INSIDE “I am my party’s candidate for prime minister of a consensus government.” - Keep power politics p6 out of power policy Interview with Energy Minister Gokarna Bista Comment by Gagan Thapa

#566 12 - 18 August 2011 18 pages Rs 30 p14-15

#566 12 - 18 August 2011 18 pages Rs 30 What are they waiting for?

he Big Three had struggle for democratic space Every media poll has agreed on a 5-point within the Maoists opened shown that the people Exclusive Tdeal in order to avert up a rash of fissiparous also know that a unity Interview p6 the void on 28 May. But tendencies in every major government is the only way Nepali Times: Who will be the from the moment it was party. As the politics failed, forward. Political leaders consensus candidate after the PM signed, it was a no-deal peace and constitution took all say in public they back Anuragresigns Acharyaon 13 August? because it was never clear a backseat. All this was consensus, but carry on Baburam Bhattarai: As the largest who was going reflected in the impunity and back-stabbing each other in party in the CA, naturally UCPN to be responsible to breakdown in law and order. private. (Maoist) claims leadership in a implement it. “In the last three years, But this time an intense national unity government. Our party So, as we enter the final all we have done is quarrel exercise for a consensus has unanimously nominated me as prime ministerial candidate but who weeks of the extended CA and look where we stand,” government has begun would lead the government will be term, the parties that sat says Maoist leader Baburam even before the Khanal decided after consultation with other on their hands refusing Bhattarai, whose internal government has resigned. parties. to budge an inch for the battle against his boss was the A new government with last ten weeks are now reason for the latest delay. the Maoists, NC, UML, and frantically engaged in a In an interview with Madhesi Front seems the face-saving exercise. Nepali Times, Bhattarai only way to break the log- Last month, when the (whose party has fielded jam, and Bhattarai is the Maoist party was threatened him as prime ministerial candidate towards whom with a serious rift we said candidate in a consensus most political leaders have the internal three-way government) reiterates his the least objection (except squabble within the largest belief that majoritarian rule perhaps his own boss, party was holding the will consign the country ). nation hostage. But soon, into protracted limbo (see So, what are they waiting what began as an internal interview, p6). for?

DIWAKAR CHHETRI 4 EDITORIAL 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 THE URGENCY OF THE ENERGY EMERGENCY reason to hope that Bista works across party lines with similarly committed young things will be different leaders within the NC and Maoists. this time, and that can In this issue, we make a realistic assessment of the only come about if they country’s power crisis and come to the conclusion that winter see the parties seriously power cuts will be debilitating for at least the next three working together. years (p14-15). The reason is that successive governments The Khanal after 2006 did not give the energy emergency the urgency it government has come needed, or they played politics with it. under a lot of criticism Bista is working from the recommendations of a for sins of omission, and preliminary White Paper issued by the Parliament Committee there are so many on on Natural Resources of which the NC’s Gagan Thapa is our list that we’ve lost a member. For a document prepared by politicians, this is count. Many “sins of surprisingly cogent and solution-oriented. It points to a four- commission” were also fold path to energy security including: committed with arbitrary, Political consensus on future strategy irrelevant decisions Generate enough power to meet domestic demand for that wasted money and value-added industry and only then export time. If it is true that the Immediately commission a reservoir project in each Maoist tourism minister development zone BIKRAM RAI unilaterally sanctioned Unbundle transmission and distribution, address n the transition from war to peace, from revolution the dangerously daft proposal to turn Lumbini into a Buddhist ineffi ciencies, corruption, pilferage in the NEA to mainstream politics, our politicians seem to have themepark, it needs to be investigated. The Finance Minister Iforgotten that power no long comes out of the barrel announced a distributive budget that pandered to patronage Politicians and CA members get a lot of bad rap these of a gun. It comes out of the turbine at the end of a politics, was incoherent and could not prioritise. days for not doing enough to get the peace process moving. penstock pipe. But, it has to be said, there are bright spots. One of But there are young turks in all political parties who are As the Jhalanath Khanal government prepares to them is Energy Minister Gokarna Bista and the no nonsense equally frustrated with this paralysing inertia, and should not step down as agreed in the fi ve-point agreement, the style with which he has gone about tackling the country’s be tarred with the same brush. They understand performance best outcome now would be that his government will be crippling energy crisis. Bista represents a new breed of Nepali legitimacy and know that their constituents will judge them by replaced by a consensus cabinet of all main parties. This politicians who are motivated, professional, take advice from their deeds, not words. would offer a better chance to overcome the political experts, prioritise and get down to work. (Pictured is Bista has a very dark future unless we, among other hurdles that have deadlocked the peace process and shutting off power this week to a government department things, tackle the energy crisis. Which is why we must governance for so long. We cannot afford another cliff- that didn’t pay its bills.) He is a do-er who wants results. And applaud politicians like Bista and Thapa, may their tribe hanger at midnight on 31 August. The people need unlike party seniors who are always out to undercut rivals, increase.

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com

MAOIST KHANAL Tarai? Why are they migrating out places in the world (‘ in the After reading your editorial ‘Maoist of the plains? Census 2011 is sure monsoon’, #567 by Cai Yun). It just a Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal’, to reveal migration trends. The matter of time before more people fi nd #567 I felt communist regimes survive wounds that will not heal, cuts both out about it. A little rain is nice because it only as long as there is poverty. So ways. And it will have far-reaching keeps the air clean and you can be sure it is in the party’s interest to keep consequences for the country. tourist appreciate clean air and water. people poor. If people are well off, KK Sharma http://pokharalakeside.com who will support them? Communists David lose their vote bank. The lowest It wasn’t so bad in section of the population are better before 1996 because people in Pokhara must diversify its tourism to off in democratic countries than in the capital knew the importance of turn into a honeymooner’s paradise for any communist states at any time in Madhesis. It was after people fl ed newly married couples. Pokhara must hand history. Liberal democracy with social the Maoist war to Kathmandu that over all administrative work and facilities and economic justice is the call of the the way we treated fellow-Nepalis to women including the security, operation hour. Imposter parties like UML must began to change. It brought racism of hotels and trekking. The military and change their names. And Maoist have and we began to regard everyone the police forces must be only women, no place in the 21st century. This we didn’t know suspiciously. People and also the hotels should be staffed by doesn’t mean the NC is any better, as were scared to talk to new people, women. Only then will Pokhara will be safe they are lead by deadwood. Cull the and it’s just got worse now. for tourists. present leadership to begin with. Kamdar Dan Gole COOPERATIVES Pokhara is indeed a perfect holiday Western countries, following the Most cooperatives in Nepal getaway. It is now easily accessible and Indian lead, promoted the Maoists target the top-poor instead at visitor numbers are growing. The initiative and gave them legitimacy and power. the bottom-poor. (‘Rethinking taken by the private sector is appreciable, They exonerated their atrocities. cooperatives’ by Thouraya Bahri, despite the lack of government assistance Sharma minorities have been wronged in this semi- #565). Grameen-type institutions serve the and policies. But much more needs to be feudal brahminical Kingdom turned Republic. poor, but to serve the ultra-poor households done if Pokhara is to increase domestic So, Editor, you are completely stuck. All we are asking for is a little bit of respect. special programs like BRAC’s Targetting-the tourists by 50 per cent. No hope of unleashing the Nepal Army (‘Wounds that won’t heal’, #567) The post Ultra Poor (TUP) are needed. Micro-fi nance Sabin and Meena because the PLA is still there. No way for revolution Nepal might have ensured some alone cannot alleviate poverty in developing the hopelessly split anti-Maoist parties to laws in place to address this issue but it is not countries, you also need basic health services, win any election. But your own objection enough to change the way people are treated entrepreneurship and enterprise development to any agreement as ‘fatally fl awed’ can in society. Civic sense has to prevail within the programs to reduce poverty. Weekly Internet Poll # 566 only result in an election that the Maoists constituency that has so far been exclusionary Ram will win. Naturally you are upset. So upset in its practice. Q. Will he resign after August 13th or not? that you now blame ‘Maoist Khanal’ for the Riaz Ansari Very encouraging story (‘Earning inevitable results of the obstruction you from nature to pay for its upkeep’ by Kunda Total votes: 929 support. Blaming Maoists for anti-Maoists Thank you for bringing this out loud and Dixit, #565) from Pokhara of how cooperatives being stuck is done so often that you clear. are thriving and lifting living standards while probably don’t even see how silly it makes Paramita the central government is defunct. Your article you look. You will end up demanding the should be in Nepali so more people read election you are afraid of. Now Anurag Acharya wants a Madhesi about the success of the Rupa Tal Fisheries Arthur prime minister too? Ever thought of going to Cooperative. Bihar? Jens MOVEMENT IN MADHES Pemma Nepali nationalism dominated by Pahadi MONSOON IN POKHARA Weekly Internet Poll # 567. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com mentality will never accept that the What about the plight of Pahadis in the Pokhara Lakeside is one of the most beautiful Q. Baburam Bhattarai for Prime Minister

