KATHMANDU : The overall political atmosphere is upbeat as there is a stable government in place after successful holding of three level elections and promulgation of the new constitution. Now extensive discussions are being held regarding development activities with the tabling of various development projects for consideration.
The discussions on development are focused mainly on three-four topics. These topics are: firstly, relevance of infrastructure development and its practical aspects; secondly, mismanagement in the execution of development projects; and thirdly, impact of development activities on environment and measures adopted to address these concerns.
The concern of Kerung-Kathmandu railway has been widely discussed in the media and social media. After an agreement on Kerung-Kathmandu railway was signed during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s China visit (June 19-24), the issue has been analyzed from various aspects. Analysts and scholars have questioned the appropriateness of railway construction given the difficult geographical terrain, while others have argued that Nepal can benefit from railway and discussed the modality of investment.
However, no debate has been held regarding the environmental aspects of railway construction in the northern border. Instead of discussing the environmental aspects and getting positive feedback, the discussion on environment has been deemed as anti-development move. Everyone wants operation of railway as it will be a milestone in Nepal’s modern development. Therefore, no one will oppose the railway connectivity. But the discussions on environmental impact are meanly criticized. Not just the politicians but the so-called development activists have not taken such discussions in a positive vein. On the other hand, one political party has brought the development activities as committed in their election manifesto. Discussions are being held on the viability of such plans. However, this voice has been also termed as an anti-development force.
Moreover, indiscipline activities have also been noticed quite conspicuously in the development. This issue has also figured in the discussions. For example, an agreement between Nepal Investment Board and a private company was signed to work on development of mono-rail in Kathmandu. But Kathmandu Metropolitan City has offered responsibility to a Chinese company to conduct feasibility study before reaching any logical conclusion about it. This indicates serious lack of coordination between the government entities. Nevertheless, the top level of the government seems least interested about the issue.
It has been strongly felt that such undisciplined activities are likely to push away the possibility of mono-rail development. Furthermore, the authorities have been negligent in the development of Ring Road. Greenery has been removed along the Ring Road. No attention has been paid to replace for the loss plants. The cycle lane planned earlier has been erased from the design. The government is preparing to carry out further works of Ring Road after handover from China.
The political leadership and government bodies are unaware of the serious environmental impacts caused by development activities. Deforestation is rampant across the country in the name of development. In many places, development projects are being undertake without conducting the environmental impact assessment (EIA).
It is sand that those who raise concerns about these issues are dubbed as anti-development elements. Recently, a protest was held in Indian Capital New Delhi against the government decision to cut down 16,000 trees. The case reached the court that stayed the decision to chop the trees. Recently, a national discussion was held in Canada after a bird nest was found in course of stage construction. It shook the high-level government authority. These two examples demonstrate how we should be sensitive and responsible towards environment and wildlife conservation.
Millions of trees are being felled in Nepal without taking regard for the sustainable development. The government turns deaf ear towards such concerns. The stakeholders, journalists or environment lovers who raised their voice against the environmental impact during the course of Nijgadh International Airport in Bara have been dubbed as anti-development forces. Minister for Tourism Rabindra Adhikari has not shown any interest in it. Our ministers might think that there is a ‘conspiracy to obstruct the development of airport by raising issues of trees and environment’.
We very much agreed that the airport must be developed but the importance of environment and biodiversity should not be neglected. The development activities should be moved ahead by adopting measures to minimize the ecological loss. The alternative measures should be taken to repair loss of removed trees.
Similarly, the construction of highways one after another in the Chure region has post a serious threat to the region. However, no one seems bothered about it. Haphazard operation of bulldozers and opening of road tracks without taking into account the geographical sensitivity of the area have caused landslides and soil erosion at an alarming scale. The government officials worry about landslides and transport obstruction but they never pay heed to the root causes of these problems.
The discussions being held for development aspects should hailed instead of discouraging them. It is unfortunate that the government takes the concerns raised by stakeholders as political revenge rather than listening to the logical argument, and feedbacks. It would be imprudent to go ahead without embracing the logical discussions. Therefore, we need to utilize the opportunities and facilities available in the communication sector. We should listen to ordinary people of remote areas and include their experiences before undertaking any development works. In the recent past, people have been voicing their concerns regarding the destruction and appreciation for the development through the social networking sites. We have to welcome and respect them, and imbibe the positive feedbacks in our programs.
