Nutritional values catch attention of researchers

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KATHMANDU, Dec 17 There has been a huge nutritional problem in Nepal. More than 50 percent of the children suffer from malnutrition mainly below the age-group of two years.

According to a research conducted in 30 urban localities located in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, it has been found that there has been an imbalance of food habits leading to decline in traditional food, rise in traditional beliefs and thereby, feeding foreign tin packed baby food from the market.

On the basis of the research, "Child complementary feeding in urban areas of Nepal: Practices and Implication" a book written by Dr. Sushila Malla was released today.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Member of National Planning Commission said that this research could help in the policy formulation and thereby, further look into the process, implementation and monitoring in the nutrition sector.

Shiva Bhakta Sharma, Executive Officer, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) said that the research would benefit the children, mothers and all malnourished people as there lies a vaccum in the area of nutrition. In KMC, there are 19 urban clinics including primary health clinics where nutrition is given priority.

Talk programme on contemporary art

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KATHMANDU, Dec 17 The Siddhartha art Gallery and Nepal Britain Society jointly organised a presentation and a talk programme on contemporary Scottish art by Scottish artist Andrew Squire.

Squire is recently on a visit to Nepal as a residency visitor of the Siddhartha Art Gallery.

During his one and half hour presentation Squire highlighted the trend of Scottish contemporary art, which was developed in late 19th century. First he emphasised on landscape art.

As an example he presented the soothing painting of west coast of Scotland. Then he further described the trend of urban and Iconography art.

Among the Scottish contemporary landscape art some artists also fused the traditional landscape art with abstract painting. "This was challenging and difficult work for the artists of that time," he said.

According to Squire, during 1980s some artists chose to paint expressionist art influenced by the German art. "Four or five artists chose the figurative expression that mainly focused in the urban living or core hard reality that focused on everyday life," he said.

As an example of the expressionist art Squire presented a painting with a huge figure of a man, who looks very depressed with urban life. Also the painting focused on the physical environment of the city.

Some paintings depicted Kathmandu valley in the present situation emphasising urban living.

During his presentation Squire tried to focus on the various trends of contemporary Scottish art and artists and the changes in their art works. He also tried to present the difference in Scottish and Nepali works.

Conserving myths in the valley of gods and demons

By Bikash Sangraula

KATHMANDU, Dec 17 Three years ago, a renovation team, comprising of officials of Lalitpur sub-metropolis, Lalitpur Consumers’ Committee and Urban Development Local Effort (UDLE), discovered an ancient structure while undertaking the renovation of an historic lake in Pimbahal, Patan.

This structure, which later proved to be the original, fifth ‘Ashoka Stupa’, is a product of the craftsmanship of the artists hired by King Ashoka’s daughter, Charumati around 2,300 years ago. This was handed over to the sub-metropolis and the department of archaeology.

The renovation of the historic lake, as ancient as the Stupa itself, has reached the final stages. The Stupa was handed back to the locals for conservation, is soon to be re-instated where Charumati had originally intended it to be.

Ever since its recovery, the locals of Patan have been worshipping the Stupa, as its antiquity itself inspires devotion among the God-fearing locals.

"Historical records prove beyond doubt that this is the same Stupa that was built during Charumati’s time, and was later destroyed during the invasion of Sultan Samsuddin of Bengal," says a euphoric Shanta Raj Shakya, treasurer of Ashoka Stupa Conservation sub-committee. He adds that the locals have been performing religious rites on the Stupa.

According to Shakya, the lake is mentioned in historical accounts, such as the ‘Kritipataka’ dating back to the Malla dynasty, as ‘Jalamandap’.

The lake is believed to be a result of the now non-existent ‘Chalkhu’ river, which flowed through the heart of Patan. "There were two springs or ‘Raj Kulos’ that were dug to supply water to two halves of the settlement," says Premlal Maharjan, Chairman of Nepali Congress (Democratic) town committee. The springs are still there, though worn out by the ravages of time.

However, Sangaratna Bajracharya, a resident, has a different version. He recounts that at one point during the past, the residents of Lalitpur faced acute water shortage. At that time, there lived a maiden with beauty so enchanting that even the demons were overcome by her charms. "This area had a high population of demons then," says a credulous Bajracharya.

Legend has it that on request of the philanthropic maiden, the demons built the lake for the benefit of the residents. Many locals endorse this version of the lake’s origin. Myths and tales unfold in almost every corner of Kathmandu. Be it the myth of Manjushree’s sword that made this valley supportive to extra-aquatic lives; or the myth of Pashupatinath temple’s enormous bull that, many believe, is guarding the exit of almighty Shiva in case he finds his present quarters too small for his stature; love for myths is only too conspicuous, in this valley of believers.

There are four Ashoka Stupas in Patan, one each in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Shankhamul and Gwarko. History has it that Charumati’s master-plan designated the fifth one as the central Stupa. After it was destroyed by Samsuddin, Meghpal constructed another Stupa in the 12th century, still visible in Pimbahal.

