New Airport: Six month extended for feasibility study

BY KRISHNA SHARMA

Kathmandu June 20: The government has extended six months time for the Paris-based Apla Consultant Co. Ltd. (ACCL) for the completion of the detailed feasibility study for the development of the Gautam Buddha Airport at Bhairahawa into an international one.

ACCL, multi-national construction company, had requested the government for the extension of at least three months for the study in early April citing that it could not complete the task within the stipulated nine months’ duration due to Nepal’s domestic problems.

The government had on July 12, 2000 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ACCL in which the latter was required to carry out the feasibility study and develop the Bhairahawa airport into an international standard airport under ‘Build, Operate and Transfer’ (BOT).

Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Nagendra Prasad Ghimire says that during the first two months of the extended period the ACCL has carried out some of the study and has also submitted the progress report to the government.

With the present pace of the ACCL’s feasibility study Ghimire is hopeful that the Company would present its report within the given time frame.

"The ACCL has said that it is willing to talk with the Nepalese government for a mid-term review of the progress. And we are planning to invite them in July for signing of the concession agreement as well," Ghimire told The Rising Nepal.

President of the ACCL Andre Vessier, in an e-mail response, informed The Rising Nepal that the ACCL has been doing its work as included in the first MoU. According to him, the ACCL has managed the financing, consortium of companies, and economic and financial feasibility study (done by AEROPORTS DE PARIS).

He, meanwhile, informed that they were ‘waiting for the signing of the concession agreement with the Nepal government.’

Talking about the concession agreement Joint Secretary Ghimire said during the time of concession agreement both the parties will have a detailed discussion regarding topics like land acquisition and other technical aspects of the development of the airport.

The government recently formed a task force under the convenorship of Joint Secretary Ghimire to study the terms and conditions while signing on concession agreement with the ACCL. Apart from negotiating with the ACCL, the committee will also prepare groundwork for acquisition of land around the existing Gautam Buddha Airport.

In this connection, the working committee has assigned the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to hold talks with the Indian civil aviation authority regarding air space. Since the Gautam Buddha Airport is very near to the Indian border, three-fourth of the total air space falls inside the Indian territory.

CAAN Director Medini Prasad Sharma says that they are still studying the technical aspect of the airport such as the airport’s design and layout before approaching the Indian side.

Nepal desperately needs an international airport outside Kathmandu Valley because of topographical and geographical constraints of the Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. The proposed site is just a few kilometres from Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, The Light of Asia.

An international airport near Lumbini is not only preferred because of it easing the traffic movement at the Kathmandu airport but also to develop Lumbini into an attractive tourist spot for over 300 million Buddhist followers, who want to come to the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

If the 100-million US$ project materialises, the country will not only have two international standard airports to cater the air services but the increasing air traffic at the capital city will also find a permanent solution.

Two documentaries on 'Dalits' released

BY A STAFF REPORETER

Kathmandu, June 20: Why are we Dalits? Why are we considered ‘untouchable’ since the same blood runs in our veins? Why do many upper caste people sprinkle water to purify themselves ritually when are touched by Dalit? Isn’t the practice made by men themselves? Were some of the question raised by Dalits in a documentary entitled "We Have the Same Kinds of Blood" that was screened here today.

These pertinent issues pose a challenge to the modern Nepalese society.

The documentary is a outcome of a joint project between DANIDA/HUGOU’s Dalit Support Unit, Danish Association for International Co-operation (MS-Nepal) and a Danish filmmaker.

Dalits on the screen

The video documentary portrays and looks deeply into the lives of Dalits of Panchnali, a small mountain village in Doti district in Western Nepal. In the village there are Kamis (blacksmiths), Damais (tailers) and Bhuls (cobblers) along with some upper caste Thakuris.

Like in many parts of Nepal, these communities are not allowed to use the water taps reserved for the higher castes; they cannot enter Hindu temples as they are considered to be ‘impure’. The documentary reflects a strong religious cosmology of caste behaviour and the daily lives of the Dalits (untouchables).

In a next documentary ‘Why Dalit?’ also screened today. Raju Nepali, a spirited Dalit youth from the same village vows that they would no longer suffer from such inhumane caste discrimination. He is now actively involved in awareness generation campaign against caste discrimination in the village.

