CoAS of Nepal Sacked by the Maoist led government

Kathmandu: 3rd May, 2009The Government has sacked present Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS)of Nepal Army Rookmangud Katawal under the Military Act, 2006, and issue a letter of dismissal today . The government has also appointed the Kul Bahadur Khadka as the acting CoAS of the Nepali Army.
The action was done on the preliminary basis of the cabinet meeting held on Sunday where different party leaders of the CPN-UML, MJF and Nepal Sadbhavana Party, boycotted the meeting when Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal proposed the removal.

Following the government decision to sack CoAS Katawal, the main opposition party Nepali Congress has called an all-party meeting at 2PM in its parliamentary party office in Sindhadurbar. Moreover, the Maoist cadres are taking out a victory rally at 3PM .

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Nepal’s PM resigns after tussle of power with the president

May 04,2009 Kathmandu, Nepal: Nepal’s PrimeMinister(PM) Puspa Kamal Dahal resigned from his post of leadership, highlighting the current crisis situation of the inappropriate use of power by the President Dr Ram Bran Yadav against the sack of Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Rookmangud Katawal by the government.
The Maoist government had sacked Rookmangud Katawal from his position of CoAS of Nepali Army against the power tussle of Maoist and the Nepal Army. Recently during a national sports Program, Nepali Army drew back its sportsperson from the games, stating that the Maoist sportsmen did not comply the rules.
Briefly stating in a press release, the Nepal Army Media Directorate reasoned that the Maoist sportsmen failed to submit their application during the standard application time and later they participated the games influencing its bureaucratic powers to enter the games, which was against the sprit of sportsmanship.
Highlighting the issue, the CoAS was asked a written explanation to comply the reason behind drawing the army sportsmen from the games where Katawal had submitted the explanation. But undermining the report on Sunday, the Maoist led government using its powers and sacked Katawal under the Nepal Military Act, 2006 and appointed active general Kul Bahadur Khadka as the officiating CoAS of Nepal Army. Despite the fact that other parties had boycotted the cabinet meeting when the PM had proposed the sack of the CoAS Katawal; the Maoist led Government Issue the notice to Katawal.
In repose to the decision the other parties heavily protested against the monopoly of the Maoist led government and demanded the resignation of the PM. Moreover, acting against the situation the President Yadav using his power of president-ship reinstated Katawal as the CoAS of Nepal Army.
In view of the president’s act, the prime minister addressing the nation at around 11:00 GMT on Monday gave his resignation against the public through the communication medium which was later accepted by the president.


By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Asna Child Rehabilitation Home

Asna is the garden of love where flowers of different ages blossom, with this theme of humanity; Asna the Child Rehabilitation Home welcomes you to be a part of this enchanting experience to bring smiles to the face of destitute children who have suffered the consequences of their faith and the long conflict in Nepal.
“ I have come to realize more and more that the greatest disease and the greatest suffering is to be unwanted, unloved, uncared for, to be shunned by everybody, to be just nobody (to no one),” Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997).
As ascribed in the words, we at Asna have sheltered orphans who have been abandoned or are the result of the post conflict where they lack their basic rights of education, health and food. These orphans due to lack proper support are bound to face the consequences; more or less they are left behind with the treachery to rot in the restaurants, hotels and streets.
They are vulnerable and are prune to labor and exploitation. So acclimatizing this, in 2004, RCDP-Nepal established Asna Child Rehabilitation Home (ACRH), an orphanage, in Chitwan. The Home was established to provide food, clothing and shelter to orphaned and homeless children.
The facility from its establishment has tried and successfully provided a loving and caring environment and educated the children where they are also provided with skills training so that one day they can survive on their own in future.
At present, we have 26 orphaned children between the age of 6 and 15. They live in a three storey structure. Asna is currently in need of expansion. There are lots of orphaned children that Asna wants to receive and house within its compound but with the on going constriction of space, Asna searches beyond to see prospect of future and resources.
Theme “Be a smile for a reason donate to bring change in an orphans live and see how beautiful the world is.”

