#479 4 - 10 December 2009 16 pages Rs 30 Dateline Everest

BILLI BIERLING

he cabinet meeting below program for electricity PEAKING ATTENTION: A Buddha figure on the summit of Chomolungma Mt Everest on Friday will generation to meet rising earlier this year. Mountaineers say climate change has made climbing T have drawn international domestic demand, to power the world’s highest mountain more treacherous. attention to the impacts of industries and transportation, climate change in the Himalaya to reduce petroleum imports ahead of next week’s Copenhagen and to export energy so our the creation of the Api-Nampa awareness about climate change. Summit. huge trade deficit with India is and Gaurishankar conservation In Gland this week, the two But the government’s stated narrowed. If that helps to save areas. received WWF’s ‘Leaders for a commitment to reduce Nepal’s the planet, it will be a bonus. In the run-up to Copenhagen, Living Planet’ award. The two carbon emissions, though Prime Minister Madhav WWF’s Climate for Action will also take part in a high- laudable, will not be possible Nepal is preparing to announce program has been on an profile ‘Summit of the without strong tax incentives and a major new commitment to expedition through Europe with Summiteers’ rally in a concrete strategy to switch from switch to renewable energy in Everest summiteeers Apa Sherpa Copenhagen on 11 December, fossil fuels to renewable energy. Copenhagen in the hope that and Dawa Steven Sherpa to raise International Mountain Day. This is needed not just to address rich countries will more climate change, but to rescue our generously support Nepal’s economy. adaptation and mitigation GLOF survivor The country needs a crash efforts. He will also announce Namgye Chumbi and his family barely survived a glacial lake outburst flood in 1985. There are now bigger lakes upstream that are in danger of bursting because of global warming. Full story p8-9 2 EDITORIAL 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Editor: Kunda Dixit Desk Editor: Rabi Thapa CEO: Ashutosh Tiwari Design: Kiran Maharjan DGM Sales and Marketing: Sambhu Guragain [email protected] Marketing Manager: Subhash Kumar Asst. Manager: Arjun Karki Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur Fax: 5251013 Struggle for existence [email protected] GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu 5250333/845 www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press 5250017-19 survey of key recent India’s support; the Maoists rely they are holding up a baby long events is revealing. on their massive organisational after its Nepali parents have A There are increasing structure and ability to cripple given up on it. HELD HOSTAGE incidents of Maoist land- the state. Their respective So what we are seeing now is grabbing and forest-clearing in constituencies are telling them a real struggle to determine the It is pretty obvious what all the petrol queues, the harvest the Tarai to settle supporters not to compromise and instead balance of power, seen as seizures, land grabs, extortion and hotel strikes are leading up to: the nationwide general strike that the Maoists will enforce on 9 from the mid-hills. The Maoists prepare for a ‘final necessary to determine which December. The Maoists are holding a gun to the head of every are in the process of announcing confrontation’. side will dominate the Nepali to threaten the ruling coalition to take them back into autonomous But there is another pattern discussions on the shape of the government. It is a hostage situation. to the recent incidents. Nepali state, and who will There is a sense of desperation in the Maoist strategy. The All of them essentially subsequently run it. This battle whole idea is to disrupt life, spread chaos and a sense of total PLAIN SPEAKING revolve around three broad is so fundamental that no short- breakdown so that a fed-up populace will say ok, let’s put them Prashant Jha issues – land, federalism, and cut deal will fix the problem. back into office and get it over with. the state of the security sector. What is needed is a really There is no doubt that being the largest party, the Maoists Three years on from the CPA, broad alliance across parties, deserve to be in the coalition. In this paper we have repeatedly ethnicity/nationality based there has been little progress on diverse segments of civil called for a national government made up of all large parties, provinces. The NC has not yet any of those fronts. society, ethnic groups, classes, because it is ‘unnatural’ (to borrow Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s phrase) for it to be any other way. But the Maoists have been submitted a common draft of its There are still demands for and international actors. This their own worst enemy by being unable or unwilling to rein in vision of federalism to the CA the return of confiscated can then facilitate another their violent vanguard units and their use of terror and by committee. The NA has been property, while the Maoists accord that builds on the CPA making no attempt to hide their end goal of totalitarian control of facing relentless international continue to insist on the need and takes on board the anxieties the state. pressure to punish major Whatever is holding up the power-sharing agreement, these violators of human rights, rather strikes and disruptions are pressure tactics to improve the not reward them. And the PLA is Maoist bargaining position. It is a time-honoured tactic practiced organising a major sports While the titans battle it by past masters of this art, that is the NC and UML since 1990: jamboree to celebrate its ninth you punish the people by ordering stoppages to harass your anniversary in a few months. political opponent. out, we have no choice but The Maoists can selectively Take the threatened hotel strike. The party’s central union has directed its units to go on strike demanding salary increases cite instances and accuse the to watch and wait commensurate with the civil service pay hike earlier this year. other side of being ‘regressive That increase was announced after many years, whereas the reactionaries’ bent on protecting hotels have been hiking staff salaries almost every year and the present state. The others can for ‘scientific’ land reform. of all actors – from the parties’ the lowest salary of a hotel worker is more than double the in turn point to the pattern of There has been broad acceptance suspicion of the Maoist minimum wage. peace agreement violations by the of the decision to adopt a commitment to pluralism; the The Maoists have chosen a soft target to make a populist Maoists and claim the former federal structure, but little Maoist need for credible move against rival unions. It is no coincidence that they have rebels are ‘preparing for an urban concrete discussion on how guarantees that they will have a chosen the hotel owned by the president of the Hotel Association insurrection’ to establish a ethnicity will be stake in a changed power of Nepal, Shangri-La, and two hotels people’s accommodated. Most structure; the NA’s fears that where the state has shares: Radisson republic. worryingly, NA continues to be this is all a conspiracy to and Hyatt. They have threatened to harm the children of mid-level managers in Both bloated and unreformed, and is subvert the institution; and the these hotels to force them to join the perspectives increasingly restless about the apprehension of the action. might be restrictions on recruitment and marginalised that they will There are indications of a major split considered at arms supplies. Meanwhile, the never move beyond token between the top union bosses in the least partially PLA has become stronger and representation. Maoist party and their second echelon, fair. What we more cohesive with state The possibility of such an mainly over the spoils of extortion are funding, and is a distinct alliance or agreement is zilch revenue. The hotels, the petrol stations, witnessing is political voice within the right now. It will only happen and the Nepali people are ensnared by a a battle to Maoist structure. when all sides recognise that revolution that is now beginning to devour determine the On top of this, we live with they have to work together, its own children. We can’t do much but precise the fiction of the CPA, which shedding both entrenched endure the next two weeks of turmoil the best we can. balance of still has no independent privileges and dogma. For this The ideal outcome would be a deal power. Both monitoring mechanism. Nepali to happen, there has to be a that gives the Maoists a face-saving exit sides feel actors only remember the accord crisis that shakes them out of from an agitation of their own making so they are when they have to accuse the their stupor and brings home they can rejoin the political mainstream. stronger than other side of breaching it. the point that Nepal is too But as long as this party continues to the other. The Internationals can point to the fragmented for the hegemony of believe in violence and refuses to stop non-Maoists importance of the CPA all they one ideology or actor. sowing terror there will be no space for it feel confident like, and it does serve a purpose Till then, we can only watch in this or any future state mechanism. with the in deterring an outright and wait as confrontation army and resumption of violence. But escalates. KIRAN PANDAY

