Govt-ILO signdeal to stop child labour

By A Staff Reporter

KATHMANDU, Aug 19: His Majesty's Government and the International Labour Organisation today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to eliminate child labour in Nepal. The MoU to extend the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) for the next five years was signed by Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Transport Prem Nidhi Gyawali and ILO Director Ms. Leyla Tegmo-Reddy.

The programme will help sustain the commitment of the government towards eliminating the worst forms of child labour in Nepal in the first five years. Nepal has drawn up a 10-year master plan against child labour beginning 2001. Nepal has one of the highest child labourers in the world, with figures put as high as 2.6 million. Most of the children work as porters, domestics and in teashops. Quite a few work in hazardous industries and stone quarries.

Every year, thousands of children, mostly girls are taken across the border and forced into a life of prostitution and slavery.

Cooperation between the two signatories is based on the objectives and principles of the ILO, in particular the obligation borne by Nepal after it ratified ILO Convention on Minimum Age (No. 138) and Convention of the worst forms of child labour (No. 105).

On the basis of the MoU, HMG and ILO/IPEC will work towards establishing a sound implementation and monitoring mechanism of policies and time-bound programmes for the elimination of child labour, an ILO press statement said today. It will give priority to the worst forms aimed at preventing and rehabilitating child labourers and their families, it said.

Nepal and ILO signed the first MoU in 1995 when the IPEC was extended to Nepal.

Four injured in tempo accident

By Our Correspondent

BHARATPUR, Aug. 19: Four people travelling in a SAFA tempo, including its woman driver, were seriously injured when the three wheeler and a truck slammed head on right in front of the Bharatpur Airport today afternoon.

The tempo with registration number Ba 1 Ha 4805 was heading from Narayangadh towards Bharatpur bus park while the truck (Na 2 Kha 2506) was coming from the east towards Narayangadh when the accident took place.

According to the District Police Office, those who have been injured are tempo driver Ms. Pragati Thakuri, Dhaka Nath Poudel, Akshya Lal Mahato and Lilaram Sapkota, 70. Thakuri and Poudel have been sent to Kathmandu for treatment while the rest are being treated at Bharatpur Hospital.
Only women drive the eight SAFA tempos, powered by batteries, operated by Bharatpur municipality. There are 12 women SAFA tempo drivers.

15,000 die every year from smoking in Nepal

RSS

KATHMANDU, Aug 19: One person dies every second in the world due to smoking and 15, 000 people die of the same in Nepal each year.

Of the patients who come for treatment of heart attack at the Teaching Hospital, 82 per cent are smokers.

At a consultative meeting organised by the primary health services centre, participants called for closer of tobacco based industries rather than levy tax on it.

Minister of State for Health Mohan Bahadur Basnet called for collective efforts for awareness to save lives.

Senior heart expert Dr. Mrigendra Raj Pandey pointed out the need for additional efforts from both governmental and non- governmental level.

Dr. Paramitat Soeharto of WHO and Gauri Pradhan of NGO Federation feared 10 million deaths if the present rate of death is to continue.

Centre executive director Shanta Lal Mulmi informed that laws were being formulated against smoking.

Dr. Ram Prasad Shrestha of the Ministry and director of the National Health Education and Information Centre Ramesh Chandra Neupane presented working papers.

Dwarika Joshi of the centre and Bhojraj Ayar of pro-public presented draft bills for control of smoking.
Dr. Mrigendra Raj Pandey and Dr. Sharad Wonta presided over the working paper sessions and Shantalal Mulmi and Jyoti Baniya of users forum commented on them.

Importance of blood donation highlighted

RSS

MADHYAPUR THIMI, Aug. 19: German Ambassador Rudiger Lemp donated blood and initiated the 13th blood donation and relief assistance hand-over programme organised by the Lyamha Pucha Thimi Sunday on the occasion of the National Children's Day.

On the occasion, Ambassador Lemp highlighted the importance of blood donation, pointing out the need to encourage the younger generation towards blood donation.

At the programme, Ambassador Lemp also honoured young poetess Pramila Manandhar who has also lent her voice in four song albums.

On the occasion, president of the Lyamha Pucha Shyam Krishna Manandhar handed over relief materials worth about Rs 400,000 which the Lyamha Pucha had collected in aid of the flood and landslide victims in different parts of the country to chief district officer Ram Prasad Khatiwada and through him to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.Pucha president Manandhar presided over the programme.

Meanwhile, a blood donation programme was held at the local Samakhusi Children's Park on Sunday in aid of people affected by the recent floods and landslides in different parts of the country.

The blood donation was organised by local students and human rights organisation in collaboration with the Welcome Computer Centre Pvt. Ltd. Thamel.

Altogether 42 persons donated blood at the programme. National Assembly member Rishi Babu Pariyar was the chief guest on the occasion.