“Asna is the hope of light that shine to bring smiles to the face of destitute children, who have suffered what they didn’t deserve,” Merry Smith U.K

Why support Asna?
Nepal is a developing nation and with in its status of growing population, poverty permeates every corner of the country. Due to the years of civil war and the spread of HIV/AIDS, many children have become orphaned. Many continue to become everyday. There is no state help for the orphaned children. They are left to prey for child labor and exploitation or they’re at the mercy of their relatives and friends.
But most families in Nepal are deprived. They can hardly feed their own children. Helping to maintain others children is beyond the means of most people. The only place to turn to for the orphans is the orphanages. Sadly, most of them are already overcrowded. The orphanages regularly turn away the orphaned children because they don’t have enough space. The ones living in there often live in overcrowded rooms. In some orphanages, the children sleep, study and eat in the same room. To have a small play area is a luxury for most orphanages.
Realizing this fact, RCDP Nepal has been working hard to build orphanages in rural and semi-rural areas. The task isn’t easy where at every step, finding financial resources and the manpower is difficult in Nepal. Still, RCDP-Nepal has initiated an effort and is planning to further expand its network with in the rural areas.
Moreover, In Lamatar, another rural region closer to the capital city of Kathmandu, it has not only built an orphanage but is successfully educating and housing orphaned children.

Come be a part of this life time experience and bring smiles to the faces of children who await your companionship and love to cherish your memories for lifetime.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Bird Flu creates Terror in Nepal

Part-2 Bird flu has again been confirmed in Nepal in the village of Sharanamati VDC-2, Jhapa, district in eastern Nepal today after the results came in from London on 20 February 2009. Few days back in Mid January the government had contained the disease in a village of Kakarbhitta where the virus is again at the risk of taking thousand of lives. “The H5N1 avian influenza virus was confirmed Today after the result came in from London where the sample were sent for the further test from the chickens sample of a Poultry farmer Sajibul Rehman, resident of Sharanamati VDC-2,” Confirmed Hari Dahal spokesperson at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Nepal. According to Dahal, “The test were carried out when some 150 chickens in poultry farm died unanimously and later samples were send to London for further investigation.” “Admits the hard hitting situation, a rapid response team has been sent to the area and another team will leave tomorrow. Moreover, the government has tightened the security at the bordering areas,” added he. The situation is so chaotic that people are avoiding seeing chickens at public places. Ram Shrestha a Resident of Kathmandu said, “I have Completely Stopped Eating chickens; we use to take chicken products in our daily meal but after the rumors, we have completely stopped eating chickens.” “The condition had drastically change in the intake of chicken after January and people had started to adapt in the concept of safe chicken but after the confirmation of bird flu in Sharanamati VDC-2, Jhapa, we poultry farmer are completely ruin because its will slash the poultry industry, “ stated a poultry farmer.

Part 1

With the rumors of Bird Flu flying around the Kathmandu valley and in other major bordering cities of Nepal, the supply of chickens and its products has completely halted admits the rumors. Moreover, the situation has drastically gone out of control where people are avoiding eating chicken at their meals and are even avoiding seeing it. Looking at this recession of chicken business, the government has already promoted the message of safe meat by arranging and showcasing different demos of eating safe chicken at public gathering and Medias; but in an underdeveloped country like ours where the poultry business stands as a prominent industry with millions of investment has certainly created a stir in the backbone of the country's depleting economy. Like such, the poultry business is currently facing a completely recession where other flesh business like goats and fish has significantly inclined with around 100% increase in their prices than previous. On January 16, Friday Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda on called an emergency meeting of his cabinet to discuss the epidemic and other crises. Informing about the attack, Information and Communications Minister and government's spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara, informed, "The first outbreak of the disease caused by the Avian Influenza Virus has been detected in the border town of Kakarbhitta in eastern Jhapa district. The government has ordered all poultry in the town as well as other areas within 3 km of it to be culled." Issuing a public notice to keep the disease at bay, the government has also ordered the district administration not to allow the transportation of poultry products within 10 km of the quarantined town. General awareness programs of the dieses including prevention and symptoms of avian influenza in humans like fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches to eye infections, pneumonia, and other severe and life-threatening complications are also being raised at both public and private sectors. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 250 people have been killed due to bird flu since 2003. On 25 Jan 2009, The Chinese news agency Xinhua published the news, "No one infected by bird flu in Nepali capital". The news briefs with panic spreading among the public about the bird flu, Nepali authorities confirmed Sunday no person has been infected with the virus and the virus has not spread in the capital Kathmandu, local media reported. Spokesperson at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Hari Dahal said, "a few chicken died in the capital recently. We are carrying out the tests but it has not been confirmed yet as to whether the chicken died of the avian virus". Adapting the news, The BBC News UK quoted, "Some 12,000 chickens and ducks have been slaughtered in farms in south-eastern Nepal. After an outbreak of bird flu was discovered there on Friday (Jan 16). The sale and consumption of poultry has been badly hit since the outbreak, the country's first of the H5N1 strain. Thirteen small rapid response teams, each including a doctor, have been pressed into action in Jhapa, in the country's south-eastern corner. India has confirmed an outbreak in its neighboring Sikkim state. No matter what the conditions Kathmanduties have completed boycott chickens and its products from their diet where poultry business is immensely suffering the consequences of rumors.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Life