LLL ETTERS

NEW PROLETARIAT alluding to different entities under one head standards of human rights, and we abide economics, I have also witnessed how This is an interesting article (‘The new – and potentially misleading statements by our code of conduct based on halfhearted R&D is in our banks. I proletariat’, #478). I agree that living contained in the article that need to be principles of transparency and sincerely doubt if they ever present a abroad widens people’s horizons, and clarified. accountability, non-political party thoughtful assessment of the brings other positive and negative Eighty-eight INGOs working in Nepal partisanship, legal compliance, macroeconomic environment in their loan sociocultural changes besides. You are members of the Association of performance-oriented culture, commitment appraisals. They are driven more by mention the ethnic mix of the people International NGOs in Nepal (AIN). Our to equity and diversity and a grounding in cash flows and accounting statements travelling abroad: I would say a members do not implement projects and civil society. without reflecting on how those disproportionate number come from the programs directly. AIN also has strategic INGOs normally raise funds from/ projections can change with changes in Tarai. What does this suggest? Perhaps plan and partnership guidelines that through their home countries. They also the broader economy. On a separate most manpower agents are based in the encourage its partners to work with national bid for resources that are available note, I was quite taken aback when the Tarai, or, due to the economic deprivation organisations. Some AIN members have internationally. What must not be forgotten pay limitation measure was announced. there, people are more eager to work regional bases, which are not established is that many INGOs also have to provide Apart from some hullabaloo, there wasn’t abroad. for implementing programs directly – as matching funds on resources they raise even any attempt to present a newspaper Rishav, web implied by the writer – but rather to for Nepal and these are usually done article assessing the policy stance, let facilitate operations and provide technical through global competitive processes. alone stand up to it. POLITICS OF AID assistance to partner NGOs. Others may Mohan Rai, Chair and Steering Anjan, web Rabin Subedi’s article (‘Politics of aid’, have offices in some districts, on a short- Committee, Association of International #478) has certainly opened up an term basis for emergency response NGOs in Nepal, email SILENT SOLDIERS interesting debate. While we respect his purposes only. INGOs are registered with Wow, such an inspiring story (‘Silent subjective opinions as to whether INGOs the Social Welfare Council (SWC) and not BANKING BASICS soldiers’, #478)! People like Roshani should raise funds and tap resources at the district headquarters. I echo your sentiment (‘Banking basics’, Didi should be running the country not the from Kathmandu country offices or not, AIN members are guided by #478). Having worked in Nepal’s banking idiotic politicians! there are some overgeneralisations – internationally defined principles and industry and now pursuing a doctorate in Rosh, web OP-ED 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479 3 Bustling Janakpur

JANAKPUR – A day before the Vivah nothing to export. The lure of jobs abroad Panchami festival, it was impossible to But it’s not on the road to Mithila has sapped agriculture of energy, walk on the city’s thoroughfares. Two days innovation and investment. Youngsters later, the groom and his party had already that are left behind fall prey to armed left for Ayodhya, the bride had returned to gangs. The nexus between politics and her sanctum sanctorum, and all the pilgrims crime is a worldwide phenomenon; here it had gone to Gadhimai for the greatest is as naked as across the border in Bihar. sacrificial show on earth. Private schools don’t teach, they The festivities failed to attract high- guarantee ‘First Division’ for a fee. profile visitors this year. The three Medical practitioners function as the celebrities to grace the ritual marriage of referral agents of nursing homes in the Hindu deities Ram and Sita were all Kathmandu. Touts abound outside court premises. The most belligerent rickshaw- wallahs in the country are to be found STATE OF THE STATE here. Shopkeepers behave as if they C K Lal couldn’t care less about the customer on the counter. And yet, despite visible signs of decay and despondency, people in the has-beens – the ‘inactive’ VP Parmanand street don’t appear to be desperate to Jha, former PM KP Bhattarai and leave. It’s the other way round, in fact; controversial ‘godman’ Pilot Baba from more settlers are building houses as the India. Unlike in the past, nobody from the town grows in all directions. former royal family in Kathmandu showed Unlike the oppressive pessimism that up and DPM Bijay Gachhadar preferred to hangs thick at social gatherings in helicopter into the killing fields of Kathmandu, everybody in Janakpur Bariyapur. seems to think that things can only get The owner of an eatery near the better. Faith is probably the source of this Barahbigha grounds points towards or a proper hospital. And yet land prices from an outlet within the temple premises. undying optimism: since Mithila’s past has makeshift toilets erected by the are higher here than either Biratnagar or Priests at other shrines have learnt how to been glorious, the future can’t be municipality for pilgrims and complains, Birganj. Like many urban centres of the fleece unsuspecting devotees in the name otherwise. Meanwhile, all that needs to be “These would have been all full. This year middle hills in Nepal, the prosperity of this of ‘special puja’ and ‘milk, honey and ghee done is to endure the present. And therein the pilgrims left immediately for Bara and settlement is based on remittances. baths for holy shaligrams’. Unsurprisingly, lies the root of all the problems: there’s no there was no business from the very next Manpower agencies and money Gulf returnees are the most generous need to exert yourself if you are destined day.” transfer units do brisk business throughout worshippers and the most profligate to be great anyway! But other than these annual festivals, the year. Planes fly full five times a day. A spenders at the beer bars and rooftop Growing towns like Janakpur require Janakpur’s not even a tourist town. With the major portion of remittances goes into land restaurants. heavy investment in infrastructure to cope cigarette factory and flour mills closed, and houses. The rest finds its way to the The perils of the remittance economy with their increasing populations. But if there are no industries worth the name narrow street between the Janaki and Ram are impossible to miss. Conspicuous one thing were to be prioritised over all here. All trade and commerce is local, as temples, where jewellery shops have consumption – once considered sinful – is else, it has to be waste management. For Janakpur is not on the road to Kathmandu, driven out utensil sellers and clothiers. now fashionable. Containers that bring in this boom town, the road to greatness runs and is far away from the rail links to The management of Janaki temple too consumer goods from Birganj and beyond along a functioning sewer and passes Calcutta. It doesn’t even have a university has gone commercial: prasad is now sold have to return empty, as this region has through an incinerator. z On the web

In YOUR VIEW, our new Aid is a dangerous weapon used by powerful online debate forum at states to keep control of weak and www.nepalitimes.com, we underdeveloped states like ours. IMF, World asked readers how we can Bank, USAID and all other development reduce aid dependency in organisations who shed money in Nepal have Nepal. Selected comments their own individual interests to fulfill. So below: the sooner we get rid of it all, the better we’ll be able to think on our own feet and implement what is best. Political stability, good internal security and Maili public-private partnership can create a climate conducive for the expansion of ‘Aid’ is a market just like any other market. private businesses and public services. Nepalis have been reasonably good at it and Increased industrial output, increased jobs, have managed to capture some of that market. increased access to education and healthcare However, there is a lot of scope for are the things needed to lift us out of improvement. poverty. Jange MD (comments have been edited for clarity) Why do we always conceive aid in terms of financial aspects (i.e. economic growth in the country through foreign aid). What about knowledge, ideas and the ideological aspects In the blogs: of aid? Why do we hesitate to look at the (www.nepalitimes.com/blogs) relationships of aid from a broader perspective of poverty, people, development East-West: Kunda Dixit writes from the and bureaucratic practices? road on his ‘People After War’ book tour. Manhora Khadka The Brief: A new feature, Daily Analysis, provides much needed context to the news Begging for money never works. Shut down headlines from Sunday to Friday. all NGOs and INGOs immediately. Start to punish corrupt bureaucrats. All youths should do development work after they Visit www.nepalitimes.com to comment on complete their schooling. Award people who this issue’s articles, and for exclusive create jobs in society. Then invite the online content, debate forums and international business houses for investment multimedia features. by forming policies to provide security. Webguy