Publisher and Editor: Kunda Dixit Editorial Staff: Anurag Acharya, Dewan Rai, Paavan Mathema, Rubeena Mahato | Photographers: Min Ratna Bajracharya, Bikram Rai Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Chief Operating Offi cer: Sunim Tamang | Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5250333/845 Fax: +977-1-5251013 Design: Kiran Maharjan | Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorial/features: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscription: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Time on Facebook Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com OP-ED 5 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 Another anti-climax Nothing can be more dangerous than because what reigns then is uncertainty. In a dire attempt a society that loses faith in politics to keep hopeless hope alive, let us hope that sanity what happens when the can’t understand that the prevails and the institution future of the nation manifests anarchy and impunity that of politics saves itself for itself as a violent present. prevails in the streets today the day. It does not require The unseemly political will come to their doorsteps a herculean effort, just a bit cock-fight for power is tomorrow. of common sense and more leading this nation towards The public’s faith in assertiveness from a younger not just political and politics is now largely generation of leaders in all economic crisis, but social eroded. Nothing can be more major political parties with upheaval. Perhaps the power dangerous than a society a cross-partisan approach to clogged brains of our rulers that loses faith in politics, nation-building. DIWAKAR CHHETRI DIWAKAR

larger-than-life ego of the Maoist chairman is leading the nation down a spiral. BY THE WAY Although the UML might Anurag Acharya have lost interest in cashing in on their divide this time, the Madhesi front is looking he final days of the to score brownie points by extended Constituent entering into a deal with NC. TAssembly is fast Even the school kids who sat approaching once more, in front of the CA building and the smell of street for weeks with their hands protests is in the air again. tied to one another in a futile The tents have returned attempt to drive in sense to their familiar spots in of cooperation among the New Baneswor, and bitter leaders know that so long political power struggle is as we follow a majoritarian slowly giving way to nervous culture in a bitterly divided signs of cooperation before nation, we are all losers. the deadline expires on 31 This time, the power August. We are approaching deadlock has stopped yet another anti-climax. baffling, enraging, angering, But something is different provoking and even amusing this time. The hint of guilt us anymore. Ours is a and remorse that we saw in generation that has grown up the run up to 28 May have in the shadow of violence. vanished, as the leaders The decade long violence audaciously claim “we may and half a decade of painful be losers, but you’ve got no transition is clearly taking its choice”. Forget about the toll on Nepali society. The peace and the constitution, lack of physical and social in the last three months, the security has led to growing leaders could not even agree desperation among the youth to work together on kick- who are losing faith in the starting governance. We’ve state. They do not fear this been witness to bizarre scenes weak transitional justice where fellow members have system. We are experiencing collected signature to unseat their own leaders in the party and in the CA. Every major political actor in Nepali politics today is a victim of what the Game Theorists call ‘prisoner’s dilemma’, where individuals look to maximise their own payoff with utter disregard of that of the other, thereby leading to Mutually Assured Destruction. The failure of Madhav Nepal government, 17 rounds of elections and the humiliating attack on the Jhalanath government from his own party are a proof that Nepali politics is a zero sum game where one party has gains at the collective loss of all others. No one has learnt the lesson, we are on the verge of yet another majoritarian government. Fear of the NC and the 6 NATION 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 “A moment’s sanity for consensus...”

Maoist vice-president Baburam Bhattarai, the most With 20 days left for the CA deadline, is it possible likely consensus prime ministerial candidate spoke to complete all these tasks? to Nepali Times on Thursday about the formation As I said earlier, we only need a moment of rational of a national unity government and progress on the thinking to forge a consensus. Political parties peace process. Excerpts: should first agree on these issues in principle, we have enough time in hand for an agreement. If there Nepali Times: Who will be the consensus candidate is an agreement, the national consensus government as the PM is all set to resign on 13 August? will kick-start the process that has been stalled for Baburam Bhattarai: It is up to the parties to decide. so long. Yes it will take time to implement all the As the largest party in the CA, naturally the UCPN deals, for which we need extension of the CA but (Maoist) has been claiming leadership in national then at least we would have a basis for one. unity government. Our party has unanimously nominated me as prime ministerial candidate, but Why should people believe that political parties who would lead the government will be decided are serious about it this time? after consultation with other parties. Three years of going around in circles has proved that there is no alternative to consensus. Making The parties all seem to have their own candidate majority governments and sticking to party for the prime minister. How is consensus possible? positions will take us nowhere. I know it sounds The experiences of the past three years have shown, ironic, but all political parties have realised majority governments failed to move the peace and this fact. constitution writing process forward. We made a mistake by forcing majoritarian politics over the How will the new government be formed? politics of consensus. It has been my consistent There are three tasks ahead: integration, position that there is no alternative to consensus BIKRAM RAI constitution and national unity government. All to bring Nepali politics back on track. This time I three should be dealt with in a package. You cannot hope everyone agrees. It’s the only way peace and government and form it quick. insist on any one. It is not important which party constitution writing process can be moved forward. took which stand in the past. It is time to look How long will it take to reach a consensus since ahead and find a common ground to get there. Are two days enough to forge a consensus? the major issues of PLA integration has not been Once that is sought, a national unity government (The prime minister) was supposed to resign even resolved? comprising of the Maoists, NC, UML and Madhesi if there is no consensus as a part of the five-point There is more or less consensus on the number to parties will be formed to take the peace and deal. You can fight for infinity, but you need one be integrated. Now we have to finalise the modality constitution writing to its logical end. moment of sanity for consensus. The selection of of integration, its norms, rank harmonisation and the prime minister becomes a protracted process package deal for rehabilitation. Based on these, Who will take the responsibility if and when this in Nepal. It took almost seven months for a new the process of regrouping will be started. But this deal is reached? government to come in place after the resignation should not obstruct the formation of a national When one party is in the government and the rest of Madhav Kumar Nepal last time. We should learn unity government. On the contrary, it is this unity oppose, there is no deal. That is why we need a from our past mistakes. It will be stupid if we keep government which will implement the agreement national unity government so that everybody takes a repeating them. We need to form a national unity and move the peace process forward. collective responsibility. By-passing the public Nepal has the highest international call rate in the region