Life sucks to people who try to work it, but for people who live life in a more materialistic way, it’s more of an eased paradigm. Likewise, for people who believe in themselves, life’s definition is more practical and vivid as they follow their instincts and go to the verge of testing their limitations.
So what is life and what is its emancipation? Ha-ha, if I had the answer, I would probably be the first person to adapt that in my life and work my life toward the endless journey of happiness. Seriously, jokes apart, as I have heard it in a movie, life is what u wants or what u desire?

wow!! That really sound something but it’s more controversial in terms of adaptation and generalization.
But just adapting that people who think life is easy; it just makes its ways to access itself in an easy way, where as for people who think life is hard is just a normal way of understanding where majority of people see themselves in reconciliating their perception and vision from a laymen‘s view.
For e.g. I heard somewhere that life is like a big punch which tries to knock you down; the question here is not about whether it can knock u or not, the question here is about taking the punch and getting up, slaying that effort in vain to get the next punch . So the summary is, it’s not about how hard life is or how hard it can be?
It’s always about how hard you can put in, no matter what the situation or conditions are.
Life is all about the glory of fighting and that spirit where u stands up and take the lead to fulfill your commitments and responsibilities. Synchronizing that in real life might sound too philosophical and out of this world but just look into your life and see whether you have taken a lead or not and just ask yourself whether you have taken stand for anything. Then you would realize life is something that starts inside you and no matter how hard you try to run it , in fact reality is it runs you among your emotions, feelings and needs. So expecting something from life is more stagnant then appreciating life with the aura of its practicability within the concept of knowing what life is and how life runs?

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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The International Mountain Museum

The International Mountain Museum (IMM) is a one of a kind museum, which is located at the gateway of mountain range in Ratna Paira, Gairi Patan Pokhara. It is spread in an area of 100 Ropanies (5.10 Hectares, 12.58 Acres) where collection, documentation and display of the natural history and culture of the Himalayas and the world mountains are orchestrated in a pristine way.
Currently, it is run under the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) with the theme to raise awareness about mountains and its overall habitat.

The museum was first opened in May 29, 2002 by the famous climbers Junko Tabei and Appa Sherpa, graced by the then Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bal Bahadur K.C. where as the Grand Opening was done in February 05, 2004 by the present Prime Minister of the time Surya Bahadur Thapa.

Basically, the museum is categorized in four sections.

1. Mountain People Gallery: This gallery gives brief introduction of the customs, traditions, heritage, culture and life style of mountain people. It is divided into two sub sections Mountain people of Nepal and Mountain People of the world. A. The mountain people of Nepal section: This segment focuses on the customs, traditions and cultures of the mountain people of Nepal. Similarly, it’s also focuses on their dresses, ornaments, musical instruments, household utilities and other cultural activities.
B: The Mountain people of the world section: This segment focuses on the cultural and traditional aspect of people living in countries like Taiwan, Slovenia, and Japan. Moreover, this section also exhibits photographs of people living in the Alpine Mountains of Europe from the past 50yrs.