"We want to live like a human being," Nepali said. The ignorance and customs have helped remain such discrimination in society, he said.

"Why Dalit" provides an insight of the Dalits’ situation in Nepal at large. The explores many of paradoxes in the caste-based discrimination: like why are shoes made by Sarkies (cobblers) allowed into the house of upper castes when the person who made the shoes cannot enter?

The film then moves down to Terai in the South and sheds light on different Dalits castes and their living circumstances- for example the Sunar (goldsmith) who try to escape from the caste discrimination in the hill villages by migrating to the more populated markets in Terai; the Badis, who struggle to get citizenship for their fatherless children; the Dhobis (washermen) who spend their life washing clothes but are considered dirty.

The films also show the humor and strength of Dalits as they try to live a life of dignity.

Produced and directed by Ms Berit Madsen of Manche Film with Ms Ganga Gurung, the two documentaries enjoys experts’ inputs from Dalit NGO Federation, Feminist Dalit Organisation and Dalit Welfare Organisation, according to a press release of the organisations that made the documentaries. Rabindra Panedy has edited the films while Aavaas Music gave lyric to them. Popular folk singer Tirtha B. Gandharva has given his voice to the films, that touches the heart of the audience.

NC meet focus on Royal Palace security
DPM clarifies on the new Regulations

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, June 20: Nepali Congress has asked the government to take policy level, procedural and legal initiatives on the different aspects of the report made public by the high level committee that investigated into the tragic incident at the Royal Palace.

An emergency meeting of the Central Working Committee of the Nepali Congress today said it has taken the report presented by the high-level committee and the facts presented in it seriously. The meeting also urged the government to take up responsibilities in correcting the serious lapses and mistakes in security mechanism at the Royal Palace as pointed out by the high-level committee.

Emergency meet of CWC

The meeting also requested the government to make arrangements for providing every security and protection for His Majesty the King and the other members of the Royal Family and to address the concern and anxiety shown by the people after the unexpected and sorrowful happening.

The high-level committee was appreciated for fulfilling its responsibility of collecting the facts and figures and disclosing it to the public despite the time constraint and the limited terms of reference.

The meeting also expressed its gratitude to people, press and the political parties for the patience, common sense shown by them at the moment of such a tragic happening. It has also appealed all to work for strengthening the constitutional monarchy – a symbol of national unity – and consolidating multi-party democracy.

Meanwhile, during the meeting, NC CWC members also asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister to clarify on the recently introduced Public Security Regulations –2058.

According to party spokesman Narahari Acharya, DPM Poudel said the Regulation was not the copy of the Act of the Panchayat days.

"The Regulation has come only in accordance with the Public Security Act of 2046 and it fully complies with the country’s constitution and that Act," Poudel told the CWC.

On the CWC members query about giving more power to the Chief District Officers, Acharya said, the Deputy Prime Minister told the CWC members that the CDOs authorities have rather been curtailed and is defined clearly.

Poudel even denied that the Regulation was meant to curb strikes and protests.

However, the members told that there has been a lot of misinformation to the public and the DPM and the Home Ministry should explain about the regulation to the public.

Spokesman Acharya said the Deputy Prime Minister would clarify about the regulation to the press and the public.

Party president Girija Prasad Koirala, who also chaired today’s meeting, said that the situation is complex and the Nepali Congress and all the political parties must fulfill the historical responsibility.

Today’s meeting was participated by 28 CWC members and 13 invitees. Three CWC members, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Shailaja Acharya and Prakash Koirala were not present at the meeting.

Those who spoke at the meeting included Sher Bahadur Deuba, Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, Deputy Prime Minister Poudel, Pradeep Giri and Krishna Prasad Sitaula.

Elephants destroy crops in Jhapa

Kankarbhitta, June 20 (RSS): A herd of wild elephants has destroyed the Chaite paddy and maize crops, fruit trees and foodgrains stored in the houses in Bahundangi VDC, a remote VDC in east-northern part of Jhapa district, according to VDC chairman Nilkantha Tiwari.

Although wild elephants infiltrate into Bahundangi VDC every year and cause massive loss for the local people, no preventive measures have been taken by the concerned authorities, chairman Tiwari laments.

