By Gopal Sharma
KASARA, Nepal (Reuters) - As Prem Sharma steps gingerly into the sand-filled chamber, lines of baby crocodiles basking in the warm sunshine splash into a pond, eyes glinting behind their long, thin snouts.
Sharma quietly puts his hand into the green water, takes a young reptile from the pool, opens its mouth with a brush and begins to clean its teeth with potash, its thrashing 60 cm (2 ft) body held under his knee.
The activity, repeated every three or four days, is just one example of the tender care lavished on Gharial crocodiles at a farm southwest of the Nepali capital of Kathmandu, an effort to save the critically endangered species from extinction.
"It has got fungus in its teeth because it feeds on fish," said Sharma, 45, a senior keeper at the Crocodile Breeding Centre at Kasara, who looked older than his age and had a scar on one knee from a crocodile bite four years ago.
"This must be cleaned properly, otherwise the baby will fall sick or even die."
The farm in Chitwan National Park, some 82 km (51 miles) southwest of Kathmandu, was opened in 1978 by the government with support from the Frankfurt Zoological Society in an effort to save the rapidly dwindling gharial, which is also found in neighboring India.
Six decades ago, gharials -- known for their long, slim snouts and great length, with some growing up to 7 meters (23 ft) long -- were numerous in Nepal. There were 235 in the Narayani-Rapti River, which flows near the park, alone.
But their numbers fell rapidly as they were killed for their skins, used to make purses, shoes and belts. Their eggs have been stolen for food or as a remedy for tuberculosis.
In addition, their riverside habitat has been lost to agriculture and water-control projects, with fishing nets also taking a toll.
As a result, their population is now confined to only a small area of Nepal's major rivers. A national census last year found only 102, numbers at which survival in the wild becomes difficult without help -- but that was still up from 50 in 1970, Sharma said.
The centre has three male and 12 female gharials for breeding. Workers also collect eggs from the wild before the onset of the annual floods in July, raise hatchlings in captivity and then release them into the wild.
"If it were not for this, you and I would not be able to see them now. They would have been extinct 15 to 20 years ago," Sharma said.
Young gharials are released into the wild when they are six years-old, two meters (six feet) long and are able to hunt for themselves for the fish that sustain them. One adult can eat up to six kg (13 lbs) of fish a day.
Authorities in Kasara have released 60 young crocodiles into the river over the past two months.
The neighboring national park is the home to other rare animals as well, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger, which is endangered. Thousands of tourists visit the park each year.
But the crocodile farm, surrounded by forests, is also a major lure for visitors, both Nepali and foreign.
Swedish tourist Lars Bjorking, who had seen crocodiles in Mexico and Everglades National Park in Florida, was nonetheless amazed by his sight of the gharials.
"This is very interesting," said Bjorking.
Sharma, who has been a keeper at the farm for the past 20 years -- work that helped him raise two sons of his own -- said he developed a sort of family bond with the crocodiles.
"I love them more than my children. I become very sad and feel like crying when they die," he added.
(Reporting by Gopal Sharma; editing by Elaine Lies and Bob Tourtellotte)
18 February 2012
15 February 2012
climate change support program
With the aim to enable the poorest and most vulnerable communities from the Mid- and Far-Western regions to adapt to the climate change impact, the government has approved Nepal Climate Change Support Programme (NCCSP). The programme will be implemented within a couple of months.
The four-year programme is targeted at supporting the local level adaptation programmes in 14 districts of the regions with the direct involvement of local government bodies, non-government organisations and local communities.
The Department for International Development and the European Union have agreed to provide a grant assistance of Rs 1.8 billion for the programme’s implementation. According to the Ministry of Environment (MoE), the programme focuses on effective implementation of the Climate Change Policy 2011 and development and implementation of necessary strategies as envisioned in the policy.
The policy and National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) 2011 have the provision of spending 80 percent of the total grant on local level activities.
ekantipur
The four-year programme is targeted at supporting the local level adaptation programmes in 14 districts of the regions with the direct involvement of local government bodies, non-government organisations and local communities.
The Department for International Development and the European Union have agreed to provide a grant assistance of Rs 1.8 billion for the programme’s implementation. According to the Ministry of Environment (MoE), the programme focuses on effective implementation of the Climate Change Policy 2011 and development and implementation of necessary strategies as envisioned in the policy.
The policy and National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) 2011 have the provision of spending 80 percent of the total grant on local level activities.
ekantipur
14 February 2012
Nepal joins hand with EU for air safety
Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), the aviation governing body in the country, has joined hands with European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to develop an aviation safety roadmap.
Issuing a press release on Monday, the European Union said the mission will first carry out an appraisal of the structure, organisation and staffing and secondly review administrative and technical procedures of CAAN for the certification and continuous surveillance of Nepalese industry.
EASA, as part of its objective of enhancing aviation safety worldwide, is sending its representatives to Nepal assist CAAN to develop an aviation safety roadmap for six days beginning 12 UNTIL 17 FEBRUARY.