2. World Mountain Gallery: This gallery holds the geological facts about the origin of world mountain system, highest summits, geological information, flora and fauna of the Himalayan region, research on mountain etc. This section is also divided into fours sub section like Mountain section, Geological section, Flora and fauna section and Corner of dedication
3. Mountain Activities Gallery: This section is dedicated to mountaineers as it holds the presences of equipment of different world famous mountaineers, their cloths and photographs of the different expedition at different intervals of times. It also displays the development of the climbing gears and required equipments for mountaineering, climbing and other mountain activities.
4. Associates' Gallery: Focusing developments of the different local NGOS and INGOS at the Himalayan region, this section focuses on the development work performed by different agencies like ACAP, ICIMOD, IUCN, WWF etc.

The museum is equipped with various amenities of modern day technology in facilitating the need of the work group; like such it encompasses a conference hall with a capacity of 150 people, an Audio Visual hall, mountain viewing platform, ramps and other necessary equipments.
The IMM is an educational center for research on anthropology, sociology, mountaineers, ecology for the researchers, tourists, students and general public which serves in giving knowledge for people where it gives a new perspective to see the growing trend of mountaineering and the civilization.

Compiled by Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Dwarika's Himalayan Shangri-La Village Resort, Dhulikhel

Excluded and serrated in the explicit natural vegetation of abstract scenic views, the Dwarika's Himalayan Shangri-La Village Resort is an enduring hotel property that resides within 30KM from the valley at 1700m height in Dhulikhel. The hotel property is distributed among the rough terrain of 68 ropnies, which marvel nature from every point. Located in the distinct location facing north to the Mahabharat range, the scenic views of the valley and the different mountain range assumes as an illusion captured in a pictorial canvas which can be viewed from most of the rooms. Perhaps the delighting factor about Dwarika’s can be seen through its sense of architectural essence of authentic Nepali culture and tradition which is incorporated with in its vicinity.

From the entrance, with passage passing through the steps in the pristine forest of Pine and Rhododendron simulates it as a natural amphitheater. Similarly, the running water brooks, cascade pool and a host of species of birds, butterflies and animals sanctifies your vision. Apart from the scenic views, focusing more toward the traditional building style, currently the resort has thirty six rooms with all modern amenities of which sixteen rooms are housed in four traditional Newari architectural style units and five units built in traditional Gurung architectural style. Perhaps, the pathways wind up between the bushes and trees that lead to the various types of accommodations. The rooms are uncluttered and stylish with traditional soft furnishings and decorative items; wooden flooring with throw rugs on the floors and each room has its own garden space with hammocks and lounge chairs. The bathrooms offer bathtubs replacing it with an outdoor feeling shower stall and with the large windows offer fantastic views. Each room has tea/coffee making facilities with a choice of normal and herbal teas and coffee. The identifying charter in the basic design of the rooms is that the living space is differentiated according to the need of the customer. Hence, the accommodation stresses on the theme “ones own outside space”.

The north niches upon which most of the rooms are faced gives enthralling and breathtaking views of mountain range that seems like a timeless illusion through the screen window from the dawn till the dusk.

The property also includes recess points like:
The Himalayan restaurant located in the central block is open all day and offers multi cuisine as well as specialized set of menus and is facilitated by a fireplace and terrace where occasional BBQ's in wild are catered seasonally.
Shangri-La Bar, Lounge & Library also located in the central block below the restaurant opens mid-morning and offers a full service bar with a very wide choice of cocktails, hard / soft beverages including its own wine cellar and has two fireplaces. Specialized BBQ’S every day during winter months with bon fires in the terrace is a schedule program. Perhaps, the live traditional folk music and “Himalayan Happy Hour” offers the customer to enjoy the stay.
Conference and Meetings
Located above the restaurant can capacitate 60 guests and is equipped with a wide range of modern conference aids.

Moreover, the personalized check-in and escort to rooms welcome drink, masseurs and cold/hot towels on arrival are some of the fast points of the resort which certainly helps a customer relate him/her to the service provided.