Local people have been terrorised after the wild elephants numbering 70 caused massive damage of crops at ward Nos. 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9 of the VDC last month, and a person was crushed to death by a wild elephant.

Chairman Tiwari demanded a special relief package programme after declaring the VDC as an elephant effected area.

Similarly, two wild elephants are also said to have eaten up maize and paddy crops in Surunga VDC-1 and Arjundhara VDC-5 and destroyed the houses of the local people.

Committee formed for HM's birthday

Kathmandu, June 20 (RSS): A 55-member birthday celebration committee has been constituted to celebrate the 55th auspicious birthday of His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev for three consecutive days beginning from July 6.

The celebration committee is headed by Mr Shanker Poudel, president of Hamro Nepal, a social organisation based in Kathmandu.

Her Majesty  recovering

Kathmandu, June 20 (RSS): Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah’s health is improving satisfactorily.

Her Majesty the Queen had taken a walk yesterday, according to attending doctors.

This is stated in a notice issued today by the Principal Press Secretariat of His Majesty the King.

Mourning the Royal Tragedy, The silent way

Bhaktapur, June 20 (RSS): Lanta Bahadur Prajapati, 43, a social worker of ward No 8 of Madhyapur Thimi municipality has pledged to observe silence for 45 days to mourn the tragic demise of His Majesty King Birendra, Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya, His Majesty King Dipendra and other members of the Royal Family in the tragic incident which took place at Narayanhity Royal Palace on June 1.

After hearing about the tragic incident, Mr Prajapati had spent three days from June 2 to 4 without eating food and drinking water and decided to observe silence for 45 days from June 4 to mourn the demise of the members of the Royal Family, according to his wife Purna Devi Prajapati.

Mr Prajapati, the father of two sons and one daughter, has pledged not to eat meat, organise prayers at home and visit temples during these 45 days, she added.

Mrs Prajapati said that her husband, who had seen His late Majesty King Birendra from a close distance but not spoken to him, had pledged to mourn the demise of Their late Majesties the King and Queen because of his deep faith and confidence in Their late Majesties and the Royal Palace.

Meanwhile Buddhi Bahadur Prajapati, 57, a resident of ward No 8 of Madhyapur Thimi municipality, died of cardiac arrest after hearing the news of the tragic demise of the members of the Royal Family.

Monsoon begins, paddy plantation in full swing

Kathmandu, June 20 (RSS): With the start of monsoon on June 3, the farmers throughout country are busy planting paddy.

Monsoon normally begins from June 10 or last week of Jestha. However, monsoon has begun a week earlier this year.

As irrigation facility is available to only 21 per cent of total arable land in Nepal, a majority of the farmers have to await for monsoon to carry out paddy plantation that requires plenty of water.

According to available statistics, about 61 per cent of the land used for paddy crop across the country depends on the rain water.

With the start of monsoon this year, about 265 mm of rain has fallen todate. Paddy plantation is estimated to have been carried out on about 10-15 per cent of the land todate.

In Nepal, about 75 per cent of water falls during monsoon (June to September) and about 10 per cent during the winter season, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

Paddy crop, a mainstay of Nepal, is cultivated on about 1.560 million hectares of land in the country. Last year, paddy yield had touched 4.030 million metric tonnes.

Ranabhat, Mohsin hold discussion for House session

Kathmandu, June 20 (RSS): Speaker Taranath Ranabhat and National Assembly chairman Dr. Mohamad Mohsin held meetings separately at the Speaker’s Office at the Parliament Building, Singha Durbar today with the parliamentary party leaders of various parties represented in parliament for discussions in connection with the 20th session of parliament and the likely programmes.

According to the Parliament Secretariat, Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader and Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Minister for Local Development Govinda Raj Joshi, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Mahanta Thakur, Basudev Rijal, National Assembly vice chairman Chiranjivi Prasad Rijal, Binaya Dhoj Chand and Dil Bahadur Gharti participated in the discussions on the parliamentary session which is to commence on June 25.