The programme was presided over by Sudip Kumar Shrestha, president of the student and Human Rights Association.

Tributes paid to late Indian envoy

RSS

LALITPUR, Aug. 19: Nepal-India Friendship Society organised a function at Kupondol Gurudwara to pay tributes to Indian ambassador Dr. Indu Prakash Singh who passed away in London Saturday.
On the occasion Indian Charge d'Affaires Ashok Kumar, acting president of Nepal Sadbhawana Party Badri Prasad Mandal and others prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

One minutes' silence was also observed in memory of he late Dr. Singh at the function chaired by convenor of the society Prem Laskari.

Likewise, Nepal-India Friendship Association, at a meeting held Saturday to mourn the sad and untimely demise of Indian Ambassador to Nepal Dr Indu Prakash Singh, wished for the peace of the departed soul and observed two minutes' silence.

A condolence resolution passed by the meeting states that in Dr. Singh's Demise Nepal has lost a well wisher.

Two die in Lalitpur as house collapses

RSS

KATHMANDU, Aug.19: Bhagwati, 50, and Nara Bahadur Magar, 18, died when the house of Milan KC at Kusunti locality of Lalitpur Sub-Metropoliltan City ward No. 13 collapsed because of recent heavy downpour, the Home Ministry said.

Six persons injured in the incident have returned home after medical treatment.

Likewise, the landslide that occurred Saturday night at Mankha VDC ward No. 7 Gauri Village of Sindhupalchok district has claimed the lives of Nandi Keshari Parajuli and Naveen Parajuli. Seven persons sustained injuries in the incident.

Netra Kumari Gurung, 32, Ranmaya Gurung, 12 and Bindra Maya Gurung, 8, died when the house of Gaja Bahadur Gurung at Mulabari of Deurali VDC ward No 8 of Gorakha district collapsed Saturday. Four persons sustaining injuries in the incident are undergoing treatment.

According to the Ministry of Home, Maiya Sharma, of Banepa Municipality ward No. 13 died in the flood of the Punyamati stream flowing through the municipality.

A search is on for her son Ronit Sharma, 11, who was washed away by the swollen stream and is reported missing.

Of the relief materials handed over by the Nepal Trade Association to the Prime Minister Saturday, two truckloads have already been sent for distribution to the affected families of the Central Region.
The death toll of the flood and landslide has risen to 360 so far. Relief and rescue operation is also going on, it is learnt.

Saving lives in the mountains

By Ballav Dahal

Although rescue operation often does not come under a priority in Nepal, its importance lies in not only saving people's lives but also promoting mountain tourism.

More than 50 per cent of the trekkers and mounatineers in the high mountain areas suffer from an acute mountain sickness. This is common to both the foreigners visiting the mountain regions as well as the local residents.

"We need to convey the message to the world that our hilly and mountainous parts are safe adventure destinations," says Ang Kaji Sherpa, Chairman of the Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal.
Sherpa says the tourism in the mountain region of Nepal can flourish if the trekkers and expeditioners are assured that there is every provision for rescue should emergency arise.

Established in 1973 to reduce casualties in the Himalayas by conducting rescue operations, the association has opened one hospital each in Manang and Pheriche. Situated at 14,343 feet, the Pheriche hospital is the highest one in the world.

Sherpa says the hospitals have been very useful for the trekkers, mountaineers, porters and the locals. As the number of trekkers and mountaineers is high in the Annapurna and the Khumbu regions, more people suffer from mountain sickness and need immediate attention.

The major symptoms of mountain sickness include headache, insomnia, vomiting, fatigue, respiratory problems and faint. This sickness can be prevented through taking necessary precautions such as walking slowly, taking enough water and other liquids, and wearing warm clothes. Doctors advise people not to smoke cigarettes or take alcoholic beverages in the high mountain regions. Travellers are also asked to come down to the lower land when they start to feel the symptoms.

According to Prakash Adhikari, Chief Executive of the association, about 3,000 patients benefit from the hospitals in a year. "Majority of those who visit the hospitals suffer from the acute mountain sickness. Local people who visit the hospitals mostly suffer from heart-related ailments, stomach and those who have met with accidents," says Adhikari.

He says the association has realised the need for establishing a similar hospital in the Langtang region, which is another major trekking area.

"We have plans to expand services to different parts of the country." He says they are presentlyfocussing on self-sustainability because of lack of fund. Foreigners, who receive medical services from the hospitals, give some donations to the hospitals. "We subsidise the treatment of the local patients from such donations." Patients are brought to Kathmandu by air when their health condition becomes critical.

The association has been working together with Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) to carry out rescue operation in the mountain region. There are many instances of rescue operations being mounted immediately in case of emergencies. This is another area which need to be bolstered to assure trekkers and mountaineers that they will be well-taken care of if there are any emergencies.