Likewise, a host of activities is on offer like hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting and kayaking in the Bhote Koshi, bungy jumps, bird watching trips and visits to the old Newari town of Dhulikhel and religious centers in and around according to the choices and interest of the arrivals. The sunrise and sunset view point is located within the Village Resort and is just a short walk from the guest accommodations which stand live for its experience. Seeking interest of the guest, the resort adapts to the needs of arrivals in accordance to their feasibility. The destination has lucrative packages understanding the needs of the customers where they can stay for an extended period and maintain their health regimen while enjoying the diversity offered through resort activity programs.

The Dwarika’s Himalayan Shangri-La Village Resort provides vast arrays of services and amenities for entire families, groups, and singles couples with varying tastes.

Though modern but static the Dwarika’s Himalayan Shangri-La Village Resort stands as a craftsmanship of relaxation and rejuvenation within the vivid natural habitat highlighting the cultural heritage of describing Dwarika’s as a heritage hotel property.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Fulbari Resort & Spa- A Brilliant Destination

The Fulbari Resort & Spa is situated within the lap of mystic hills of Pokhara acclimatizing the traditional decor of Newari architecture in an enthralling way. It offers an unparallel panoramic view of Fishtail and Annapurna mountain range to the north and the breathtaking Seti River Gorges to the South creating an exhilaration of nature at its best.

Traditional but complementing the Newari architecture of Nepal’s golden age stands live as a testament of the beauty and richness of Newari culture promoted by ancient Newari kings of Kathmandu Valley.

Spread out in 100 acres of land, the Fulbari is an unparalleled and most explicit Hotel property in Nepal. Being the biggest and largest hospitality service provider, it replete with various befitting facilities, utilities and outlets thorough its well-trained and friendly professionals.

Currently there are seven different wining and dining outlets where Masala Bazaar offers spicy Asian cuisine against musical backdrop, Komagane is a gourmet’s delight for authentic Japanese teppenyaki food. Perhaps other unique style of service can be experienced at Hanging Garden, Gurkha Bar, Base Camp Discotheque, Café Fulbari & Rainbow Lounge.

Another attraction is the Yeti’s Golf Course, it is a 9 Hole Executive Golf Course designed to be Nepal’s most iconic and unique course that challenges not only amateurs but also pros.

Moreover, the Casino and a full-fledged Spa adds flavor to the taste of luxury.
Additional recreation activities in both onsite and offsite are available. Onsite Recreational Activities: Outdoor ozonated and heated swimming pool with attached Jacuzzi and swim-up bar, Children’s splash pool and playground, Pony ride trail, Shopping Arcades, Jogging trail, Tennis court, clay and grass, Traditional Dances, Snooker, Table Tennis and Meditation/Yoga (by request) where as Offsite Recreational Activities: Day hikes around the several hills surrounding Pokhara valley, Gorge-walk, explore the gorges that surround the Fulbari, white-water rafting/kayaking, Canyoning and Fresh-water fishing.

Different packages like School Excursion Package, Honeymoon Package, Casino Package, Summer Package, Golfing Package and Recreation Package are available for both domestic and foreign tourist.

Perhaps, the 165 exquisitely appointed super deluxe accommodations are the primary equipped with exuberant views, each north-facing niche offers panoramic views of the mighty Annapurna Range, dominated in the middle by the "Fish Tail" peak of Mount Machhapuchhre. The southern enclaves open up to the grand vista of the Green Canyon and the Seti Gorge. The other 151 deluxe rooms are configured into single, double, King- and Queen-sized niches, all luxuriously appointed with all amenities and facilities in place.