Instead of devoting being carried out with calls outrageous amount of money, made through VOIP because THIS IS IT resources and expertise they are hard to trace. VOIP has been legalised Rubeena Mahato in nabbing by-passers and snooping on unsuspecting in many countries in the last subscribers, the wiser thing decade and the Nepal to do would be to legalise Telecom Authority (NTA) is he way the inbound VOIP calls. But also considering distributing government’s while the government is VOIP licences to qualifying Tnewly set up Crime less than willing to forego ISPs with coverage of at least Investigation Bureau (CIB) revenue it earns from 25 districts and 13,000 VDCs. is cracking down against international calls, illegal There is however fierce illegal call bypassers is so VOIP operators themselves opposition from within the uncharacteristically ruthless, don’t want their service telecommunication sector and one can’t help but wonder legalised and are exerting even the CIB to this move. where this rare resolve stems pressure. Bhandari questions the from. Is there more to the Some big names are motive of those pushing for story than meets the eye? one of the highest rates for and eliminate the telecom involved in the illegal VOIP the legalisation of VOIP when Why this sudden international calls in South mafia that controls the illicit business, and despite he says 99 per cent of all call vindictiveness when it comes Asia. For an international sector. Why should this be a their denial some ISPs are bypassing has plugged and to dealing with VOIP (Voice termination call to Nepal problem? involved in providing them billions of rupees added to the Over Internet Protocol) calls? that should not cost more The government’s bandwidth. Keeping it state coffers. The draconian measures than 1 argument is that it is losing illegal benefits the operators, However, even more include objectionable cent per minute, telecom billions in revenue to illegal allows telecom companies suspicious is the motive of surveillance to detaining operators here charge up to internet calls. So, let’s get to keep their rates up and those who want to keep VOIP Internet Service Providers 14 cents. this straight: revenue is more allow SIM cards to be used illegal. While the fear that few (ISPs): very unlike the lax As with the American important than providing an for bulk bypassing. The only big shots would corner the and lackadaisical attitude to prohibition, the question affordable service? Nepalis losers are Nepalis making market once VOIP licenses other far more serious crimes must be asked why not abroad pay through international calls. “In all are distributed is valid, there The government is legalise VOIP? This would their noses when they call our operations we found that is no alternative to opening missing the point here. The allow one-fifth of the home, wasting their hard- most of the ISPs and telecom up this market and allowing laws of supply and demand population working and earned riyals and dollars. Any operators are involved in competition to lower rates and have ensured that living abroad to make government worth its salt the scam. Without their improve services better. international calls via cheaper calls home, expand would lower international call support, call bypassing is not Ultimately, cheaper and internet is impossible to telephony to rural areas rates, license internet calls, possible,” Rajendra Singh better technologies always win control. The real reason thus spurring business and and try to make money from Bhandari, DIG at the CIB out no matter what consumers opt to break the trade, attract investment the increase in volume of calls told me this week. Police the restrictions. After all, law is that Nepal has and entrepreneurship and taxes this would unleash. complain organised crime is customers should be king. BUSINESS 7 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 BIZ BRIEFS

Free service In Harford’s words Vijay Motors is organising a Free Summer Monsoon Checkup Camp Making failure a step to success for its Subaru, Chevrolet and Opel customers. The camp will be held until 11 September, Sunday to Friday, at the which you can gradually improve to respective service centers. Discount STRICTLY BUSINESS make it a success. is available on accessories and spare This is one view that Nepal’s aid parts. Ashutosh Tiwari industry needs to take to heart: Most so-called pilot interventions fail because even the pilots are so over- Kitchen gadgets Samsung’s authorized distributer, Him uccess always starts with planned and over-designed -- at least Electronics, has introduced its new failure. This is both a subtitle on paper with all the good intentions series of Solo, Grill and Convection Sand the premise of Tim and expertise -- that there is no microwave ovens. It has also brought in Harford’s enjoyably readable latest mechanism to adapt to the inevitable 23 different models of double door and book Adapt. But what kind of failure but survivable failures when the plan side by side, priced at Rs 17,990 to Rs is helpful for success? comes in contact with reality. Making 1, 54,990. Harford starts out by pointing out a good enough plan with a view to how complex and fluidly changing adapt to changing realities is not a the world around us is. He uses the move that risk-averse aid officials Return gifts bread toaster as an example. If you make. Maruti Suzuki is celebrating its 25 years in Nepal by offering discounts and were to start making a toaster from Learn from feedback: software special schemes on their cars. Maruti scratch today, at your own house, the programmers know this intuitively. 800 is being priced at Rs 995,000 and task would be next to impossible. If a program doesn’t run, that’s a fi nancing facilities are available at 0 The workmanship, the logistics changing territory. feedback that some code is amiss. per cent interest for higher Maruti 800 and the materials needed for a toaster Experts routinely underestimate Sportspeople know that if the way models. are all so maddeningly complex -- and how complex the world is for them they are playing is not good, they the knowledge about what makes a to understand, and overestimate the need to change tactics. But in life, toaster a toaster is dispersed among explanatory powers of their own inertia sets in. Most of the time, Real winner so many different people -- that is maps and mental models. Schooling, we are reluctant to seek out and Dayaman Bajrachraya has won an all impossible for any one person to after all, is only one among many learn from feedback. Instead, we expenses paid Quality Tour to Real actually build it. small ways to understand how the spend more time defending our Factory in Simra and Pokhara for two under If the simple task of understanding world works. When experts were past mistakes and errors instead of Dabur how a toaster is made is so complex, tracked for the accuracy of their learning from what doesn’t work, and Real’s Real what makes us think that, with a few predictions, it was found that they going along with what works. Quality Tour degrees and few experiences, we can were only marginally better than Written in a style reminiscent of Contest. really understand the world at large? amateurs. Better, then, it is to think Malcolm Gladwell (i.e. a question The bumper On the other hand, if the world is so for oneself, and learn from mistakes. followed by a story followed by what prize of complex, how are we to come up with Try new small things, and survive academic researchers say before the SMS based contest is a tour for two successful products and services? failures: When no one knows for sure reaching a surprising conclusion), the couples to Singapore. Harford offers three interlocking what works and what doesn’t, it pays book’s strength is that it backs up its views. to try new things, but in small doses. views with numerous examples and Expertise is overrated: The flip Trying out new things will invite studies. Though the book is useful for New room SB Furniture bedroom set is being side of this view is ‘Consult experts, failures, to be sure. But those failures, managers, it underestimates the level priced at Rs 99,999 at its Pani Pokhari but think for yourself’. Experts are Harford notes, tend to be survivable of resistance one is likely to encounter showroom. The set consists of a bed, a best understood as people who have failures, which help make the final at workplace to try new small things, wardrobe, a dressing table and a night better maps of a particular territory. product better. In other words, do not make mistakes to deliberately learn table. But having such maps is no substitute try new big things, only to fall flat on from them, and iterate one’s product for actually walking up and down the your face, but try new small things, line to success. LIFE TIMES

ROSHANI KAPALI

here are plenty of getaways around TKathmandu, ideal for mini excursion if you know where to look. Just 6km from the busy city and walking distance from Patan is the scenic and historic hilltop settlement of Chobhar. it overlooks the Bagmati where it exits the Valley through a gorge cut by Manjushree. On the hill is the 15th century Adinath Lokeshwor Temple dedicated to Rato Machhindranath with an astounding array of metal pots, pans and water containers hanging from the roof, donated by newlyweds to ensure a happy marriage. Also known as Karunamaya, the deity is reverred by both Hindus and Buddhists as incarnations of Shiva and Avalokiteshvara. A carnival is held here from full moon of Dasain to Tihar. According to legend, as recounted by temple priest Rajesh Shakya a local cow herder found the statue So far, and of Adinath Lokeshwor in the nearby Nakkhu River and established it in the temple on top of the hill. Since then, every year the Kalash from the temple is filled with water from the Nakkhu yet so near River and is offered to the god. Women perform a five of Chobhar is a bathing generations. great for bicycle enthusiasts, of the sun rising from day fast known as 'Nirjala', ceremony held the first day Chobhar is a quiet and and an annual mountain behind Gauri Shankhar in drinking only the holy water after Ghode Jatra in May in tranquil village which biking championship is held the northeast, as the Valley from the temple after they the presence of the priest. overlooks Kathmandu city, in the cement quarry on the wakes up slowly from have visited and taken a The figure of the god is but could as well be far other side of the hill. slumber. ritual bath in five holy spots. carried in a chariot by four away in time and space. The simplicity and Chobhar, so far and yet There is a belief that such members of Nemkul family It is a photogenic place, cheerfulness of the locals, so near. harsh fasting settles any to Nani Tole where the and a perfect venue for and its rustic old world kinds of dispute between the statue is bathed with milk. photographs of the Valley charm gives Chobhar an nepalitimes.com married couple and ensures A line of priests belonging and the mountains beyond added draw. An early The swollen Bagmati a happy married life. to the Shakya family have when the monsoon ends. morning trip to the hilltop at Chobhar Another attraction been serving the temple for The route to Chobhar is also town offers amazing views A tranquil hilltop village close to Kathmandu is the perfect destination for those who crave a little time out 9 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566