Fulbari, a great hotel of the world

By a Staff Reporter

The Fulbari Resort and Spa has become a member of the world's great hotels, in league with The Ritz Carlton, The Grand Hyatt, The Oberoi of Bari, The Banyan Tree and The Royal Meridian Yacht Club.
The Great Hotels of the World, an organisation based in London placed Fulbari, located in Pokhara, as hotel par excellence on the basis of its architectural design, natural setting, interior decoration,luxury and guest satisfaction.

A press release of Fulbari said the hotel is now entitled to use the logo of the Great Hotels of the World.

Sikkim's road to prosperity

By Bhimsen Thapaliya from Sikkim

There is no airport in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, a small Indian state to the east of Nepal. tourism is still the biggest industry in this Himalayan region. But there are signs of prosperity everywhere - thanks to a good road network.

The rising affluence of Gangtok matches its natural beauty. This hilly city reflects the modern development on whose path the whole state is striding forward.

Blessed with rich bio-diversity, mountains and culture, Sikkim has ably tapped its tourism potential to achieve economic prosperity. Good security has also made it a preferred destination for visitors who come from different parts of India and other countries to enjoy its scenic beauty and fascinating cultural life.

Gangtok, which means the top of a hill, is a beautiful town offering the view of Mt. Khanchenzonga. Situated at an altitude of 5,600 feet, it is renowned for a number of Buddhist monasteries and stupas.
The town has a population of 30,000 and has a blend of tradition and modernity. While Buddhist monks chant scriptures and meditate in the monasteries, businessmen drive around with mobile phones.

Its topography is uneven, making it difficult to build an airport. But Gangtok gets excellent grades in transport with an impressive road network. A web of blacktopped roads connects its major neighbourhoods on the steep hilly city.

Around this time of year, monsoon rains are frequent. Unlike Kathmandu, fog is the summer feature of Gangtok. Like precipitation, spates of blanketing fog come without warning. This darkening phenomenon is dreadful for highway drivers especially at night.

"The fog makes our job challenging," said a tea estate driver.

With the rapid pace of urbanisation, Gangtok is increasingly facing the problem of sewerage and smoke pollution. Because of the steep roads, exhaust emission by vehicles is high. Bicycles and rickshaws do not thrive here due to the sloping surface.

Tourism is the main vehicle of our economic development, said the manager of Hotel Rendezvous. Cardamom farming comes next.

The nearest railway point is Siliguri, 144 kilometres away, and the nearest airport is at Bagdogra, another West Bengal town, 124 kilometres away.

Among the four districts of Sikkim, the northern and western districts border Nepal. Gangtok is in the eastern district. To its east lies Bhutan, another Himalayan Kingdom. To its south, there is the renowned holiday destination of Kalimpong.

Merged with India as its 22nd state in 1975, Sikkim is famous for its bio-diversity.

It is rich in rhododendrons and orchids. Up in the northern mountains bordering Tibet, musk deer, Himalayan black beer, snow leopard, blue sheep, thar and yaks abound.

Nepalese, Lepchas and Bhutias are the main ethnic groups, and they are admired for their friendliness and hospitality.

Monsoon is not the ideal time for sightseeing in Sikkim. The tourist season normally starts in October.

Besides its natural beauty, carpet, rugs, tea, cardamom and locally distilled whiskey are usually on the visitors' shopping list. Gangtok has banned polythene bags to prevent the clogging of sewers.

Off Road Expedition 2002
No problem travelling in Nepal

By A Staff Reporter

An adventure group consisting of senior executives, businessmen, doctors, engineers and travel writers from three European countries - Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany - found that there was no problem travelling in Nepal even when there is a state of emergency.

The Asian Expedition Off Road 2002, had travelled to Nepal in 14 vehicles equipped with the most modern travelling equipment along with computers, satellite telephone, tent and even provision for surgery if need arise.

The vehicles consisted of both the latest such as Daimler Crysler Benz, Toyota Landcrusiers, Land Rover and antique like Steyr Pinzgauer.

The trip to Nepal was initiated by K.M. Ranjitkar, General Manager of Malla Hotel.

They had arrived in Nepal on August 5, and were welcomed by Minister for Labour and Transport Palten Gurung at the Hotel. The hotel and its staff had joined in welcoming the group.

The adventure group had left Germany more than two-month ago for a trip through India, Nepal, Tibet, China, and will return to Germany using the Silk Road.

The group had started from Chennai (India) and travelled through Mumbai, New Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and Gorakhpur before entering Nepal at Sunauli.

The trip showed that when tourists could come via land and enjoy Nepal, there should be no problem for those travelling by air, the Malla Hotel said.