Renovation workers recovered a section of the Stupa, a ‘Bajradhatu’, 10 inches high and 20 by 20 inches in dimension. It is a beautiful structure, all the more incredible in its historical significance. UDLE and the locals have contributed funds to re-instate the structure in front of the other one built by Meghpal.

Myths are beautiful. If convincing people to conserve ancient heritage is tough, then maybe a roundabout approach can be effective. The locals at Pimbahal are conserving heritage in their commendable efforts to conserve myths.

Rebels kill three civilians

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RAUTAHAT, Dec 17 Maoist rebels killed three civilians in Kailali and Rautahat districts in the past two days while three security personnel sustained serious injuries in landmine blasts in Bardiya and Baglung districts on Tuesday, according to reports.

Our Kailali-based reporter said that a group of Maoist-rebels killed two civilians after abducting them from Mudha bazaar. Police have identified them as Purna Singh Dhami and Bir Singh Bhul, both from Kota Tulsipur Village Development Committee (VDC). Security sources said that both of them were abducted three days ago while selling rice at the bazaar. Their bodies were recovered on Tuesday.

Locals said that the rebels have restricted the families of the security personnel from selling their agriculture produce.

Meanwhile, a report from Rautahat said that Maoist rebels on Monday killed a civilian, Nathuni Chudihar of Narkatiya VDC. Police inspector Ram Kamal Acharya said the rebels had abducted him about a week ago. His body was recovered on the banks of the Makuwa River.

Another report from Bardiya said that two security personnel were wounded in a Maoist-laid landmine blast in Daulatpur VDC on Tuesday morning. Chief District Officer Anandaraj Pokhrel said that the security personnel were returning to Tapara base camp when the rebels detonated the landmine aiming at them.

Likewise, a policeman, Dil Bahadur Sunar, sustained serious injuries in a landmine blast at Dobilla of Pala VDC, Baglung today. He was immediately airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment. Police arrested three suspects in connection with the incident.

Three dead, several injured in Chitwan accidents

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NARAYANGADH, Dec 17 At least two persons died while six others sustained injuries in separate road accidents in Chitwan district on Monday. Police said they have also recovered an unclaimed corpse of a youth under the Narayani bridge.

The two-year old son of Shankar Prasad, who was struck by a minibus, heading to Narayangadh from Bhandara, died while undergoing treatment at the Bharatpur Hospital. Police have arrested the bus driver, Dambar Bahadur Basnet and impounded the bus.

In another incident, a passenger died on the spot while five others were injured when the tractor they were riding fell off the road at Naya Bazaar of the VDC. Prem Bahadur Bhujel was crushed to death by the tractor, bound for Narayangadh from Gunjanagar VDC. The injured are undergoing treatment at Bharatpur Hospital while the tractor and its driver are in police custody, informed police sources.

On Monday itself, Jeewan Mahato, 50, was seriously injured when he was knocked down by a speeding motorcycle, at Chanauli of Gunjanagar. He is being treated at the Bharatpur Hospital.

Meanwhile, the unidentified corpse of a youth was recovered from under the Narayani bridge, Monday evening. According to police the corpse is that of a youth with Mongoloid features, aged 25 to 26 years.

UNESCO team inspects ‘unauthorised’ sites

By Prabhakar Ghimire

CHITWAN, Dec 17 The UNESCO team has commenced inquiry into allegations of unauthorised structures, with the connivance of concerned authorities, coming up inside the Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP). The allegations, which suggest that the government is involved with the unauthorised constructions, has led the UNESCO probe team to interrogate concerned government officials.

The team, comprising of Kishore Rao from UNESCO and Shyam Bajimaya from Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), reached Chitwan on Monday, and interrogated officials associated with District Road Office and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), in connection with a bridge over the Rapti River and a proposed 11 km transmission line. The transmission line runs at least six kilometres, inside the RCNP.

The probe follows UNESCO’s objection passed on to the government in June. UNESCO had raised objection at the construction of the bridge and transmission line linking and passing through the park, announced as a world heritage site in 1984. Building structures, in violation of the rules laid down by UNESCO is against the spirit of the world heritage body.

It may be recalled that the commissioning of the bridge in question was halted soon after the government received the letter from UNESCO. It had also raised objection to the construction of a nearly 400-metre road inside the park.

According to regulations laid down by UNESCO, authorities have to conduct an ‘environmental impact assessment’ before carrying out any construction inside protected areas. In this instance there has been no such study before the authorities gave the go-ahead to the bridge and transmission line.

There has been delay in the commissioning of the bridge, along with a controversy of the road from Kasra to Dhruva Chowki. However, Divisional Engineer Tulasi Sitaula has said that the environmental assessment was not conducted since the regulation had not been passed at the time when the work was initiated. He also said that the work was undertaken on the basis of a verbal understanding with the park authorities.