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g]kfn ;/sf/ ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ;"rgf ljefu 10 LIFE TIMES 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 Housing Association of Nepal. ‘Something like a fi lm festival’ EVENTS 25 August to 28 August, 11am to organised by DocSkool. Till 22 6pm, Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu November, Submission open until 30 August, www.cinesymposium. South Asia & China Trade com, [email protected], Fair 2011, with Dashin Bazaar. 4471104 Organised by Nepal China Faces: A portrait photo workshop, Executive Council. conducted by photographer/fi lm- 15 to 19 September, 11am to pm, MUSIC maker Gorakh Bista. 13 to 20 Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu August, 11am to 3pm, Fee: Rs 1500, Sattya Media Arts Collective, Jawalakhel

Organic Farming training, training on bio intensive farming, organized by Eco organic Nepal. 14 August to Tribute to MF Husain: Journey 4 September, 10am to 4pm, EON of a Maestro, an exhibition of farm at Mahankal, Fee: Rs 4000, serigraphs and drawings, opening Lyrics from the Junkyard, junkyard 9849685808, [email protected], remarks by Sangeeta Thapa and sculptures from Meena Kayastha. www.ecocorganicnepal.org School Sanitation: the neglected Sujan Chitrakar and a talk program 19 August to 9 September, from development link, a photo by Dr Geeti Sen. 12 to 14 August, 11am to 6pm, Baber Mahal 2nd annual Gaijatra International exhibition to spread awareness 5.30pm, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Revisited, 4438979 Pride Festival, Blue Diamond on school sanitation, organised by Baber Mahal Revisited, 4438979 Society is staging Nepal’s pride Water Aid. Till 13 August, 3pm on march for the country’s sexual Thursday and 5pm on Saturday, Group Art, exhibition of works by and gender minority. 14 August, Nepal art Council, Babar Mahal Nepali and foreign artists, organised Bharatpur, Chitawan by Unique Strokes. Till 12 August, Organic Market, a weekly organic Album Launch of Hamro Desh, 10am to 5pm, Park Gallery, Pulchok, Nepal Gem & Jewellery Expo market where along with picking the sixth album of Robin and the New 5522307, parkgallery.wlink.com.np 2011, organised by Nepal Gem & fresh organic produce for home you Revolution. 13 August, Attic Bar, Jewellery Association(NEGJA). can enjoy brunch. Every Saturday, Lazimpat, 9808011015 Little Voice, an exhibition of Staging of Bukhyacha, a Nepali 19 to 21 August 2011, 11am to 6pm, 1905, Kantipath artworks by Sarita Dongol and adaptation of Italian play About Soaltee Hotel, Megha Malhar Hall, Youth-Stand up for Peace, concert Mamoru Hosoi. Till 15 August, Face. Till 3 September, every day Soalteemode Nepal Cine Symposium, a South to mark International Youth Day 5.30pm on opening day, gallery except Mondays, 5.30pm, Arohan Asia focused international fi lm along with workshops, meetings and hours: 10am to 5pm, Newa Chen Art Theatre, Gurukul, Old Baneshwor, Nepal Real State Expo 2011, network and promotion platform for cultural events. 13 August, noon Gallery, 5535532 4466956 organised by Nepal Land and cinema which includes a fi lm festival onwards, GAA Hall, Thamel Animated junk

Meena Kayastha recycles objects which have outlived their usefulness to society

ago. Paintings appealed less to her at art school, and she was drawn more to sculptures recycled from objects which had outlived their usefulness hile painting life-forms from the junkyard to society. The 25 pieces, figures of Brancusi and explains. “A life form shapes exhibitions are a with imaginative figures are worked on progressively Marcel Duchamp. Kayastha’s itself progressively, and that Wdime and a dozen and native earth tones. Not without a preconceived boldly dada-esque approach is what I have tried with in Kathmandu, there is only do you see haunting promise to enchant viewers. distinguishes them and these pieces…I have added one unique perspective on anthropomorphic figures Meena uses paper give them a breathtaking life to it.” True, a preview of sculpture that opens on 19 lurking within each piece, mache, mud, discarded junk originality in the evolution of the exhibits evoked a sense August at The Siddhartha Art you also hear the music that pieces, her own jewelry and modern Nepali sculpture. of awe and wonder at how Gallery. the mechanical sculptures even human teeth in her Having participated in a Kayastha has made inanimate ‘Lyrics from the Junkyard’ sing. sculptures that are toned with number of group exhibitions, junk animate. is an amalgam of primitive Kayastha says she began primitive and traditional this is Kayastha’s first solo. art form and contemporary fiddling with the idea of hues of tera sigillata, mud “I see process work as Lyrics from the Junkyard sculpture by Meena Kayastha moulding pieces from scrap brown, whites and smoke more intriguing than the By Meena Kayastha that will take visitors’ breath heaps five years ago, the idea black. The structures have conceptual one, process work 19 August -9 September way with its sheer audacity incubated in her sculptor’s been welded, modified and lets you discover while you The Siddhartha Art and dreamlike forms. mind until the actual work reminds one of African art work and feelings are added Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited Kayastha has grafted started taking shape two years forms, or the exaggerated to it in those moments,” she www.siddharthaartgallery.com LIFE TIMES 11 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 Ghangri Café, a quiet place with 6 to 22 courses, an authentic DINING comfortable sofas and a lovely Nepali meal. The Dwarika’s Hotel, GETAWAYS courtyard, perfect for those sunny Battisputali, 4479488 afternoons. Although famous for their open sui mai, they offer a few Le Bistro Restaurant & Bar, the other great dishes as well. Pulchok outdoor dining area invokes a great atmosphere for a night of drinks Buddha Bar, has been an with friends and family. While they establishment since the days of the serve a plethora of dishes, it is the hippies and offers a warm and cozy Indian food they pride themselves space for intimate conversations on. Thamel, 4701170 over a large selection of drinks. Monsoon Madness at Hotel Thamel, 9851053235 Shangri-la, Pokhara. See Pokhara as never before, monsoon package at Rs 4999 for 2 nights and 3 days. Till 30 September, Shangri-la Village, Pokhara, call 4412999 for Upstairs Cafe, a delicious range booking of Vietnamese cuisine to sample. Maharajgunj, near the US embassy Monsoon Getaway at Gokarna Bhojan Griha, traditional Nepali Forest Resort. Till 31 August, Délices de France, special menu restaurant that serves up great local Gokarna, 4451212 with duck 3 courses, including food with folk music and dance. Duck jambonet with its vegetable Dillibajar Park Village Resort, Saturdays garnish or Duck breast with its and Sundays combo package with mangogarnish. Friday 12th, swimming, lunch and a bottle of Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th Singma Food Court, for the beer. August, dinner @ Rs 1400 plus best Singaporean and Malaysian adults and Rs 800 for children, call taxes, Ganesh Man Singh Building, cuisine in town. Pulchok, 5009092 4375280 for reservations 2nd fl oor (above Illy Galeria Cafe), and Bhatbhateni, 4411078, 1905 Restaurant, feast on roasted Booking is necessary (limited offer), [email protected] delights within this converted call 4260326 aristocratic residence. Walled 9th Annual Wine Festival, Kilroy’s ambience and green surroundings Cinnamon Grill Lounge, offers monsoon wine festival will feature 15 make it an oasis within the city, Organic Café and Salad Bar, delicious food and good music, varieties of exquisite wines from six Kantipath, 4215068 hearty breakfasts and healthy salads added bonus- live performance different countries. Till15 September, while you catch up with your reading by Ciney Gurung every Saturday. Kilroy’s of Kathmandu, Thamel, Krishnarpan, a specialty Nepali or emails in the heart of Thamel. Jhamsikhel 4250440 restaurant at The Dwarika’s Hotel, Chakshibari Road, Thamel 4215726