4 HEALTH 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479 Unwanted in Achham RUMA RAJBHANDARI examinations to determine the sex of the baby before it was finally confirmed that it was a girl. She then had a D&C (dilation and earing a red and green sari, a phuli curettage) to abort the female fetus. in her nose, a fair, middle-aged This time, she’d heard from people in her W woman timidly approached my village that Bayalpata Hospital had a ‘video x- desk in the Outpatient Department of ray’ (the term for an ultrasound in these parts) Bayalpata Hospital, Accham. Averting her and thought she would just come here to find gaze from mine, she looked at the floor and out the sex of the baby, as she knew the spoke softly, not wanting anyone else in the hospital provided free services. room to hear. Her urine pregnancy test did turn out to “I have seven girls. I had one boy but he be positive. But despite her protests, we had died when he was very young. I’ve been to to tell her that we do not use ultrasound to Dhangadi two times before but both times tell patients the sex of their babies. If she they were girls and I got rid of them.” wanted to keep the baby, whatever sex it was, we would provide her with appropriate antenatal care. If she “I have seven girls…” did not want to keep the baby because she felt she had had On further questioning, she revealed that enough children, we could provide her with she had not menstruated in four comprehensive abortion care as long as the months. She thought she could be pregnant fetus was no more than 12 weeks old. again and wanted to know if it was a boy or a Despite an hour of counselling, she left girl. If it was a boy, she would keep it. If it saying she would now have to go to Dhangadi was a girl, she would abort. Her husband was again for an ultrasound. an auxiliary health worker in a neighbouring At Bayalpata Hospital, encounters like village and was understanding; he loved his this are common. Many of the pregnant seven girls. But she was sick and tired of women that come to the hospital come hearing the neighbours and her extended knowing we have free ultrasound services, family suggesting she was a useless wife who and hope that we can tell them the sex of could not produce sons. They’d even tell her their baby. Counselling such women seems husband he should marry another. futile in a society where the male child is so The year before, when she became highly valued. Unless the status of women pregnant, she and her husband had spent as a whole improves throughout Achham, almost Rs 40,000 on medical treatment in the women who have the means will continue RUMA RAJBHANDARI Indian town of Paliya, which borders to make the long journey to Dhangadi and WELCOME HOME: A newborn delivered at Bayalpata Hospital, Achham. Dhangadi. She’d undergone three ultrasound India.

Himal Khabarpatrika 1-15 December

COVER Deal close Political forces find the continued deadlock untenable

INTERVIEWS Krishna Prasad Sitaula Barsha Man Pun

Report card of cabinet members Prime Minister Nepal is ‘Just Pass’

EDITORIAL Break the silence Secret deal on Airbus purchase

Timothy Garton Ash on the legacy of the Velvet Revolution

BACK PAGE Prateek Pradhan on inclusivity Constitution supplement Madhes citizenship issue C P Mainali on the new constitution Models of federalism in the CA BUSINESS 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479 5 Back to labour woes

he Beed was told something interesting last One step T week at a dinner. When the Maoists were in power, why forward, did they raise salaries by a mere Rs 1,400 when they could have how many raised it by Rs 12,000 or even Rs backwards? 15,000 ? Isn’t it unfair for the Maoists to pressurise the current government to do something they KIRAN PANDAY did not do themselves when they thousands of people that enter But no economy can live just on were in government? It is, but it the job market every year. If there the value created by inflated explains how opposition parties are no enterprises, there is no prices. labour, so no labour rights. That The onus is thus on the ECONOMIC SENSE seems obvious, but since creation private sector to find a solution of employment opportunities is that protects labour rights Artha Beed paramount for Nepal’s sustainable without compromising the right growth, it becomes important to to run enterprises. So private deploy their cadres to build bell this cat. Without large-scale sector leaders, can you rise to the pressure on governments. In the enterprises or hotels, investment occasion? early 90s, UML performed will continue to chase real estate. www.arthabeed.com beautifully as an activist, donor- funded NGO. UML is getting a taste of its own medicine now. Why don’t the donors who aided the labour groups engage in a little introspection to determine when they crossed the line? Perhaps a similar exercise will be necessary fifteen years from now to figure out who took the inclusion/ exclusion and federalism debate too far. Since the Indian Airlines hijacking ten years ago, every ray of hope that’s shone on the Nepali tourism industry has been quickly dashed by disruptive labour strikes or lockouts. Yet the hospitality business continues to be reactive, rather than proactive, in its approach to such problems. It made a big mistake, for example, in succumbing to demands for a service charge. As a result, service in the hotels and restaurants has deteriorated sharply. There is no incentive for people to serve customers better, since they are assured a cut of every purchase. But entrepreneurs who decided against transparency created much doubt amongst their workers as to actual revenues and the fairness of distribution in the first place. The common man, however, doesn’t see the closures forced by labour issues in the proper light. Instead, he wonders: why don’t entrepreneurs resolve these problems? Whenever discussions on the matter take place with multilaterals and consultants, the private sector talks about how labour reform is the most important agenda. Reform, however, hasn’t been forthcoming. In the last 15 years, each government has decried unions in public, even as they wink at them in private. Both labour unions and leaders have decided to ignore the bearing labour issues have on the larger economy, as political achievements are considered more important than the welfare of the common worker. If labour-intensive industries and the hospitality industry don’t grow, there is no other place to employ the hundreds of 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479 Anti-federal The Maoist agenda

Interview with Ram Bahadur Thapa in constitution are issues linked with government and forces alert Kantipur, 29 November civilian supremacy.

Janadisha, 1 December Did you know you would have to leave the What is the priority for the Maoists: government, government for sacking Katawal? peace process or constitution? We knew it all. It was expected to happen. The The Maoists’ plan to announce federal states on 20 October has Our policies make it clear, it is our opponents who recruitment issue came up before we resigned. raised the hackles of the anti-federal forces. Instead of try to confuse matters. We Katawal was in constant implementing the federal system as pronounced in the interim would not have left the touch with leaders, constitution, the status quoists seem terrified by the idea. government if it were our ambassadors and After a decade-long armed insurgency and the success of priority. It is not our agenda. journalists. It was a Jana Andolan II, the interim constitution has envisaged Nepal as a Democratic norms, peace and carefully taken step. We federal state as desired by the people, but the NC and UML are constitution are our priorities, were saying the regressive acting against the spirit of the constitution. The Maoists have now meaning the president’s forces were actively trying decided to announce the federal units in the third phase of their unconstitutional move should to make the constitution- agitation, not to form a parallel government but to facilitate the be corrected and we should writing and peace process of putting a federal system into place, says Maoist move forward. The Maoists’ processes fail. However, politburo member Deb Gurung. resolution should be discussed their design has not in parliament. Political parties succeeded yet. should reach a consensus to establish civilian supremacy. Is there any guarantee that the ongoing agitation won’t But the ruling parties are end up benefiting the saying the Maoists are trying to regressive forces? regain power in the name of The constitution will not be civilian supremacy. written and the peace process will be derailed if They are free to say that. The government is also an protests are not launched to make the people aware agenda. We are not sanyasi, we never said we don’t of the need to stand up for their rights. There is want to be in the government. The government and danger of militarisation, instead of the integration of civilian supremacy are interrelated. Peace and the PLA.