Issuing a press release on Monday, the European Union said the mission will first carry out an appraisal of the structure, organisation and staffing and secondly review administrative and technical procedures of CAAN for the certification and continuous surveillance of Nepalese industry.
EASA, as part of its objective of enhancing aviation safety worldwide, is sending its representatives to Nepal assist CAAN to develop an aviation safety roadmap for six days beginning 12 UNTIL 17 FEBRUARY.
wildlife poaching rampant
Wildlife poaching has been increasing day by day in the forests of Khotang district lately.
Local administration and authorities concerned have paid no heed though the poaching of endangered porcupine is in the rise in Ratanchha, Khidima, Mattim, Lichkiramche, Barahapokhari and other VDCs.
Locals said that the poaching of porcupine was increasing for its flesh and the needle-like quills.
Last year, as high as four dozens of porcupine were killed in the forests of Ratanchha VDC. Officials say that if the poaching of porcupine goes unstopped the rare animal is likely to extinct in the offing. The farmers are also found killing the porcupine as the animal often destroys the crops for its meal. Locals go for hunting in the forest with the help of dogs.
Likewise, poachers have killed over 100 deer in Rothum, Chainpur and other forests in Khotang district.
Local administration and authorities concerned have paid no heed though the poaching of endangered porcupine is in the rise in Ratanchha, Khidima, Mattim, Lichkiramche, Barahapokhari and other VDCs.
Locals said that the poaching of porcupine was increasing for its flesh and the needle-like quills.
Last year, as high as four dozens of porcupine were killed in the forests of Ratanchha VDC. Officials say that if the poaching of porcupine goes unstopped the rare animal is likely to extinct in the offing. The farmers are also found killing the porcupine as the animal often destroys the crops for its meal. Locals go for hunting in the forest with the help of dogs.
Likewise, poachers have killed over 100 deer in Rothum, Chainpur and other forests in Khotang district.
13 February 2012
Santos Panta welcomes transgender daughter
KATHMANDU - A top Nepali comedy actor told Sunday how he helped his son become one of the country's first post-operative transsexuals and a "perfect lady" with a $26,000 sex change.
Pant said 18-year-old Caitlin, born as Pratik, was recovering at home in Kathmandu after successful surgery in Thailand last month.
"My son from childhood used to say that his body and soul were not matching each other. He had a male body but he said that his soul was of a female," Pant told AFP.
"He had been asking us for his gender reassignment and we were convinced by his logic. He told us that he would transform into a perfect lady if the transplant was carried out in early age."
There are only thought to be a handful of post-operative transsexuals in Nepal, a deeply conservative, mainly Hindu country that nonetheless has some of the most progressive policies on sexuality issues in Asia.
"He is now 18 and a delay in surgery, according to him, could have made him look ugly. We did not want to see him sink into depression and took him to Thailand last month," said Pant, 51.
The actor, a household name in Nepal who ruled the airwaves for more than 10 years from the mid-1990s with the hugely-popular sit-com "Hijo Aja Ka Kura", said Caitlin plans to travel to the US to study pharmacy.
Caitlin, who had hormone therapy for a year before the operation, was not available for interview.
But her mother Pratbha told the Nepali-language Kantipur daily newspaper: "After the death of our elder daughter in accident, we have always been expecting a daughter in the family.
"When she was in my womb, I prayed for a daughter. My dream has come true after 18 years and I am very happy."
Sunil Pant, Nepal's first openly gay parliamentarian, who runs the Blue Diamond Society pressure group, described gender reassignment as a "new concept" in Nepal.
"Two of our members have undergone reassignment and I have heard there are some others," he said.
"I am very happy for the courage and support demonstrated by the Pant family. I would like to congratulate the new girl for being successful in transferring her personal conviction into a reality." - AFP
Pant said 18-year-old Caitlin, born as Pratik, was recovering at home in Kathmandu after successful surgery in Thailand last month.
"My son from childhood used to say that his body and soul were not matching each other. He had a male body but he said that his soul was of a female," Pant told AFP.
"He had been asking us for his gender reassignment and we were convinced by his logic. He told us that he would transform into a perfect lady if the transplant was carried out in early age."
There are only thought to be a handful of post-operative transsexuals in Nepal, a deeply conservative, mainly Hindu country that nonetheless has some of the most progressive policies on sexuality issues in Asia.
"He is now 18 and a delay in surgery, according to him, could have made him look ugly. We did not want to see him sink into depression and took him to Thailand last month," said Pant, 51.
The actor, a household name in Nepal who ruled the airwaves for more than 10 years from the mid-1990s with the hugely-popular sit-com "Hijo Aja Ka Kura", said Caitlin plans to travel to the US to study pharmacy.
Caitlin, who had hormone therapy for a year before the operation, was not available for interview.
But her mother Pratbha told the Nepali-language Kantipur daily newspaper: "After the death of our elder daughter in accident, we have always been expecting a daughter in the family.
"When she was in my womb, I prayed for a daughter. My dream has come true after 18 years and I am very happy."