The Factory

to glut late-night, knocked-up Rainbow Couscous salad cravings. sounded like an ethereal, Generally, supper clubs bright starter but came out as are profit-making ventures a heap of bland semolina. that huckster the ‘one-stop- A disappointment, shop’ mantra: dine and dance the Beef Burger was more SOMEPLACE ELSE without having to shift. But comparable to a baked these fair-weather schemes meatloaf sandwich than a often over stress superficial chargrilled hunk. On the ith its industrial details and end up slacking same page, the Steak and interior, khaki off on the more important Mustard Sandwich was sadly a tomato slurry and roasted or as its slogan suggests, Woveralls and gustatory appeal. And as served on a stale loaf, that if veg, is too much for a main ‘conversation’, but certainly pop décor à la Warhol, the moral police continue to toasted and dressed up like fare and better ordered as a not for food. The Factory in Thamel is spoil the party in Kathmandu, a Philly or even au jus for sharing entree. Marco Pollo thematically consistent, nightlife is essentially French dipping would make The evening’s only salving so much so that even its non-existent, for a unique addition to grace in terms of grub was Turn into Mandala Street cookie-cutter fare seems rendering the city’s repertory. the Buffalo Wings, a finger- from Thamel Chowk, first set mechanically processed. a lose-lose The Seared Bekti licking snack that calls for of stairs on the left and two More club, than supper, situation for under a bed of creamy a cold brew, and the silky flights up. The Factory is almost always supper clubs spinach wasn’t seared, Chocolate ‘Kahlua’ Mousse. empty before dusk, and for without a distinct bill rather breaded and fried but The treats, along with the good reason. Its westward- of fare. tastier than fish sticks. And mutton sekuwa sticks, hint Space slanted menu, replete with On the for vegetarians, on The Factory’s selling point edible descriptions like the menu the the Cottage as a happy hour hangout. Bread ‘n water Spicy Beef Sliders (which are Cheese Priced at standard Thamel Service apparently never available), Steak with rates (add 10% and 13%), the Deal-icious is what makes American Ratatouille, a mediocrity of The Factory’s chains a dime a dozen. But slab of packed victuals isn’t worth the tab. Rep-eat? at least, US diners are known cheese topped with Come for the music, setting, 12 HAPPENINGS 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566

WEEKEND WEATHER Gosainkunda illness by NGAMINDRA DAHAL sense, as I am fond of reminding This satellite radar composite shows heavy precipitation along the Bay of Bengal coast. Also seen is a monsoonal eddy swirling back from the Tibetan plateau towards eastern the pilgrims, because invariably the Nepal. This is what brought us heavy daytime showers on Wednesday and Thursday. patients improve signifi cantly on Expect some after effects of this to persist through the weekend, with most of the rain descent, even though the fl owers staying on in the plains but the hills. The plains will enjoy some respite from the rain, are still giving off their scent. although localised heavy showers are still possible. One study postulated that the visions that these high altitude FRI SAT SUN pilgrims often report may not KATHMANDU actually be divine revelations but just hallucination caused by the cerebral oedema. The pilgrim 28-17 27-17 25-17 community may not favour this rational explanation for what is believed to a spiritual experience. Pilgrims face other problems besides altitude. I have seen obese men and women, who can barely climb up stairs in their homes, undertaking high altitude pilgrimages on helicopter and pilgrims climb too high too fast (from horseback.Usually they decide to Kathmandu at 1,300 m to the lake do this on the spur of the moment DHANVANTARI in two nights) and totally disregard as a famous “guru” is going to lead Buddha Basnyat, MD initial symptoms. them. Recent studies have shown This year the annual that acute mountain sickness is Gosainkunda festival is 13 ome years ago I observed rampant in this population of pilgrims August 13, the fullmoon day of a congregation of 7,000 to Gosainkunda and that many Janai Purnima. Hopefully the Spilgrims at 4,300 m above are dehydrated because they are Himalayan Rescue Association sea level ready to pray to Shiva fasting. Women are so serious about and the Mountain Medicine at the magnifi cent holy lake of the Gosainkunda ritual they do not Society of Nepal at Dhunche Gosainkunda north of Kathmandu. even drink water as they ascend. will have been successful in Many were in no mood to pray. They There is a belief that the convincing the pilgrims not to were stricken with altitude sickness sickness they experience is caused go too high too fast, to listen in its various forms: acute mountain by the scent of the fl owers and to their bodies, drink adequate sickness, high altitude pulmonary alpine vegetation that grow on the amount of clean water, and use oedema, and high altitude cerebral wayside. This is akin to what Jesuit medicines if necessary. Although oedema. travelers in the early 18th century the drug acetazolamide (diamox) The initial symptoms of acute also thought when they were prevents and treats altitude mountain sickness (headache and crossing Himalayan passes. The sickness, ascending gradually with nausea) are warning signs that scent of the fl owers as the cause proper acclimatisation is the best need to be heeded. Alas, many ofaltitude sickness does not make precaution. BIKRAM RAI BACK HOME: Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal meets the press at Kathmandu airport Wednesday, on return from Malaysia. With him on the fl ight were board members of the Asia Pacifi c Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (APECF) who want to develop Lumbini.

KRISHNA SINJALI RISKY LOGISTICS: In absence of a bridge, local traders use a boat to transport buffalos and food from India’s West Bengal to Jhapa across the Mechi River on Thursday.

BIKRAM RAI HI-FI ACCESSORY: A young Tharu woman at a cultural parade organised to celebrate the 17th International Indigenous Day, outside City Hall, Kathmandu, on Tuesday. SOCIETY 13 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 London calling