Contrary to the interim constitution provision, the status quoists are orchestrating a drama aiming to prevent it, and are Vultures disappear spreading rumours that the Maoists are preparing to capture state power. If the political parties attempt to go against the spirit of the Yamlal Bhusal in Nepal Samacharpatra on vultures are rarer. Jana Andolan, people will not hesitate to rise up in the future. The status quoists are used to milking the state for personal 27 November “Only 5-6 vultures are born every year here; benefit. They are trying to make a few changes in the 1990 vultures only lay one egg, which takes 9-10 constitution and introduce it as a new constitution. Also, though the months to hatch.” Maoists took up the agenda of federalism ever since the people’s Rising temperatures in Lo Manthang, Mustang, Two recent studies have shown that the war, the NC and UML only took up the slogan of federalism during have reduced the local vulture population of vultures has the CA elections with an ulterior motive. population and hindered indigenous dropped by about 30 per The Maoists will be announcing federal units in 13 different funeral ceremonies that require the birds. cent a year. places. The demarcation of states, number of units and their The Gurung community in the area While there is names can be changed in the course of discussing state feeds their dead to vultures, believing speculation that restructuring. But most political parties, during discussions in the that this will send the deceased to climate change is at State Restructuring and Sharing of State Power Committee, have heaven. It has recently become difficult fault, this hasn’t been proposed 13 to 15 states, though the NC has not yet finalised its draft. to perform the ceremony because confirmed. CONSTITUTION 2010 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479 7 “My enthusiasm has died”

Surya Bahadur KC, RPP CA member, Kaski

Will the constitution be written on time? I’m in the committee on the distribution of natural resources, financial rights and public revenue. This committee is yet to write its draft paper. Because of Maoist protests, CA meetings have been suspended since September.

So will the constitution be written on time? Only if the political parties reach a consensus. Otherwise, it will be difficult. But more than DEWAN RAI the question of whether or not the constitution will be written, Preserving our heritage we ought to worry about whether it will he institutional and administrative arrangements in Protection Act of 1956 classifies as archaeologically be inclusive, a federal system are crucial in preserving a country’s important. since we have T heritage, but haven’t received much attention to date. Constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari added that public little experience The constitution drafting committees are still stuck on participation, with coordination from the federal or with federalism. debating the political system and state structures. provincial centres, is also important. He cited the The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural experiences of other countries as instructive in the proper What are the Organization (UNESCO) and the Centre for Constitutional division of heritage management responsibilities between main Dialogue organised a one-day workshop on 25 November on different levels of government. obstacles? the role of the federal system in preserving Nepali heritage. In India, for instance, the state and national Negative A host of state institutions direct the government’s efforts governments work together and implement their decisions thoughts and to preserve Nepali heritage, but how that heritage will be through multiple organisations. In Australia, the ignorance of managed in the new, secular federal arrangement is still an commonwealth and national government take the lead and national interests open question. are advised by state monitors. in favour of Kosh Prasad Acharya, former DG of the Department of Adhikari said, “The central government should have communal and Archaeology, suggests the establishment of a commission to supervisory powers over the protection of national heritage, party interests. preserve heritage in the spirit of a secular federal republic. He its sustainable economic use, and the enforcement of MUKESH POKHAREL said, “The state should support marginalised communities international conventions. It should manage vulnerable What do you without becoming too meddlesome.” heritage sites, while provinces should manage world heritage think federalism should be based on? According to him, the central and provincial government sites.” Personally, I don’t favor ethnicity based should formulate broad policies, but leave the legwork to He also suggested the establishment of a national federalism. A lot of CA members don’t either, but local governments and communities. “It’s because of the work heritage council of experts to advise national and provincial have been ignored since party leaderships of local communities, not the government, that festivals like governments. overwhelmingly support federalism. Only regional chandi, chhat and deuda, which were unfamiliar to many in Nepal Rastriya Jatiya Sangralaya representive Bam federalism, with the Himalayas, mid-hills and the Kathmandu 15 years ago, are so well known today,” said Kumari Budha pointed out that ILO convention 169 gives Tarai part of each region, will be successful. Acharya. ethnic groups the authority to preserve and promote their Recently, the Department of Archaeology classified articles culture and heritage. “State restructuring on the basis of Is there any chance the constitution won’t of heritage in 38 districts into three categories according to ethnicity, language and region is all confusing. But we have be written? their cultural importance. There are 70 articles in A, 61 in B to ensure that autonomy with self determination or When I first entered the CA, I was very and 256 in C, in descending order of importance. Bishnu Raj whatever we call it, assures ethnic communities the rights enthusiastic. But that enthusiasm died the Karki, current DG of the Department of Archaeology, said the they have by international conventions.” moment I discovered that the CA was more new constitution should give authority over category A to Nepal’s eight world heritage sites and other sites of focused on communal and regional rather than the federal government, while B and C should be managed by national importance are at threat. Many more will be national interests. The feeling of togetherness is provincial governments. Provincial governments should designated in the years to come. If we are to preserve our lost. gradually get local authorities to manage C category articles national heritage for the future enjoyment of all, local and sites over 100 years of age, which the Ancient Monument communities have be in the forefront. z

“The rush of foreign wives and husbands to Nepal will stop”

Ushakala Rai, UML CA member, Khotang Which parties would you blame? related to nationality. It’s The Maoists, NC and CPN-UML. also important to ensure How have you spent your days in the CA? gender equality. The I’m very busy. I am the coordinator of the sub- Why hasn’t your committee completed its draft paper? committee’s draft treats committees on gender and sexuality and women’s I’m in the constitutional committee. Half of the all citizens equally, rights study and recommendations, under the constitution will be based on our report, so it’s very whether male or female. committee on fundamental rights and directive important to ensure that the draft protects everyone’s principles. rights. So, more foreign brides than grooms have come MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA But isn’t the CA suspended? What is the biggest disagreement with regards to the to Nepal? Although assembly meetings have been suspended, citizenship issue? Yes. But, neither will for long. If you originally had committee meetings have continued. There has been some disagreement between the Tarai- foreign citizenship, and you marry a Nepali, you will based parties and the committee on the issue of only be granted naturalised Nepali citizenship if you Will the constitution be written on time? citizenship. The Home Ministry reports that about stay here for 15 years following marriage. Most of those People are worried that it won’t be written on time 300,000 women and 200,000 men were given citizenship in the committee agree that only those who claim Nepali because of disagreements among the political parties. last year. Foreign women who married Nepali men came citizenship through both their parents will be eligible to The politicians don’t have a right to wreck the country. to Nepal, but not vice versa. Therefore, this question is hold high office. 8 CLIMATE CHANGE

The Thamserku Glacier with its tongue-shaped moraine indicating the extent of the ice till recently. DEFROS TEXT and PHOTOS KUNDA DIXIT can cope with risi Maps of the E water in the Imja lake here two km he people in the mountains of Nepal do not know deep. If Imja Tso b that the futures of their children and grandchildren downstream. are tied up with how the preparatory meetings for Melting glacie T the international climate change conference next dramatic visible p week in Copenhagen go. people downstre Will the rich countries agree to cut back to 40 per cent of Pakistan depend 1990 emissions in the next ten years (which scientists warn for water. is needed to keep the average rise of global temperatures to But the focus within two degrees Celsius) or will they stall at the 13 per from the water. T cent the Americans say is as far as they can go? The storing groundw Copenhagen meet will also reveal whether the rich countries nine per cent of t are actually willing to help developing countries make the glaciers. The res switch from fossil fuel to renewables, and whether they change is also affe will help to fund adaptation measures so the world’s poor rainfall events an