Sunil Pant, Nepal's first openly gay parliamentarian, who runs the Blue Diamond Society pressure group, described gender reassignment as a "new concept" in Nepal.
"Two of our members have undergone reassignment and I have heard there are some others," he said.
"I am very happy for the courage and support demonstrated by the Pant family. I would like to congratulate the new girl for being successful in transferring her personal conviction into a reality." - AFP
Nepal participates in travel tourism SATTE
Nepal participated in the 19th edition of India's leading travel and tourism event, SATTE, that concluded today at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India.
SATTE has been instrumental in promoting tourism in the region and Nepal's participation this year in the event has been able to give the positive message to potential tour operators from India and beyond.
Nepal stall with an area of 36 square meters designed in the backdrop of Pashupatinath and Kumari has been appreciated by the visitors. Tour operators visiting Nepal stall were keen on knowing Nepal's connectivity from different Indian metros and satellite cities.
"Promotional materials published by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) were distributed in the exhibition. Most of the tour operators enquired on new tourism products besides already established ones in the Indian market.
They especially were interested in promoting soft adventure for Indian tourists." said NTB in a press statement.
The event that started from February 10, has grown, both in terms of exhibitors and visitors including buyers, and is important networking forum for the travel & tourism industry in South Asia. nepalnews.com
SATTE has been instrumental in promoting tourism in the region and Nepal's participation this year in the event has been able to give the positive message to potential tour operators from India and beyond.
Nepal stall with an area of 36 square meters designed in the backdrop of Pashupatinath and Kumari has been appreciated by the visitors. Tour operators visiting Nepal stall were keen on knowing Nepal's connectivity from different Indian metros and satellite cities.
"Promotional materials published by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) were distributed in the exhibition. Most of the tour operators enquired on new tourism products besides already established ones in the Indian market.
They especially were interested in promoting soft adventure for Indian tourists." said NTB in a press statement.
The event that started from February 10, has grown, both in terms of exhibitors and visitors including buyers, and is important networking forum for the travel & tourism industry in South Asia. nepalnews.com
07 February 2012
we are medium size travel company in NEPAL-Mr Pant
-I am Susil Pant chairman of Gorkha International Travels pvt nepal & President of Gorkha International Travel & Trek Inc New York
USA.Except my daily buiness, I like to involve in social work in community and involve in school, college, social work too.we want to support to community.It is our interest to contribute to society & to be win win situation.
Founder & first president: Entire Power in Social Action Balaju Nepal (www.epsanepal.org)
Founder & chairman : Precious National Academy ( www.pnc.edu.np)
Founder & chairman : Precious National College & Higher Secondary School (www.pnc.edu.np)
Founder President : Tourism Development Co-operative & saving Thamel Kathamndu.
Nepal co -ordinator : KIVO group in nepal ( An volunteer organization who support the remote nepal school- books, library & building)
2.How is your business in competitive markets?
-It is medium size travel company in compare in nepalese market and popular one, which is the member of IATA, NATA, PATA,NTB, UFTTA,SOTO & VITOF
3.Do you think your consumer are satisfied with your service?
-According to latest survey,we have almost 90 % customer satisfaction.our customers are retained time and again and refered their friends
and family too. so i am personally happy with the service we provide to customerin reality.There is lacking of better marketing , our
tourism product is valueless, developed the tourism, we have to show our product in better way in international market & media.
4.Do you have any recent master plan to expand business ?
- As we know tourism business is global business and IT plays very important role for its expansion.Yes of course, we are planning to
extend our business all over globe, this year we open our branch in USA , 2013 and 2014 we plan to open branch in Japan, UK and major
cities of world.
5.we finished visit Nepal 2011,did u have any promotional activity for destiny ?
- Lack of pre plan and lack of adequate infracturese tourism Year 2011 was100% failer .It was just the plan to get & earn the money for
government officer.
6.who are stakeholders of tourism business in Nepal?
-Private sector & governmnet are major staekholder as well as general people have positive role for its development
-Becasue of modernization development of industries and factories are possible , rapid increase in population creates migration activities
and mass flow of people from one place to another, there are many negetive factor to human civilatization.So the people want to go back
to nature.So that this is the time of demand of human & traveller in Green Tourism.
8.what are the threats of tourism industry indynamicl world?
-Security problem, terrorism & economic defict to world finiancial status may create problems which limits purchasing behaviour of
custumer due to uncertantity.
9.Do you focus in international tourism only?
-No, we want to promote both domestic and international tourism,becasue traveller concept is wide.It is not matter where the customer are from.
are from.Nepalese also could be good traveller to developed the tourism.
10.What might be the factors that attract tourists in Nepal comparing with developed countries?
-The tourism cycle in developed countries & nepal is different.People really can not enjoy with nature in developed countries due to vast development whearas people will come nepal for green tourism and to enjoy flora and fauna.
-Govt must support and empower to private sector to developed the tourism,general people at grass root level should be educated about importance of tourism too.
-Security & entertainmet.How I can enjoy my trip with safe way
13. Conclusion if any?
-i am very happy to express my views and ideas thank you.
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