matters to the Nepali people – including jobs, service KALAM provision, and security Rabi Thapa – there is no telling when and how the youth will respond to their growing frustration. Rising criminality is This time inevitable, and we have he Big Smoke is already seen the evidence in serious danger it’s us of this in urban centres Tof reclaiming its across Nepal. It’s likely industrial-era sobriquet. watching the continuing failure of London had, in the last the political parties will couple of decades, become them, but precipitate increasingly synonymous with ancient violent street protests in history wedded to booming maybe the months to come, some commerce – the Royal Nepal of which may not even be Wedding and the Olympics instigated by the parties. The in successive years testifying should politicians won’t have to to a juxtaposition befitting worry much about dealing the world’s leading tourist be more with looters; the Nepal Police destination. won’t be as reticent as the In the last week, all this worried Met. On the other hand, they has gone up in the smoke should perhaps worry about obscuring fuzzy videos of about its what could happen to them hooded rioters running amok oncethe Nepali youth decides across the city. Before the own youth it cannot tolerate their looting disbelieving eyes of residents – of the state exchequer – any (let alone those of us who approve of what is going on. One commentator labelled There’s no doubt the longer. think Tottenham’s just a In this, they are one with the rioters ‘the products of political class in Nepal has As London has shown, football club), the fallout many London residents a crumbling nation, and an turned its back on the youth however, the articulation from the death of Mark who feel that if there was indifferent political class that of Nepal, except when it of the inarticulate through Duggan has spread far beyond some justification for the has turned its back on them’, needs to employ the more rioting more often than the north London suburb to 1981 Brixton riots, this time another characterised the criminally inclined among not, ends up harming the other British cities across the a police shooting has been ‘shopping riots’ as a rebellion them. Our decade-long vulnerable as much, if not country. Where will it end, used as an excuse, plain and against a consumerist system conflict itself was fuelled more than the ostensible and what does it mean? simple, to go wild and pick ‘that denies its bounty to by disaffection with the targets (the rich and The answer to the latter up a flatscreen TV in the them’. Shift contexts, and establishment, never mind powerful). It’s in the interest question is best left to those bargain. we may speculate how the the irony of Maoist youth of everybody in Nepal, rich, more familiar with British But there is no disputing youth in Nepal, with far fighting the more ‘secure’ poor and in the middle, youth, crime, and the impact the fact that, heinous as it fewer opportunities that their youth in the army and to try and understand the of the economic downturn. may be to destroy the very British counterparts, may police. With the end of the motivations of those who I’m more interested in what communities in which respond to much more of a conflict, labour migration is spontaneously decide it might mean to Nepalis, and you live, at least some of ‘crumbling nation’ where the new pressure valve, with against the rule of law, and our youth in particular. the young rioters have a ‘bounty’ is increasingly over 1000 youth leaving the work together to ensure First off, what is London problem with the state, or marketed yet remains out country every day. But with we don’t get to the point of to Nepalis, beyondbeing the state in which they live. of reach. no progress on anything that no return. everything that Kathmandu and the rest of the country is not (among other things the seat of a working constitutional monarchy)? Clearly it’s a destination of choice for students, though many end up working sooner rather than later, along with a motley mix of other Nepalis more or less qualified, from investment bankers to kitchen boys. Once in London, ground realities quickly obscure the glitter on the dreams of the less fortunate. Especially if they’re marking time serving up curry and lager in the subcontinental enclaves of Hounslow (west) or Plumstead (east), far from the faddy crowds of Leicester Square (centre). But limited as their peregrinations may be, Nepalis in London know that the city is more than Notting Hill, Camden Market, Westminister, Chinatown, and the royal parks. Their perceptions of the rougher neighbourhoods ringing the glamorous centre of London will have been hardened by the recent events. It’s clear from the reactions of Londonepalis on Facebook that they don’t 14 HYDROPOWER 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 Keep power politics out of power policy Power cuts here to stay into the 2020s unless corruption and politicisation are checked

SAROJ DAHAL Chamelia 30 MW Gamgad 4MW Upper Trishuli III A 60 MW Upper Tama Kosi 456 MW ensure effective generation, Mid Bhotekoshi 101 MW Spring Khola 10 MW Bijayapur I 4.5 MW Senjen 42.5 MW transmission, distribution and Upper Senjen 14 MW Lower Piluwa 1 MW tariff regulation.” (See overleaf) Siuri Khola 5 MW Hewa Khola 4.5 MW epal faces a power Nepal’s private sector is deficit of 200MW capable of producing more Nduring peak hours than enough electricity the in the dry season. The total country needs into the future. installed capacity of 648MW But in order to harness this is misleading because most KATHMANDU capability, the government hydroelectric plants in Nepal must first make changes generate electricity to their in regulations that work at full capacity only during the cross purposes and correct monsoon. Mai Khola 15.6 MW contradictory policies. The Power demand is highest Aakhu Khola private sector is convinced that I 8.4 MW when the generation is Kulekhani III 14 MW with better pricing and fast- lowest in winter. There are Upper SeƟ Rasuwagadi 100 MW tracked bureaucracy at least no reservoir projects to store Rahughat 30MW Lower Modi 10 MW (Reservoir Project) 127 MW Lower IndrawaƟ 4.5 MW 1700MW can be generated in monsoon water to generate the next seven years. power in the dry season, CURRENT CAPACITY electricity from private Nepal’s energy crisis hence the mismatch between producers but has to is sum total of corruption, demand and supply. Expect Producer Number of Projects Installed capacity subsidise the tarriff bearing mismanagement and electricity rationing at least NEA 27 473 MW a loss of Rs 2.5 for every unit politicisation of NEA and till 2014. Private Sector 23 175 MW it sells. its lack of accountability. The rising demand for Total 50 648 MW If NEA offers an attractive Successive prime ministers power has attracted dozens price to private producers and home ministers have of domestic and foreign and revises distribution tariff, abused the NEA’s resources private investors who have UNDER CONSTRUCTION it can gradually make up for and other officials use it as already acquired licenses but Contractor Number of Projects Installed capacity the losses incurred. But if it a cash cow. Up to 20 per are being hampered by local NEA 5 560 can’t for political reasons, cent of power is lost through obstruction. Even so, several experts say it ought to hand leakage, mostly stolen. small scale projects are Private Sector 17 112 over transmission and Political patronage ensures that already in the construction Total 22 672 distribution to the private thieves and those involved in phase. sector as well. kickbacks and mismanagement The Nepal Electricity The government walk scot free. Authority (NEA) alone Kosi, Chamelia, Kulekhani an accumulated loss of could also entice the If the government is serious has five projects with total III, Senjen and Upper Rs 30 billion. Private financial sector to invest about addressing the energy installed capacity of 560 MW Trishuli. Although private investors are skeptical that in hydropower. But under crisis, he first steps is the de- in the pipeline. The private investors have appreciated NEA can ensure timely current rules an investor politicisation of NEA and its sector has 17 projects with the troubleshooting approach payment for the electricity has to make the rounds better management. Then, if it total installed capacity of 112 taken by new Energy Minister they supply to the grid in of nine ministries and 35 can only ensure a stable policy MW at various stages of Gokarna Bista (see interview, future. departments. At best, it takes and keep politics out of the construction (see box). below), they acknowledge he It seems even Minister 88 days to complete Power power sector there will be no If current roadblocks are has his work cut out. Bista has given up on NEA Purchasing Agreement (PPA). power cuts after 2015. If not, removed, most projects can “Only by changing the ever being reformed, and Sometimes a project is faced load shedding is here to stay be completed within five work culture of the NEA has proposed an Electricity with retroactive regulations into the 2020s. years. Another 27 projects will it be able to attract more Development Board. But half way through the process. totaling 1,093MW are waiting investments in hydropower,” experts say that unless NC leader Gagan Thapa nepalitimes.com to start construction. says Subarnadas Shrestha there is change in the who heads the taskforce that No light at the end of the The critical factor is for of the Independent Power way institutions are run, is preparing a report on Water tuneel # 541 the government to remove Producers Association nothing is going to work. Resource Development under bureaucratic and financial (IPPAN). NEA is the sole There has been little change CA’s Committee on Natural hurdles and to address local authority for transmission in electricity tariff in the Resource says, “If only we opposition in its prestige and distribution and most past 10 years. NEA buys pass two resolutions stuck projects like Upper Tama generation, but has amassed costly dollar-denominated in the parliament, we can

Nepali Times: What is different in your approach to energy development? Gokarna Bista: For the fi rst time, the “Things will change” executive head of NEA has been selected on competitive basis and I have initiated the Interview with Minister for Energy Gokarna Bista process to scrap the provision of minister heading the NEA. Apart from this, I have they want us to revise PPA of old projects then order to tackle the power crunch, we need to overseen establishment of a company to they are being unreasonable. extend transmission lines immediately. In the invest in the hydropower development, last ten years, NEA has extended only 127 km initiation of big project like Upper Tama Why can’t the government offer revise of transmission lines,we need thousands Kosi, the preparation of a master plan for all PPAs? of kilometers. A new company would the extension of transmission lines and How many times should we amend the PPA meet this challenge. prioritisation of reservoir based projects. for the same project? We are ready to listen to legitimate demands, but they can’t have But we’ve heard all this before, haven’t everything their way. we? I was not a part of governments that Why have you initiated the idea of new produced only 600 MW in 100 years. I am Board instead of improving NEA? determined to leave a mark in hydropower In order to improve the NEA’s fi nancial development. I understand well that without condition, there is a need to eliminate existing augmenting production, we cannot end malpractices. This will take time. But in load-shedding.