The Fulbari offers nine landmark suites, each named after the ethnically and culturally diverse districts of Nepal. The Kantipur, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur suites represents the Newar civilization of Kathmandu Valley where as the Helumbu and Namche suites reflect the Northeast Sherpa Region, Jomsom represents the Northwestern Nepalese-Tibetan region, similarly, The Palpa suite reflects western Nepal, while the Dhankuta and Ilam suites reflects the near-eastern and far-eastern portions of Nepal. In addition to the royal amenities listed above, the landmark suites offer much larger rooms with wider views of the surrounding gardens/landscapes and all suites are luxuriously appointed with all amenities and facilities in place. Moreover it also offers 4 junior suites, each named after legendary universal beauties Nepal’s Rajamati, India’s Mumtaj, Greece's Helen, and Egypt's Cleopatra.

The rooms offer incomparable style and elegance, decorated with traditional Hindu and Buddhist artworks. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies to allow breathtaking views of the resort’s landscaped gardens and the Himalayas.
Each room has a private bath, hairdryer, mini-bar, cable T.V., international telephones, air-conditioning, and fire protection systems.

Likewise the facility of Meeting / Banquet Hall is also available with a capacity of 200 people to conduct a small meeting or conference.

Moreover, it is an ideal location for vacation, conclusive conferencing or relaxation for any type of business, leisure and pleasure. The exclusive traditional decor with perfect natural ambience rejuvenates and gives the essence of beauty and relaxation. In fact, it can be categorized as an ideal place free from city hustle with the main mantra of rejuvenation and discovering the diverse aspect of nature and beauty.

As said beauty lies in the eyes of beholder like such Fulbari Resort & SPA is a brilliant destination created with human wonder acclimatizing the modernity and cultural ethnicity in the most profound way.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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Thamel congestion eased :Thanks to the traffic volunteers

Due to lack of proper management, Thamel suffered the consequences of being a tourist hub with in its petite streets and corners where tourists are bound to face the risk of noise pollution, traffic congestion and other irregularities.

Like such, one of the impeding problems in Thamel is vehicle congestion which to an some extent seems to have been managed. Though, the past Vehicle Regulated Zone seemed as a better option, due to lack of funds its existence took its toll. Now talking about the recent activities Thamel these days is pretty much well managed with in the coordinated effort of Thamel Tourism Development Council (TTDC), Community Police and Community Service Society (CSS). The new traffic system was inaugurated by Hisila Yami, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation on the World Tourism Day, 27 September 2008.

Jaya Prakash Shrestha, Executive Member and a volunteer of the Community Service Society said, “This is just an effort where we have tried to use the local source. When we started, we had to face a lot of problems where we lacked various resources but now looking at those days seems like a dream. These days it’s much easier to do the job as the people and taxi drivers, they obey us. Basically, the problem is the numbers of Vehicles are growing but the roads are limited where they have less scope or no scope of expansion but still if they can be managed with alternative routes then the traffic problem could be solved. If only the divers and motorcyclists could be in discipline then the congestion problem could be sorted out.”

“The best option for Thamel traffic management is VRZ which has shown its result but due to lack of funds it died out so now the question here is about making Thamel a better place where we all should do an effort from our side.”

Currently there are eight volunteers who are working to manage the traffic in peak hours. These volunteers are trained by the traffic police and are instructed to manage the traffic with in the stipulated time. Adapting the need of the time the Himalayan Bank Ltd has extended financial support for the cause.

Ramesh Giri, Head Constable at the Community Police said, “We have tried to manage the traffic of Thamel and surely TTDC and Himalayan bank have certainly played a crucial role in today’s improving traffic management in the area.
From the last one year, we have tried to regulate the traffic and today to some extent we are able to control it. The first thing that we need to understand is traffic congestion can be controlled by trained personnel so traffic authorities should increase the number of traffic police.”

“Perhaps for the sustainable management, all the stake holders should work together where the locals and the clubs in house should further put their effort. Currently, we lack resources and if the related organization could financial support us, then we could further work in giving prominent results,” added he

Though, the new traffic system seems to have well addressed the traffic congestion problem for the time being but a relative question has been raised by experts that even the well managed system like VRZ could not acclimatized Thamel so this new system is not a better option where the authorities should further labor to find a permanent solution for Thamel and its congestion.

