OFF THE RECORD (Spotlight Weekly)

‘Translocation Is A Complicated Process’

— NARAYAN POUDEL

Although it may sound easy, the task of translocating rhinos involves a complex set of processes that require coordination from forest wardens, mahouts and a wide range of other quarters. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks successfully undertook the fourth translocation of rhinos from Chitwan National Park to Bardiya National Park recently. Chief ecologist at the department NARAYAN POUDEL shared his experience with reporters. Excerpts:

How easy is it to carry out the translocation of rhinos?

One can make a valid judgment only after looking at the whole process of the translocation. It is a very complicated process and demands precautions at every step. From mahouts to technical staff, everybody’s contribution is vital.

As a chief ecologist, what are your views on the rhino translocation?

Nepalese officials and scientists involved in the translocation have proved that they are capable of carrying out such a vital task on their own. We completed the process in record time this year.

Why is translocation required?

In order to protect rhinos from all kinds of threats, we are developing new habitats. The translocation of rhinos to the Bardiya National Park and the Royal Shuklaphanta Park will help diversify habitats and protect the species from extinction.

Do you mean Chitwan is no longer safe?

Chitwan is very much safe. However, it would be improper to concentrate the population of such a rare species in one particular area. There is always the possibility of extinction.

Burn, Not Learn

As their own children are safely tucked away in educational institutions overseas, our political leaders do not attach much attention to the plight of government schools and colleges in the country. In fact, many of these leaders are actively involved in turning these institutions to political battlefields. All political parties encourage their student leaders to smash windows and wreck classroom desks and chairs. Instead of encouraging learning, these institutions are burning, as two campuses -- Ratna Rajya and Nepal Law Campus – in the capital were last week. Ironically, in the name of poor, the student wings of some left parties destroyed public property belonging to the poor Nepalese people.

Maverick Acharya

Acharya : Keep everyone guessing

Former deputy prime minister Shailaja Acharya is known for her unpredictability. No one can even remotely gauge what her next move would be. In the last fortnight, Acharya declared very firmly that she would contest the election for the post of Congress party president – an affirmation she withdrew last week. Many blame Acharya’s whimsical nature for her stagnant political career – which might be just about the only thing that could be said with any certainty about her.

Left Turn

November seemed to be a month of anniversaries for CPN-UML-friendly newspapers. After the launch of the UML mouthpiece, Nava Yuga, the month saw

the fifth anniversary celebrations of Budhabar – another weekly paper reflecting the viewpoints of Balkhu. Perhaps resembling its political orientation, most of the invitees at the anniversary programme were UML leaders. Interestingly, CPN-ML leader Hiranya Lal Shrestha was found shaking hands with CPN-UML leaders at the program. It was the first formal occasion when a CPN-ML leader was talking openly with UML leaders. At a time when a large number of ML leaders are flocking back to their mother organisation, was Shrestha showing signs that he, too, was about to take the plunge?

Red Carpet

Nepal : ready to welcome ML leaders

After a long and bitter duel, CPN-UML leaders have finally started showing some sense of camaraderie towards leaders of the breakaway CPN-ML. Recently, CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal declared that his party's politburo would withdraw corruption charges levelled against CPN-ML general secretary Bamdev Gautam and other leaders. Is this another way of 'welcoming' CPN-ML leaders back to the fold?

Disgusted Deuba

Former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is resting these days. And not because he is suffering from some serious illness, as some newspapers reported. According to Deuba, he is suffering from an ordinary shoulder/back ache that has been unnecessarily blown out of proportion. The Deuba camp says there is a major element of politics in the spread of this false medical prognosis. As Deuba has been posing a stiff challenge to Koirala's leadership in the runup to the party's general convention slated for February, Koirala’s coterie is working overtime to project Deuba in bad light.