But the private producers are not happy with you? I am ready to listen to their complaints but if

BIKRAM RAI HYDROPOWER 15 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 Electric future An end to power cuts is not just desirable, it is possible

partner countries to build a project of more than 100 MW each COMMENT Repair and operate 59MW of thermal Gagan Thapa capacity in , Duhabi and Hetauda Set aside 7 per cent of the budget for the next ten years for hydropower nyone who looks at the fi gures should development, secure fi nancing from be worried. Nepal produces only international creditors A600MW of power and demand is Set up a National Transmission Company 800MW. Since most projects are non-storage and draw up a grid masterplan type, generation capacity depends on the Set up a National Power Trading Company fl ow of the rivers. Even in the monsoon, the Priority should be to meet base load before rivers generate only 692 MW, and with energy exporting power demand rising at 80 MW a year, power The rate demand for energy is growing rationing is here to stay for at least three and hydro power is not able to keep up, thus more years. In fact, there may only be power increasing this country’s dependence on for three hours a day in coming winters. Load- imported fuel. Nepal’s future development shedding is no just a nuisance to consumers, is only possible with hydropower, and the the fall in productivity and increase in diesel development of other renewables will help imports is ruining the economy. us attain self-suffi ciency in energy. Each The government has declared an energy development zone should have a reservoir emergency up to December 2015 during the power to consumers. NEA’s monopoly in Set up an all-party mechanism to remove project to meet demand during the dry season. which period it hopes to fast track projects generation, transmission and distribution has obstacles for completion of projects Energy from the cost-effective investment in to generate 2,500 MW of additional power, hindered competition and hampered effi ciency. undertaken by NEA, domestic private hydropower should be invested in industry and including from reservoir projects. Parliament’s Some projects are being delayed because sector and foreign investors processing should spur rural development. Committee on Natural Resources, of which I their environmental impact assessment isn’t Launch construction of West Seti, Budi Multi-purpose projects must provide am a member, has just completed a detailed complete. Gandaki reservoir project with new irrigation to boost agriculture production. study and has made some recommendations company and line up fi nancing Most important all, given the importance of in a preliminary report. The preliminary report makes the following Provide government security and prevent hydropower for the country’s development, At present, hydropower development recommendations: strikes and shutdowns at power generation there is an urgent need for political consensus is stymied by inadequate incentives for Draw up a 50-year National Energy sites and continuity to future development of this domestic and foreign investors, poor Security Plan and a medium term National Address demand side issues like cutting sector. We have lost a lot of time, we cannot governance at the regulating agencies and Energy Plan within 12 months pilferage and instituting institute time-of-day afford any more delays. line ministry. Politicisation of the NEA has now Forge a national consensus among and seasonal tariff reached unprecedented levels: there are 13 political parties about a fi ve-year National Expedite 10 projects of up to 25MW, for Gagan Thapa is a NC member of parliament’s unions affi liated to various parties in the NEA. Hydropower Development Plan. immediate relief from power cuts, fast track Committee on National Resources and has Even if there is enough generation capacity, Urgently draw up a data base of survey Upper Tama Kosi been involved with the draft report on water there isn’t the transmission capacity to take licenses for various projects Make special request to fi ve of Nepal’s resources development. 16 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 Maoists must lead Interview with the Maoist’s Barsaman Pun and NC’s Gagan Thapa in Kantipur, 7 August

BARSAMAN PUN GAGAN THAPA

Kantipur: Is the party dispute settled? Kantipur: What has delayed the peace Barsaman Pun: Most of the differences have process and constitution drafting process? been resolved. The ideological Gagan Thapa: Every party has to bear the debate is ongoing. share of blame. Internal dispute within the Maoists and CPN-UML as well as failure Corrupt cases Why are parties mired in internal disputes of NC to ensure implementation of 5-point when there are other national priorities? deal are largely responsible. But the prime Jeevan BC in Naya Patrika, 8 August There is debate within each party about minister’s political dishonesty is also to whether or not to move ahead in a new blame for the protracted stalemate. direction. There is still debate within the Six leaders are facing trials in court on charges of corruption after NC regarding federalism, secularism and Don’t you think the NC is too engaged in failing to establish the sources of their property. They were given clean chit by the Special Court initially but the anti graft body CIAA republicanism. There is similar debate inside power sharing as opposed to peace and (Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority) fi led petition the UML as well. Even within the Maoists constitution? against the ruling in the Supreme Court. NC leader and ex-Minister there is a debate on whether to continue with We should have agreed upon a national Chiranjivi Wagle is the only leader who was slapped a jail term by the line of revolt or to institutionalise the consensus in a package. Lack of clarity has the Special Court after being held guilty of corruption. achievements we have made so far. wasted two months of the extended CA MPs are also in the line to face court action. UML MP DB Karki, period. Peace and constitution can only be who was caught red handed,accepting bribe, is fi ghting a corruption What about the differences between achieved through national consensus. charge in the Special Court. MJF lawmaker BP Yadav and Nepal the parties? Janta Dal MP Gayatri Sah are also under trial in the Special Court The major difference How can you for selling their diplomatic passports. concerning the have a consensus integration of government when 1. Khum Bahadur Khadka (NC) Unverifed property worth Rs 23.6 million combatants has there is difference 2. Govinda Raj Joshi (NC) nearly been resolved. among the parties Unverifi ed property worth Rs 39.3 million Everybody has agreed about who leads 3. JP Gupta (Madhesi Janadhikar Forum) on forming a separate the consensus Unverifi ed property worth Rs 20.8 million force under the Nepal government? 4. Rabindra Nath Sharma (Rastriya Prajatantra Party) Army. There is a near We have made it Unverifi ed property worth Rs 49.5 million consensus on at least clear that the PM 5. Kamal Thapa (RPP Nepal) 8,000 combatants to has to resign and Unverifi ed property worth Rs 9.718 million be integrated. The the NC can’t accept 6. DB Karki (MP, UML) parties have also Maoist leadership Arrested while taking a bribe of Rs 400 thousand agreed on norms until they take 7. BP Yadav (MP, MJF) Accused of selling diplomatic passport depending on concrete steps 8. Gayatri Sah (MP, Nepal Janta Dal) education, marital towards the peace process. The NC has to Accused of selling diplomatic passport status and age of the candidate. But the take the initiative and convince the other 9. Naradmuni Rana (MP, UML) parties are yet to agree on the total number of parties and win their trust. The Maoists are Accused of selling diplomatic passport this mixed force, its duty and the number of free to take initiative so long as they are able personnel to be brought in from other to take the NC into confidence by fulfilling state forces. the conditions we demand. Unless one of the above happens, this deadlock will not What about the issue of rank harmonisation? be resolved. When will that be resolved? It’s a technical issue and will be resolved The NC’s role after 28 April has not been after mutual negotiation, probably within a constructive. Is the leadership at fault? week. By 27 August, those to be integrated, I don’t think the NC has done anything rehabilitated and those seeking voluntary wrong because it has mostly been a mute retirement will be grouped separately. spectator to internal disputes within the Maoists and the UML. But failure to play Your chairman has said a consensus a constructive role itself amounts to a government must be formed immediately, mistake. All we did was complain. And this will this lead to stability? is not just an individual’s failure. This is a Put it this way: in spite of peace process collective failure of the party leadership. moving ahead, this government has to make The party must take initiative to rid the way for consensus government after 12 nation of Maoist paranoia and UML’s August. It may be led by Khanal, NC or us, but dubious role of cashing in on nation’s it will be a new government. divided politics. We cannot shy away Box: Peace and Constitution from our responsibility fearing internal rifts Basket: Constitution Assembly Who will lead the consensus government? over power. We have proposed our vice chairman Baburam Basu Kshitiz in Annapurna Post, 6 August