Green lakes created by the melting glacier, coloured by copper-rich rocks below Ama Dablam (above), and the North Ama Dablam Glacier with melt pools where there used to be ice (below). 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479 9

What should Nepal do? Himalayan

Given the low per capita carbon footprint of Nepalis (less than one ton of carbon dioxide STED per person per year, compared to 30 tons in Europe and 300 tons per capita in Qatar) the tsunami ing sea levels and receding snowlines. issue of climate equity is bound to come up in Everest region from the 1960s show no Copenhagen next week. a Glacier below Lhotse. Today there is a No matter what Nepal does, it will not t was an uncharacteristically m long, 500 metres across and 100 metres make that much of a dent in saving the world I sunny day for the monsoon, bursts, it will unleash a catastrophic flood from climate change. But Nepal needs to with blindingly clear skies. switch to renewables not just to do our bit to Namgye Chumbi was weeding save the planet, but also to save our economy. ers and receding snowlines are the most his potato garden in Phakding by Nepal imports all of its petroleum products proof of global warming. Nearly 1 billion the Dudh Kosi on the morning of from refineries in India and the trade deficit is 4 August 1985. eam in China, southeast Asia, India and growing. This growing economic reliance on There weren’t too many on the Himalaya and the Tibetan plateau India is going to deepen as the world’s oil trekkers on the trail. The Dudh reserves peak, and crude oil becomes more Kosi was tumbling noisily over s on snow and ice takes attention away expensive. This will only increase our political boulders nearby. Around two in The Himalaya is also a gigantic sponge dependence on our southern neighbour. Unless the afternoon, the river went ater. In fact, scientists estimate that only we implement a strategy to start a hydro quiet. Namgye sensed danger. the water in the Ganga is from melting economy. For Nepal, switching to renewables “I noticed that the white water st is from monsoon runoff, and climate is a political imperative, not just an had turned muddy brown, and in ecting weather patterns, leading to extreme environmental question. the distance I heard a thundering nd droughts. z sound like an approaching helicopter,” recalls the 50-year- old farmer. “I looked upstream and saw this huge wall of dark brown water approaching very MELTDOWN: Imja Tso below fast.” the south wall of Lhotse, with Namgye indicates the level Ama Dablam beyond, is now of the river with his left hand and raises his right hand over his head like a 2 km long. There was no lake cobra to illustrate what he saw. here 40 years ago. He dropped everything and began to run up the mountain. His wife, Sherkima, had more presence of mind, and picked up their two young children Hira and Tsering and followed her husband. They reached a ledge as the thunderous flood raced by beneath their heels. The ground was shaking, and the sound was deafening. The family lost everything. If they had been just a few seconds slower, they would have lost their lives as well. Their millet farm upstream was cut in half, as the river changed its course and started flowing through its terraces. Nearly 25 years later, Namgye has built a new house higher up the mountain, where his married children and four grandchildren live together today. Namgye points out one boulder the size of his house in the middle of the Dudh Kosi that was brought down by that terrible flash flood.

THIS HIGH: Namgye Chumbi gestures to describe the wall of water from a glacial lake outburst that nearly killed him and his family 25 years ago (top). After his house and farm were washed away, Namgye rebuilt his home on the top banks of the Dudh Kosi (small house at centre, above) in this aerial picture.

The Dudh Kosi deposited debris up to 15 metres high downstream. The water stayed muddy and high for two weeks until it finally started to recede. Villagers in Jorsale and Phakding were puzzled that there was a flood when there had been no rain; they only found out later that a glacial lake called Dig Tso had burst upstream in the Bhote Kosi Valley. Namgye Chumbi still doesn’t know the reason for the flood. He does know there is another large lake called Imja Tso that may burst at any time. This was what scientists call a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). There is a major GLOF on a Himalayan river every ten years or so. A major flood in 1983 caused by a glacial lake burst in Tibet washed away 25 km of the Kodari Highway and put the Sun Kosi hydropower plant out of action. The frequency of these floods is increasing because of climate change. z 10 NATION 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479

of the west, an undiscriminating appreciation of everything foreign (that is unthreatening to one’s values or practices), one that conflates pizza with Pizza Hut, King of sneers burgers with McDonald’s, fried chicken with KFC. A udging by the persistent lines I don’t care if opening a misconception that these low- outside the KFC/Pizza Hut thousand franchises of all of the grade franchises are indeed the J complex in Darbar Marg, a full above boosts the economy or pinnacle of western civilisation. week after its pompous opening, creates jobs or helps us Or maybe it really is something customers are in for a special conclude the peace process. I’m more fundamental – the discovery culinary treat, the likes of which not proposing we go bomb these of the taste of fast food, in all its has never been experienced in places, or even boycott their gory, primitive glory. Nepal before. I can imagine that products. But please, marketers A Korean housemate of mine when McDonald’s decides to incorporated, don’t go pretending in England received, every three usurp YacDonalds in Kagbeni that any of these franchises exist months, three square feet of (right), Thakalis and Manangis because of the quality of their home from his mother. Open from across the Kaligandaki products. It’s more honest, in the sesame, and there’d be packs of civilised world at least, to cutely over-packaged Korean trumpet their value for money. snacks, sweet, sour, hot, KALAM But why do we seem so plugging the gaps between Rabi Thapa fascinated by fast food in Nepal? canisters of preserved foods. If cheapness is not Fiery kimchii, scrumptious necessarily a factor in Darbar shrimps, fried fish, creations I Valley will throng the narrow Marg – considering that holding could only dream of within the alleys of that village day in day onto the franchise entails bland bounds of blighty. But what out, braving sub-zero payments of 7 crore rupees ($1 did this scion of a proud culinary temperatures and snow blizzards million) a year – then is it the tradition do while these and GLOFs. Now the word on the reliable uniformity of the delicacies did time at the back of street is Budweiser, the self- products, something that will the fridge? He’d boil up a proclaimed King of Beers, will become apparent once the frankfurter, trap it within two soon be available in the Nepali franchises expand? Is it the slices of white bread, and splurt market. efficiency of fast food, especially half a bottle of ketchup onto it. But the truth is, KFC does not given plummeting service Perhaps good food is more fry up anything close to the best standards across our nation’s than some can take, at least all of chicken and chips in the world restaurants? Or is it even the the time. And perhaps fast food,

(‘Nobody does chicken like RABI THAPA calorific lure of conventional, far from representing an KFC’), nor does Pizza Hut cholesterol fast food? unnatural devolution from the manufacture anything that honours Asia doesn’t know how to make a I’m not convinced these, or ideal of hunting and gathering all the pizza’s proud Italian ancestry Eat and drink decent beer. Now we are other explanations the ingredients necessary for a (‘Now You’re Eating!’). Any of the supposed to feel grateful that this conventionally offered to explain considered, respectful and innumerable roadside tandoori what you insipid, piss-weak approximation the inexorable rise of fast food respectable slow food joints in Nepal will best the of a lager (yes, that’s you, buddy) franchises, yet apply experience, is actually, equally, a Colonel’s oil-drenched, bland, please, but will soon be served as a premium straightforwardly in Nepal. If they tribute to our roots as rather soft-boned offerings. And Pizza beverage to those who take for did, why would prosperous baser creatures, happy with Hut is to pizza what Budweiser is don’t pretend granted the apologetic slogans of Nepalis visiting London or New primary colours and tastes, to beer. The prospect of this last it’s caviar if another great pretender, Carlsberg York express a preference for, simpler times and tunes. If only abomination has me frothing at the – probably the best beer in the nay, insist on fast food? the marketers were as honest as mouth. Practically the whole of it ain’t world. Perhaps it’s simply the allure their customers. NATION 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479 11