Surrendra Kumar Shrestha, President of TTDC said, “TTDC has been working for the betterment of Thamel and it is due to our efforts that Thamel is current more managed. We are further planning to make a separate taxi stand where it would be managed by iron railing. Further more, we have also devised a controlling mechanism to counter other problems of Thamel integrating different stake holders and we are further moving to make Thamel a better tourist hub where a tourist could feel safe. We are further planning to make information centers and properly channelize tourist police in Thamel where necessary works are being done.”



By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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NTB completes 10 th year

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) celebrated its 10th anniversary on November 18, 2008 at its abode at Brikutimandap. NTB was established under the Public Private Partnership in 1998 seeking the opportunity and scope to promote and establish Nepal as a prominent tourist destination worldwide by maintaining, improving and diversifying the available tourism products and services.

With the different tourism campaigns like Destination Nepal Campaign, Festival of Life, Naturally Nepal Brand Campaign, Regional Tourism Campaign, Visit Pokhara Year 2007 and Send Home a friend campaign bagged under its belt, it is moving towards future achievement showing the commitments and efforts.

The Chief Geust, Hisila Yami, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) inaugurated the program.

Speaking at the program Minister Yami said, “NTB is a Successful example of the Public Private Partnership with a concerted effort of Promoting Nepal as a popular tourist destination in the global travel market. Operating with various constraints from financial to human resource is obvious an arduous and challenging work which NTB has been undertaking over this decade. But every challenge has opportunity which this institution has to further explore and expand. The present favorable situation in the country’s politics is the strongest base for the development of tourism industry of Nepal. In addition, government of Nepal has placed tourism in the priority list of the national income resource. It has already taken initiative by declaring this year, the year of infrastructure development and 2011 as the Nepal Tourism Year. Moreover, we have already committed to build second international airport, two regional airports, upgrading and expanding other domestic airport and development of Nepal’s tourism industry.”
“Improving the management of the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) into fully equipped airport are further in pipeline which show the government‘s sincere policy and action towards the development. Likewise, we are also working in improving the management of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and starting the process of purchasing at least two wide body aircraft articulate government’s policy and action towards the development of Nepal’s tourism industry,” Minister Yami added.

The minister unveiled the new ‘In Focus 2008’ the publication of NTB, where she also felicitated the different NTB employees and distributed awards to the winners of the sports activities of the organization. Moreover, this year the best employee award was awarded to Raj Bhandari where as the support staff was given to Gautam Lal Darshandhari. Similarly, National Forum of Photo Journalists (NFPJ) was awarded the award for Partnership in tourism promotion.

Ranan Lurie, an international painter presented his presentation on Uniting painting.

During the program the Sadhana Kala Kendra performed different ethnic dances where Megh Ale, President of the Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) presented concept paper of tourism for peace and prosperity 2008 to the minister.

Prachanda Man Shrestha, Chief Executive Officer of NTB said, “Personally, I have a strong emotional attachment with this institution. I have seen this organization grow and mature every year with greater responsibility. This decade of NTB has been the decade of hardship and challenges. It has witnessed both international and national upheavals, uncertainties and condition which obviously have had detrimental impact on industry. Therefore NTB has to continuously strive for the overall tourism promotion of Nepal to enhance its image as a safe, secure and pleasant holiday destination for the tourist in various segments from all over the world. But now we feel like a day break in Nepal’s tourism industry due to the improving political stability, peace and aspirations of the stake holders in this field. Government is fully committed to build infrastructure and to encourage investment and private sector is all set and energized to take up the enterprise with vigor and confidence. NTB as a promotional body of Nepalese tourism is fully aware of the upcoming opportunities and is vigilant of the possible challenges in its future course of action.”

Ram Chandra Man Singh, General Secretary at the MoCTCA said, “NTB from its past has been a pillar of support to the tourism industry. Its role and effort during the conflicting situation is highly appreciable to manage the countries tourism. NTB is a spirit of public private partnership which was established to promote tourism and it should work in that spirit adapting all the stakeholders’ aspirations.”

Apart from all the celebration, the tourism journalists’ fraternity expressed their discontinuation of journalist award and for not recognizing their contribution by NTB despite immense role in helping NTB’s tourism promotion campaign both nationally and internationally.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

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