Bhattarai as the consensus candidate as per What will happen after 31 August?

the party’s decision. As long as the present coalition continues QUOTE OF THE WEEK with NC’s role limited to the opposition, the “ But NC president has proposed your party stalemate will prolong. There has been no I will never forget Nepal. It was the most unforgettable chairman as a consensus candidate. official debate on what happens after assignment of my 35 year diplomatic career I thank NC President for the proposal, but it is 31 August. So instead of worrying about it, “ our party’s internal decision as to who should the NC must be clear about the direction Indian Ambassador Rakesh Sood during his fi nal diplomatic meeting with Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal on Tuesday. lead the party in the government and we have in which the nation is headed at this already made our choice. moment. NATION 17 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 Immortal memorial On the first anniversary a new school and stupa at Agni Air crash site

NEPALI PAN Shkharpur as they grow up. Dorji Tsering Sherpa We have also received help from many friends. Agni Air’s Sudip Basnyat has offered to contribute for he Agni Air Dornier Shikharpur’s education fund had taken off during through a portion of every air Ta torrential downpour ticket. We were hoping that from Kathmandu on the the embassies of the nationals morning of 24 August. It who died would chip in for was bound for Lukla with 14 the school expansion, but that passengers from Nepal, UK, hasn’t materialised yet. USA and Japan, and of the The new SKY building three crew members one was (named after Sarah, Kendra my daughter Sarah Sherpa, of that devastating morning, friends, relatives and even and Yuki, pictured left) is the flight attendant. Fifteen and as the first anniversary those we don’t know. Howard coming up and will have minutes after takeoff, Capt L of the crash approaches Fallon, father of 18-year-old new spacious and bright P B “Lucky” Shah and Co- next week we are once more Kendra Fallon who was in classrooms. The stupa is pilot Sophia Singh decided numbed by the loss of our the same flight, initiated complete, and the village to return to Kathmandu due precious Sarah. the project and has also set is getting a drinking water to poor visibility enroute. Shikharpur is a bumpy up an endowment at Asna supply. Soon after, the plane’s three hour jeep ride east Orphanage in Lamatar where to cherish their memory by No one is immortal, but primary and backup of Hetauda populated by his daughter had volunteered helping the underprivileged we can contribute to the future generator failed, then the subsistence farmers. In the for two months before setting children of the village they by investing in children.We standby battery ran out. It is past year, we have visited off on her trek. came to be joined with that hope that the stupa will be thought that without power, Shikharpur and decided to Misa Hayashi’s only fateful morning a year ago. around for a long time to the cockpit instruments turn our sorrow into support son, 19-year-old Yuki, All of us lost fathers, come to remind us of those must have malfunctioned for the people of the little also died in the crash. The mothers, husbands, wives, who left us. disorienting the pilots in village. At their request we Hayashi family is now an brothers, sisters, sons, heavy clouds. The aircraft have built a stupa at ‘ground ardent supporter of the daughters and friends. We Shikharpur Buddhist Monument and came down about 20 miles zero’, which is only project, helping financially had raised Sarah with lots Bakiya Thakur School Committee south of Kathmandu in the 20 metres away from the to build the school. Yuki’s of love and affection, we +977 9851018820 [email protected] village of Shikharpur of school that is also being 78-year-old grandmother is invested all we could in her Makwanpur district. There upgraded. coming to Shikharpur for education. Now, she is only a were no survivors. My wife and I have been the inauguration of the stupa memory. But it is a memory nepalitimes.com My wife Anju and I have amazed by the outpouring of and school next week. Our that we hope will live on in Hotel Echo’s last minute, #518 lived and relived the memory support and goodwill from children left us, but we want the hearts of the children of 18 BACK SIDE 12 - 18 AUGUST 2011 #566 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

From lame duck to dead duck ow that Lujendra has of a new constitution a week priorities all figured out. At Vatican or whatever, and and baddies is reaching a discovered water before the deadline, but the a time when integration is has both Prachanda Pratapi crescendo. The worst is yet Non Mars, maybe the banning of smoking in public stuck and the constitution and Paras Bir Bickram as to come in the PKD vs BRB Department of Drinking Water places. One thing about this deadline is a week away, members of its advisory saga. Awesome is ticked and Sewerage should invite grovelment, it sure has its he’s air-dashing off again to panel. Another member who off JN offered to resign on him back to Nepal to see if he priorities right. There is a Malaysia with his left hand got in with Awesome on the Saturday under pressure from can find it in Kathmandu too. sword hanging over the prime man, Com Bagman (“50 same flight on Wednesday the kangresis, because that We will need a diviner here, minister’s head and he still karod”) Mahara. And just was Steven Rockefeller. Now, would make it easier for BRB and it may as well be an ex- has time for life-and-death to quell speculation about how did a fourth generation to cobble together a consensus patriot Nepali. If he can find issues like fining people whether the Asia-Pacific Zen Buddhist rock-a-fellow govt. But for lame duck JN to it in outer space, he can find for smoking. As far as rules Exchange and Cooperation get roped into a dubious be a dead duck, the kangresis it anywhere. Kathmandu may and regulations go we must Foundation (APECF) actually Chinese quango that wants to will first have to resolve the have run out of water, but it have some of the finest on exists, this time PKD brought turn Lumbini into a Buddhist SBD vs RCP power struggle, is the most happening place the planet. At this rate KTM the entire zingbang back with Disneyland? APECF’s website and you can be sure PKD will in the solar system, there is will be a “fine” city just like him on his plane from BKK. is still “under construction”, try his best to drive a wedge lots happening even though Spore. The only diff will be Last time journalists went and that will probably be the there. SBD gave BRB a public nothing ever gets done. that here we will have to fine to check out the Glouster fate that awaits Lumbini, too. dressing down in Gorkha people for flushing the toilet St office address of APECF last week calling him “fork FG and wasting water. in Wan Chai, they found FG tongued”, must have been to The most happening FG a textile factory. Anyway, No one it seems has time make PKD happy so he will announcement by the this is the organisation that to think about such things anoint him PM? Gobblement of Nepal this JN’s mentor Comrade Caesar has a grandiose plan to turn when internal feuding week was not the promulgation Maximus has also got his Lumbini into Mecca or among kangresis, eh-maleys FG So, to recap, the plot so far:

1. The PKD faction wants SBD as PM just so BRB doesn’t get the chance 2. The BRB faction wants the NC to come on board in a consensus govt headed by him 3. Jhusil Da would rather have PKD as PM because a consensus govt will mean either SBD or BRB as PM 4. RCP wants a consensus govt led by him and not by BRB 5. JNK knows that even if he resigns none of this will be sorted out and he can remain in Balu Water for the unforeseen future 6. The KPO faction of the UML wants JNK out even if it means a kangresi-led govt FG If you think your head is spinning, look at what it has done to the prime minister. All the excitement has been too much for him and he is down again with a viral fever that doctors suspect is an E-KpOli infection. ISSN 1814-2613 CDO Regd No 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No 09/066/67