Buddhists for nature

hile pilgrims thronged the killing fields of Bariyapur, Bara, W and local merchants in Janakpur lamented the low turnout at the Vivah Panchami festival, thousands of devotees gathered at the Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini, from 23-25 November. They were there to commemorate the golden jubilee of the 41st throne holder of the Sakya Order, His Holiness the Sakya Trizin. What made this congregation special was its emphasis not only on peace, but also its modern outlook on the importance of nature conservation. As the Sakya Trinzin (above, left) put it in the presence of WWF representatives: “For the sake of future generations, nature should not be destroyed in the name of development. The solution for climate change lies in forest protection. Every human being is responsible for the protection of wildlife and combating the impacts of climate change.” z ALL PICS: MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA 12 NATION 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479 Manang sans Manangis

DEWAN RAI Life is difficult for Manangis who have not migrated. These women are carrying compost to prepare the fields for winter wheat. he change is obvious. The houses along the trekking T route are built with imported building materials: they Sonam Gurung during the tourist have concrete floors, iron grilles and season. Tourist numbers have gone glass windows. There are bakeries, up since the peace agreement was coffee shops, and movie theatres in signed in 2006, and they are doing Manang village. good business. But the Gurung Basic services like water supply brothers say they want to see the and sewerage, electricity and world. telephone lines are now available. In-migration from neighbouring The erratic NTC mobile network is districts has been on the rise in surprisingly consistent in this recent years, mostly from Gorkha remote district and loadshedding, district. In fact, those from Gorkha unsurprisingly, is less than in the now outnumber Manangis in capital. If it were not for the snow- Manang, says Ram Raja Prasad clad mountains that tower over you Subedi, CDO of the district. Gorkha on both sides, you’d be forgiven for THOMAS KELLY people mostly go to Manang in forgetting you were in a trans- search of employment and end up Himalayan valley of nomadic 1990s, with the increased settling there. people of Tibetan origin, said to The modernisation of Manang popularity of the Annapurna With the construction of the have crossed the mountains in the district has been at the Circuit trek, that a few people road, in-migration is expected to course of hunting and gathering returned to tap tourism. rise. The road linking Besisahar to centuries ago. expense of its local character But Subarna Lama, a hotelier in Chame has been completed up to The only reminder of Manang’s Chame, says that rich Manangis Chhahare, near Syange. This has unique heritage are a few poor either live in Kathmandu or abroad. already shortened the journey from settlements of basic stone stacked Manang district, after all, is one of King Mahendra granted special Subarna’s children study in Besisahar by one day. Tourist one on top of another against a wall the wealthier districts in Nepal, privileges to the Manangis in the Kathmandu, while her husband entrepreneurs may worry about of towering cliffs. They remind you with a per capita income of $504 to 1960s, many moved down to works in the US. Karma Gurung, what this will do to tourism, but of Manang’s medieval beginnings, national average of $240. Kathmandu and beyond and became whose father owns the best hotels hundreds of villagers will benefit but even these houses own modern The Manang valley’s harsh prosperous traders, hoteliers and in Braka, prefers working as a directly from access to the road. The appliances: television sets, VCD/ climate, due to the rain-shadow businessmen. The out-migration bartender in Kathmandu to Manangis may keep on moving, DVD players and radio sets so their created by the Annapurna massif, was intense, and depopulated working in his village. His brother but their heartland, Manang, awaits inhabitants can keep abreast of ensured that its people never lost Manang district between the years Rabi is studying to be a Lama in a future they won’t chart for very happenings in the wider world. their nomadic tendencies. When 1960 to 1990. It was only in the Kathmandu. They help father long. REVIEW 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #47913 Cinematic A Boy from Siklis heights Chandra Gurung’s example is to be celebrated and emulated

PRANAB MAN SINGH

epal’s had no shortage of historical heroes. The nationalistic texts of the Panchayat era in particular helped document and extol national heroes for their role Nin nation-building, or as some would have it, perpetuating the rule of certain dynasties. However, beyond the violent and cunning examples of our Nepali princes and politicians, there are only a handful of others – Buddha, Bhrikuti, Arniko and a few poets and writers – who have made it into this pantheon. Buddha became a god, Bhrikuti and Arniko became heroes by virtue of leaving the country, while the poets and writers lived miserable, neglected The sixth Kathmandu International Mountain Film This film is a potent human drama, a case study of lives. Beyond these, there are precious few examples of Nepali Festival will be held in City Hall and Nepal Tourism how hardball politics is played. The Garden has the heroes known for secular, non-violent achievements. Board from December 11-15, 2009. It will screen 59 pulse of verité with the narrative pull of fiction, So where are the heroes of Nepal? Perhaps in perusing the of the most recent and exciting films about telling the story of the largest urban farm in the US, pages of History with a capital ‘H’, we are simply looking in the mountains, their culture, communities and backroom deals, land developers, green politics, wrong place. In the week of his birth, we would do well to remember environment. There will also be a separate screening money, poverty, power, and racial discord. The film one such modern-day hero, the conservationist, Chandra Gurung. of entries by Nepali filmmakers about the country’s explores and exposes the fault lines in American A charismatic and natural leader, Gurung exemplified post-war social transition called ‘Nepal Panorama’, society and raises crucial and challenging questions perseverance, dedication and the and a screening of short films about climate change. about liberty, equality, and justice for the poorest achievement of a vision that lives Selected synopses below: and most vulnerable among us. on beyond his untimely demise in a 2006 chopper crash. Coming from a traditional Gurung village in the Annapurna region, Gurung’s affinity to nature and the natural beauty of his birthplace led him to direct the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). This project became a global model for how environmental conservation and community development could and indeed had to go hand in hand. Gurung was also responsible for bringing the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) into being, and played a critical role in initiating the Terai WWF Arc Landscape Project (TAL). While KCAP built on his legacy of innovation in ACAP, TAL is a completely new transboundary approach to ecological conservation work. The project protects wildlife national parks, wildlife reserves and buffer zones around A Sea Change them in Nepal and India. It does so by engaging with the local Barbara Ettinger community through sustainable use of the community forests, 86 min livelihood development and increasing awareness through conservation education. Chandra Gurung was as much a teacher and educator as he Imagine a world without fish. A Sea Change is the was a leader and visionary. Some of those he mentored now lead first documentary about ocean acidification, the flip the conservation movement in Nepal. Others, like Manjushree side of global warming. Sven Huseby travels around Thapa, have chosen to support his legacy by bringing it to a wider the world to discover the science behind audience. Her recently released biography of Chandra Gurung, A acidification and what can be done to slow or stop Boy from Siklis, captures not only his accomplishments and ability this global threat. to inspire and lead, but also highlights the void he left behind. But Sherpas-Die Wahren Helden Ah Everest the good work continues, not least through the foundation that was In Search of the Riyal (Sherpas - The True Heroes of Mount set up in his name: the Chandra Gurung Conservation Foundation Kesang Tseten Everest) (CGCF). The foundation seeks to continue Gurung’s work of 88 min Frank Senn, Hari Thapa, Otto C. Honneger promoting people-oriented biodiversity conservation while 93 min educating the upcoming generation about conservation. Perhaps this is how heroes should be judged – not only by what they achieved In the last two decades, many young Nepali men in their own lifetimes, but also in their continuing influence. have set out to work in the Gulf for wages as low as This film follows an expedition of European $6 a day. This film depicts the gritty conditions in mountaineers as they climb Mount Everest, through The Chandra Gurung Conservation Foundation (CGCF) is holding which they live and work. It’s a rare glimpse of a the eyes of their Sherpa porters. Their fears, and the a fundraising event at the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel on Saturday, world Gulf states have taken pains to hide. hardships they face as they help their clients to the 5th Dec. 2009. The event will feature a reading by Manjushree top of the world, are highlighted, and we experience Thapa from A Boy from Siklis, a photo exhibition on Siklis by Sara The Garden the highs and tragic lows of the expedition. Parker, and a guided tour of the zoo. More details at Scott Hamilton Kennedy www.qcbookshop.com 88 min Check www.kimff.org for the festival schedule 14 CITY 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479

