and a rainwater drainage system. It will include a boundary wall, parking for 28 four-wheeled and 178 two-wheeled vehicles, and adequate restroom facilities for both men and women on different floors. Additional amenities like a physiotherapy room, changing rooms, a first aid room, and team lockers will also be part of the stadium.

The project was publicly announced on April 16, 2024, and received proposals from 16 applicants. The selected contractor was given the order on November 11, 2024, with a completion deadline set for March 2025. The stadium will cover an area of approximately 18 ropanis and will have a spectator capacity of 1,500.

Archive: https://archive.md/1auuv