A breach in the embankment of Kosi river in Sunsari district has inundated a vast area and displaced more than 50,000 people from the area. Indian and Nepalis authorities who are responsible for repair and maintenance of the Kosi project are now indulging in a blame game. But the US and European Union have come forward with a token grant of relief while the Nepal army, police and many NGOs have joined the relief and rescue operation.

In This Issue

Main Story

PM's first week

Delhi and UML feel humiliated, angry; speculations over political fall out

Prime Minister Prachanda's hurriedly announced trip to Beijing, many thought, was purely sports related and in conformity with the minimum courtesy that Nepal must show towards its northern neighbour.

But India, Nepal's neighbour in the South, seems to have taken offence to what many are now saying is, ' a diplomatic blasphemy' on the part of the new PM as he broke years of practice of a Nepali PM having to ‘pay respects’ first to the south.

India's dislike was visible as its ambassador Rakesh... more ..

Debating Development

Foreign aid or aid to foreigners?

Large budgets, large problems

Nick Meynen

“Foreign aid hasn't managed to deliver any significant contribution towards eradicating poverty,” said the former Nepali parliamentary chairman. The Maoists, immediately after their election victory, announced that from now on, “Aid projects will need to be approved by the people.” What is going wrong with aid?

Despite being the biggest receiver of foreign aid in South Asia, Nepal is still very poor. In the national budget for development, aid has increased from 50 to 70 percent in ten years time, mainly in loans. The majority of... more ..

Fedaralism

Alternatives to a federal system

Transitional dilemma

Shirish Ranabhat

Though federalism may sound fascinating, it can be a tough nut to crack; especially for a country like Nepal where geopolitical situation and ethnic diversity play a major role in many political decision-making.

There is a growing dilemma among political parties regarding the form of government the country should assume. That is, should Nepal continue with a unitary form of government, or change to a federal form of government?

Some high ranking politicians of the government, mainly from the major political parties,... more ..

Environment

KOSI FLOOD disaster

Dr. Ananda B. Thapa

All news head lines report, "Kosi changes course." The Sunsari district CDO is reported to have said that the Kosi River is continuing to erode lands and now it is flowing through settlements some 1.5 km off the original course. Given the extent of damage to the embankment, it would be a daunting task to bring the river back to its original course.

It was predicted a long time ago that sooner or later the Kosi river channel would shift to the east... more ..

Opinion

The agenda

Binod P Bista

After presenting several exasperating moments to the Nepali public, covering almost three months fraught with uncertainty and confusion, Nepal did finally get a coalition government led by the largest elected party in parliament, the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists.
Nepal held elections in early April for electing members to constituent assembly with the twin objectives of writing a new constitution for a new Nepal and continuing with the comprehensive peace agreement.... more ..