ABOUT TOWN Auro (Amitabh Bachchan) is an intelligent, witty 13- year-old boy with an extremely rare genetic defect, EXHIBITIONS progeria, that causes accelerated ageing. Although ™ 3D Images Exhibition by Bishnu mentally he is 13, physically he looks five times older. Kumar Shrestha, 7-13 December, In spite of his condition, Auro is a very happy boy. He 6PM, New Orleans Coffee Shop, lives with his mother Vidya (Vidya Balan), who is a gynaecologist. And Amol Arte (Abhishek Bachchan), Pulchowk, 5522708 Auro’s father, is a young politician full of ideals. He is ™ A people war, permanent photo out to prove to the world that ‘politics’ is not a bad exhibition, Sunday-Friday at Madan world and is a man with a mission. Paa revolves

Puraskar, Patan Dhoka Entertainment around the relationship between Amol and Auro.

EVENTS Call 4442220 for show timings at Jai Nepal

™ Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival, Quest www.jainepal.com 11-15 December, City Hall/Nepal Tourism Board, Exhibition Road, www.kimff.org ™ Annual Art Fair, 4-6 December, 10AM-6PM, Park Gallery, RNJC, Pulchowk, 5522307 sfd ;fgf ] 7nf" ] eGg ] x'Fb}g . kl;gfsf ] s'g} /ª / hft klg x'Fb}g . sfd ™ AWON Christmas Bazaar with locally produced arts and crafts, u/]/ vfg nhfpg' klg x'Fb}g . rf]/]/, 9fF6]/, 5n]/, n'6]/ vfg kf] g]kfn ;/sf/ 5 Dec, 10AM-3.30PM, Hyatt Hotel, [email protected] ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ™ Kathmandu Chorale, a winter concert at The British School, nhfpgk5' { . hf ] hxf F /x/] hg' sfd u5 { pm To;df} /dfpgk5' { uf/a} ;"rgf ljefu Jhamsikhel, 12 December, 3.30PM and 6PM ugk5'{ { / ;dlkt{ eP/ ugk5'{ { . sfd g } zlQm xf,] elQm xf ] / dlQm' ™ Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Centre, Tai Chi 10-11.30AM xf ] . sfdsf ] OHht u/f,}+ kl;gfsf ] ;Ddfg u/f }+ . Saturday, Yoga 8.30-9.30AM and Meditation 5-6PM weekdays, Keshar Mahal Marg, Thamel, 4410402

MUSIC ™ National Folk Music Festival 2009, organised by NMC, 4 Weekly Internet Poll # 479 December, 3PM, Nepal Music Center, Pingalasthan, Battisputali Q. Are you relieved the budget has ™ Dabali, instrumental music by Sajha Prayas Nepal and Aka Fuji been passed? Daiko, 7 December, Rastriya Nachghar, Jamal Total votes: 1,937 ™ Benefit concert for Street Dog Care, at Hyatt Regency Ballroom, by Ani Choying Dolma, 19 December, 5-7PM ™ HyJazz every Friday evening by Inner Groove at the Rox Bar, 4489362 ™ Baja gaja every Tuesday at Moksh, Pulchok, 7.30 PM onwards, 5526212 ™ Live band every Friday and rooftop bbq everyday at Kausi Weekly Internet Poll # 480. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Kitchen, Darbar Marg, 4227288 Q. Do you think the Everest cabinet ™ Sunday Jazz brunch, at The Terrace, Hyatt Regency with meeting is a worthy stunt? barbeque and live jazz by Inner Groove from 12-3.30 PM, 4491234 ™ Live Band Sensation every Saturday till late with Aprilrush at Rox Bar, 4489362 ™ Jazz evening at Delices de France Restaurant every Wednesday, 11AM-2PM, 4260326 ™ Some like it hot, every Friday BBQ and live music by Dinesh Rai and the Sound Minds, Rs 899 at Fusion, Dwarika’s Hotel, 7PM onwards, 4479488 ™ Happy cocktail hour, ladies night on Wednesday with live unplugged music at Jatra Café & Bar, Thamel, 5-7PM ™ Nepali Ghajals and songs at D’Lounge Beijing Duck Restaurant, every Thursday 6.30 PM onwards, 4468589 ™ Rudra Night live fusion music by Shyam Nepali every Friday, 7PM at Gokarna Forest Resort, 4451212 WEEKEND WEATHER DINING by NGAMINDRA DAHAL European Expedition ™ Christmas Cake shop, christmas pudding, chocolate Santa The country will see slightly more rainfall in the coming weeks than it did in Claus, hampers and more at The Lounge, till 31 December, November, the driest month of the year. On most years, Kathmandu gets 15 Legendary mountaineer Apa Sherpa 4491234 mm of rain in December, versus 7 mm in November. Satellite pictures from and fellow Everest summiteer Dawa ™ Lavazza Coffee and Baskin n’ Robbins, at Blue Note Coffee Thursday afternoon show a light westerly front over Kashmir heading towards Steven Sherpa are embarking on an Shop, Lazimpat western Nepal, but it will not have enough moisture to produce significant expedition through 10 European cities – ™ Strawberry Étagère, strawberry flavours at The Lounge, 4.30PM- precipitation. Low pressure over eastern Tibet has generated cloud cover over Prague, Brno, Bratislava, London, Rome, 6.30PM, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, 4491234 parts of Nepal, including Everest base camp, where the cabinet is set to meet Geneva, Chamonix, Vienna, Brussels ™ Oriental Nights, all flavours and specialities of Asia every this Friday. This weekend, expect temperature rises and cloudy skies. and finally to Copenhagen to raise Wednesday at The Café, 6.30PM, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, awareness about the impact of climate 4491234 change in the Himalaya. ™ Aqua Java Zing, bbq and gourmet fare, 4254809 Their European journey will reach out to high-profile politicians and celebrities ™ Live continental BBQ Fiesta, exclusive BBQ Dinner at Splash and people in the streets of these Bar & Grill, Radisson Hotel, from 6.30-10.30PM everyday KATHMANDU European cities whose energy needs will ™ Chocolate, Coffee and Caramel, every evening at The Lounge, determine the future of hundreds of 4.30-6.30PM, 4491234 millions of people who depend on ™ Wine and cheese, every Friday & Saturday at The Lounge, 5- Himalayan waters. 8PM, 4491234 The European Expedition is part of the ™ A cafe’s café, Dhokaima Café, Patan Dhoka, 5522113 KATHMANDU VALLEY Climate for Life Campaign started by ™ Jazzabell Café, relaunched at Jhamsikhel, TGIF, 10% discount WWF Nepal and the Nepal Fri Sat Sun government, its development partners all day, happy hour 6-8PM, 2114075 and many non-profit and private ™ The Corner Bar, 5-7PM, 3-11PM, Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, organizations. 4411818 ™ Al Fresco, for homemade pasta, steak and freshwater trout, www.climate4life.org Soaltee Crown Plaza, 4273999 22-6 21-7 22-5 ™ Kakori, for biryanis, curries and kebabs, Soaltee Crowne Plaza, 7-10.45PM ™ Chez Caroline for French and Mediterranean cuisine, Babar RECIPES by GRAHAM SYDNEY Mahal Revisited, 4263070 ™ Mediterranean cuisine every Friday from Greece, Italy and the Warm pineapple Drain the pineapple, keeping the Middle East at The Café, Hyatt Regency, 4491234 syrup, and cut the slices into 4 equal ™ Teppanyaki meat items and garlic rice at Le Restaurant, Sponge Pudding pieces. Gairidhara, 4436318 ™ Plat Du Jour at Hotel Shangri-La, Lazimpat, Rs 600, 4412999 Cream the butter and sugar together. This simple yet delicious recipe ™ Reality Bites, The Kaiser Café, Garden of Dreams, operated by Beat in the eggs one at a time. Sift in the can varied by using apples, flour and baking powder and add the Dwarika’s Group of Hotels, 9AM-10PM, 4425341 pears, cherries, cranberries or milk. Pour the mixture into a well- ™ Starry night barbecue at Hotel Shangri-La with live performance mixed fruit. greased baking tray and drop the by Ciney Gurung, Rs 999, at the Shambala Garden, every Friday (Serves 4-6) 7PM onwards, 4412999 pieces of pear evenly into the mixture. ™ Himalayan Rainbow Trout at Hotel Yak and Yeti, Darbar Marg, Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180C for 4248999 45-60 minutes. Remove from the oven 200g sugar ™ Tiger for Breakfast, breakfast everyday at 1905, Kantipath, and pour the remaining syrup from the 200g butter tin evenly over the hot pudding. Serve 4215068 4 eggs ™ Stupa View Restaurant, for vegetarian creations & clay oven immediately with your favourite ice 5 dessertspoons milk cream or warmed custard. pizza at Boudha Stupa, 4480262 300g flour ™ Gokarna Forest Resort for a variety of sizzlers at Tripti bar, 2 teaspoon baking powder 4451212 810g tin pineapple slices For inclusion in the listing send information to editors(at)nepalitimes.com HAPPENINGS 4 - 10 DECEMBER 2009 #479 15