Similarly, leader of the opposition Madhav Kumar Nepal, leader of the opposition at the National Assembly Yuba Raj Gyawali, Bharat Mohan Adhikari, Subhas Nemwang, Surendra Prasad Pandey, Rajendra Prasad Pandey and Parashu Ram Meghi Gurung participated on behalf of the CPN UML parliamentary party.

RPP parliamentary party leader Surya Bahadur Thapa, Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani and Balaram Ghartimagar also participated in the discussions.

Meetings of NA's committees held

Kathmandu, June 20 (RSS): A meeting of the National Assembly (NA) government assurances committee held here today held extensive discussions on details of progress concerning the 16th Session of Parliament received from the office of the Prime Minister.

Also, the meeting decided to request the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, the National Planning Commission secretariat, the Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning and the Ministry of Local Development to send their progress reports as early as possible as it has not been possible to prepare the committee report in the absence of their reports.

Committee chairman Shilupyari Mulmi Karmacharya chaired the meeting.

Likewise, the National Assembly Delegated Legislation Committee, at its meeting today, extended heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, the symbol of national unity, on His Majesty's accession to the throne of the Kingdom of Nepal and wished long life, good health and a successful reign to His Majesty.

The meeting also wished a speedy recovery to Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah.

The second meeting of the same committee today adopted a resolution stating that the entire Nepalese people have been afflicted by the sad demise of Their Majesties King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya and other Royal Family members on June 1 and of His Majesty King Dipendra on June 4 following the tragic incident at the Narayanhity Royal Palace.

The meeting prayed to the almighty for the eternal peace of the souls of Their Majesties and other royalty and paid heartfelt tributes to them.

The committee also observed silence for two minutes wishing eternal peace to the departed souls.

Committee chairman Basudev Bhatta presided over both the meetings.

Likewise, a meeting chaired by the National Assembly regulations amendment drafting committee convened under the chairmanship of committee chairman Mahendra Kumar Mishra held extensive discussions on amending the rules under Chapter 27 of the National Assembly Regulations 2055.

Likewise, the meeting of the National Assembly Remote Areas Committee held today adopted a resolution offering congratulations to His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev on the occasion of His Majesty's accession to the throne of the Kingdom of Nepal and hearty best wishes for His Majesty’s long life, good health and glorious reign.

The meeting adopted a resolution praying to Lord Pashupatinath for the speedy recovery of Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah.

The second meeting of the committee today prayed to the almighty for the eternal peace of the departed souls of Their late Majesties King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya and other Royal Family members and Royal relatives in the tragic incident at the Narayanhity Royal Palace.

Committee chairman Krishna Lal Thakali chaired the meeting.

Regulations not to curb rights: Govt

Kathmandu, June 20 (RSS): HMG has stated that it is always sensitive towards guranteeing a situation under which every citizen is able to exercise human rights without any impediment and has paid special attention so that the main spirit of human rights is not hurt while carrying out its activites.

A press release issued by the Home Ministry here today states that HMG has introduced the Public Security Regulations 2058 with a view to nurture human rights, ensure security and protect the interest of the public at large and not with any view to hurting human rights or the achievements of the people's movement.

According to the press release, HMG has not taken any decision to ban Nepal bandhs or general strikes across the kingdom nor is it the objective of the regulations to ban processions, demonstrations and Nepal strikes.

The release also cautioned against misinterpretation of the regulations.

The Home Ministry has stated, "as the gounds for earlier rules were not clearly defined, there was room for arbitrary interpretation. Therefore, these grounds have been clearly defined."

Home Ministry communique

The regulation do not give sweeping powers to the chief district officer to arrest anyone for any reason and it should not be interpreted in this way. On the other hand, the regulations have limited the scope of unilateral decisions and makes provisions so that the law is not misutilised, it is stated in the press release.

According to the press release, a person affected by an order issued under the regulations can file an application at the Home Ministry, and provisions have been made to alter or revoke the order. These provisions restrict the invocation of the act and regulations for specific purposes only.

The Home Ministry has also stated that the Public Security Act 2046 had been introduced to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Nepal, to maintain law and order and foster cordial relations and harmony between various ethnic groups and communities, adding that the act had been amended the first time in 2047 and a second time in 2048.

Regretting the comments made over this matter, the Home Ministry has called upon civil society and the press not to indulge in unnecessary speculation in this regard.