" UNESCO team had asked us about the issue and we said just this," he said, adding that UNESCO team has taken the construction in a positive light. Similarly, NEA officials too have conceded that the lapse has its own reasons. The inspection will continue until Thursday.

The bridge, inaugurated by former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, in 1998 and construction of which began in 1999 was completed in June this year. The delay in the construction of the bridge, connecting four Village Development Committees of the district had affected nearly 70 thousand people of the concerned VDCs.

The 386 metre, six metre wide cantilever bridge costs Rs 130 million.

Many Myanglung fire victims leaving Terhathum

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MYANGLUNG (Terhathum), Dec 17 The recent fire at Myanglung, which destroyed many houses and property worth millions of rupees has so devastated the residents that many have started to leave the district. More than 82 houses along the main street of the town had burnt down completely with estimated losses said to be Rs 3 billion.

Narayan Lal Shrestha, Suresh Shrestha, Tulasi Joshi, and Jayeshwor Man Shrestha, have already left the town after all that they owned was burnt. Only a few members from each family have stayed back, searching the rubble of their homes in the hope that they may find some of their jewellery amidst the ruins.

"How long can we go on with the relief provided by others; we do not have any house to live in and we have no business left", said one of the victims, with tears in his eyes, speaking to The Kathmandu Post correspondent. "Everything accumulated through many generations has vanished. There is nothing left for us to stay back for," he added.

Various organisations are working to prevent the silent exodus, with the Myanglung Bazaar Rebuilding and Re-establishment Committee, formed under the coordination of the Chief District Officer, spearheading the effort.

The Chief District Officer, reports that a sum of Rs. 679,500 and more than 10 truckloads of goods as relief have already been collected, with more aid and relief expected.

It is heartening to note, that even inmates of the Terhathum jail have twice provided assistance in the form of cash and relief materials.

The authorities are making concerted efforts to ensure that local residents do not leave Myanglung, ensuring them that help is coming. In the meantime, essential services such as drinking-water, telephone and electricity facilities have been organised on a temporary basis since Monday, informed concerned offices.

Bhutanese refugees celebrate national day

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DAMAK, Dec 17 Thousands of Bhutanese refugees living in eastern Nepal observed the 95th national day of Bhutan, at Beldangi-1 of Jhapa today, with a function where the National song of Bhutan, songs in Dzonkha (Official Bhutanese language) and dances were presented to mark the festival.

Principal speakers at the gathering stressed that the Bhutanese king should allow them to celebrate their national day in their own country next year.

The refugees also demonstrated Karate, a martial art sport, yet to be introduced in Bhutan. A blood donation programme was also organised as part of the programme, where 20 persons including two women donated blood.

Speaking at the programme, Durga Prasad Pradhan, the secretary at Beldangi-1 camp urged Nepali political parties, concerned organisations and others to help solve the refugee problem at the earliest.

Two police constables face jail sentence for cowardice

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DHADING, Dec 17 The special district police court, Dhading, has decided to punish two constables deployed at the Area Police Office at Khani-Khola for their cowardice. The police constables, Ram Bahadur Thapa and Chhabiraman Adhikary are to face jail sentence of three months and half a month respectively.

According to the chairman of the special court Dhading, Hari Pratap K.C., these constables who were sent to Thakre from their post at Khani-khola four months ago to check Maoists’ activities. Instead of carrying out their responsibilities, they showed the heights of irresponsibility by getting drunk and surrendering to the Maoists. While surrendering, Thapa even handed over his Chinese pistol, magazine and eight rounds of bullets. Similarly, his colleague, Adhikary placed his weapon before the Maoists too.

This session of the special district police court which handles cases of police officers was conducted in the presence of the district judge and the chairman, Hari Prasad K.C., Assistant Chief District Officer, Bedprasad Kharel and the inspector of police, Rabindra Bahadur Dhanuk.

NRCS accused of tender corruption

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DAMAK, Dec 17 The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS), Damak is alleged of indulging in massive corruption in its latest tender deal for supplying vegetables to refugees in Morang and Jhapa districts under its Refugee Help Programme (RHP), according to a source.

The source maintains that the tender procedure by NRCS is illegal. It had also entered the deal without notice to the UNHCR, which too is illegal, claimed the source.

NRCS after issuing a tender, gave the contract to Uprety Construction Service (UCS) on Monday.

However, the provision in dealing a tender, that a tender is given only to the party which offers the lowest price makes the latest act of NRCS invalid as there were other companies offering lower prices to that of UCS, according to Ram Mainali who is associated to the Mainachuli Trade International (MTI). MTI was also applying for the tender.

While the tender amount offered by UCS was Rs.36.48 million, MTI had offered Rs.35.74 million for the tender. Other companies had offered still lower prices, according to Mainali.

While contacted Bhakta Khanal, the Chief at NRCS, Damak said that the tender was decided in favour of MTI because those who offer low price bear losses during undertaking and render poor servics in the future.