KIRAN PANDAY NAMASTE: Australian Ambassador Susan Grave gave out cheques totalling Rs 170,000 to representatives of 17 development projects across the country on Thursday in Maharajganj, under the Australian Embassy's Direct Aid Program.

KIRAN PANDAY HELPING HAND: Policeman Bipendra Thakur helps Saraswati Timilsina through traffic in Tripureshwor during the International Day of Disabled Persons on Thursday.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA NAYA NEPAL: The stage completely obscures the Narayanhiti Palace Museum during the Street Festival in Darbar Marg last week. 16 fashion? guess thatmeansthe Now that Dahit toWFPaskfordonations? commander RoshanTharuaccompanyingroyalministerGopal by fellow-Baddieprotesters.Andwhyisex-MaoistTharu to alltheforthcomingred-letterdaysinDecember. the worldwherethereare Haven’t googledthisyet,butNepalisprobablytheonlycountryin the holidaytoSundayanddeclareditsownnationwideshutdown. December insteadofthetenth. violating ourhumanrighttofreedomofmovementontheninth moved itforwardbyoneday.Thismeanstheywillbesafely on 10DecemberfellInternationalHumanRightsDay,they told himitwasactually But whenMakunaywenttoseeAmik-saninhospital,thepatient last monthandtheBaddiesrushedtocondemnpoliceatrocities. Amik KamredfracturedhishandduringtheSinghaDarbargherao for anextrahouronherflightbackfromBajura. But thatPRgesturecosttheexchequer12laksforrentinganMi-17 dropping inunannouncedtopresent DPM SuzyQsurprisedpatientsinKohalpurMedicalCollegeby extending andbroadeningUNMIN’smandate. effective investmentinthepeaceprocessthanindefinitely easily befinancedwithaconsortiumofdonorsandmorecost- than rotinsnake-infestedcampsplayingvolleyballallday.Itcould lak lumpsumandheadofftogreenerpasturesinMalaysiarather inmates agoldenhandshake. ass(at)nepalitimes.com demobilise itscadre.AndtheAsshasagreatidea: So itisnowintheleadership’sowninteresttodisarmand within theirownpartythanfromothers. travel thedistrictsbecausetheyseemmoreafraidofthreatsfrom Senior partyleadersnowaskforarmedpoliceescortswhenthey own guidelinesbyridinglimossuppliedsympatheticsahus. them 3kamonthinsteadof5k,whileseniorcomradesviolatetheir cantonments aregettingedgybecausepartyHQisonlysending defying ordersfrompartybosses.Thecommandersinthe Chulachuli overapropertydispute.Maoistunionsareopenly enough, onebaddieCAmemberfromJhapaisbeingdetainedin question oftimebeforetheystartedfightingovermoney.Andsure openly diptheirpawsintoeveryavailablehoneypot,itwasonlya degenerated intoacriminalsyndicate It wasboundtohappen.Withthe the doggie. out ofhand.Ifthatistrue,thenthe his partytogetherandtocontroltheethnicagendasoitdoesn’tget community heneedstodeclareautomaticregionalcouncilskeep has almostnocontrol.Awesomebeentellingtheinternational regions isnowbeingdrivenbyhardlinersoverwhomtheleadership the ethnicgeniebackinbottle.Butagitationforautomatic governments, theMauarenowlookingforawaytoquicklyput After declaringtheirownparallelautonomousregional about globalwarming The cabinetjusttalks,butthe nation’s carbonfootprintintherun-uptoCopenhagenSummit. This isthesinglemosteffectiveeffortbyanycountrytoreducea stole theirthunderbystoppingthecountry’sfossilfuelsupply. mechanism atEverestBaseCampthisweek,buttheMaobaddies The primeministerandthechaubiseysheldahigh-level A letter days Meanwhile, sinceIdfellonaSaturday,thegovernmentmoved BACKSIDE When theMaobaddiesfoundoutthattheirplannedband Nepal’s 103ethnicgroups,fullmoondaysandbands. t thisrate,expectaholidayforthefestivalsofall YSL has openedanoutletinDarbarMarg, YCL Red anddeserveourkudos. friendly fire Muslim Maoists is finallygoingoutof FG FG FG FG FG FG FG Baddies aredoingsomething Mostwouldgladlytakeathree revolution having tail isdefinitelywagging : hegothitbyabrickthrown patientswithbouquets aserstwhilecomrades . Soletmeraiseatoast give camp . CDO Regd No194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd.No 09/066/67 SHTC 4 -10DECEMBER2009 #479

ISSN 1814-2613 www.nepalitimes.com