Friday, December 5, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Run Cars on Green Electricity, Not Natural Gas
WASHINGTON, D.C. November 20, 2008
“With the dramatic increase in oil prices earlier this year translating into higher prices at the gas pump in the United States, concerns over U.S. dependence on foreign oil are once again part of the national discussion on energy security,” writes Jonathan G. Dorn in a recent Earth Policy Institute release, “Run Cars on Green Electricity, Not Natural Gas.”. “Combined with the growing understanding that carbon emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels are driving global climate change, the debate is now focused on how to restructure the U.S. transport system to solve these two problems. While the idea of running U.S. vehicles on natural gas has lately received a great deal of attention, powering our cars with green electricity is a more sensible option on all fronts—national security, efficiency, climate stabilization, and economics.”
Having a fleet of natural gas–powered vehicles (NGVs) would simply replace U.S. dependence on foreign oil with a dependence on natural gas, another fossil fuel. The United States has scarcely 3 percent of the world’s proved natural gas reserves, yet even without the increased demand that would result from an NGV fleet, the country already consumes nearly a quarter of the world’s natural gas.
A better investment is one that supports a fleet of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), such as the Chevy Volt slated for sale in 2010, which can use the existing electric infrastructure. With today’s energy mix, PHEVs running on electricity from the grid are nearly three times more efficient than NGVs on a “well-to-wheel” basis—that is, when considering the full life cycle of the energy source, from fuel extraction to combustion to vehicle propulsion. This is because internal combustion engines, such as those used in natural gas vehicles and in today’s gas-powered automobile fleet, are incredibly inefficient. (See additional data.)
This important fact seems to have escaped T. Boone Pickens, the legendary oil tycoon from Texas who is now promoting a plan to replace natural gas in the electric power sector with wind-generated electricity and use the freed up natural gas to power a fleet of NGVs. Burning natural gas in a new combined cycle power plant is three times as efficient as burning natural gas in a car. Even including electrical losses from transmission, distribution, and battery charging, running a car on electricity from a natural gas power plant is more than twice as efficient.
Under normal driving conditions, well-to-wheel carbon dioxide emissions for vehicles running on electricity from natural gas–fired power plants are one fourth as high as emissions from cars directly burning natural gas. Since a PHEV operating in electric-only mode has no tailpipe emissions, electrifying transport would move the majority of carbon emissions from millions of vehicles to centralized electricity-generating plants, greatly simplifying the task of controlling emissions.
On economics, driving with electricity is far cheaper than driving with gasoline or natural gas. The average new U.S. car can travel roughly 30 miles on a gallon of gasoline, which cost $3.91 in July 2008 (the latest date for which comparable price data for natural gas is available). Traveling the same distance with natural gas cost around $2.51, while with electricity, using the existing electrical generation mix, it cost around 73¢.
Choosing natural gas to power our vehicles would send the United States down the same expensive and inefficient path that created our addiction to foreign oil and our dependence on a resource that will ultimately run out. Choosing green electricity can take us in a new direction—one that leads to improved energy security and a stabilizing climate.
For full report, see http://www.earthpolicy.org/Updates/2008/Update79.htm.
“With the dramatic increase in oil prices earlier this year translating into higher prices at the gas pump in the United States, concerns over U.S. dependence on foreign oil are once again part of the national discussion on energy security,” writes Jonathan G. Dorn in a recent Earth Policy Institute release, “Run Cars on Green Electricity, Not Natural Gas.”. “Combined with the growing understanding that carbon emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels are driving global climate change, the debate is now focused on how to restructure the U.S. transport system to solve these two problems. While the idea of running U.S. vehicles on natural gas has lately received a great deal of attention, powering our cars with green electricity is a more sensible option on all fronts—national security, efficiency, climate stabilization, and economics.”
Having a fleet of natural gas–powered vehicles (NGVs) would simply replace U.S. dependence on foreign oil with a dependence on natural gas, another fossil fuel. The United States has scarcely 3 percent of the world’s proved natural gas reserves, yet even without the increased demand that would result from an NGV fleet, the country already consumes nearly a quarter of the world’s natural gas.
A better investment is one that supports a fleet of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), such as the Chevy Volt slated for sale in 2010, which can use the existing electric infrastructure. With today’s energy mix, PHEVs running on electricity from the grid are nearly three times more efficient than NGVs on a “well-to-wheel” basis—that is, when considering the full life cycle of the energy source, from fuel extraction to combustion to vehicle propulsion. This is because internal combustion engines, such as those used in natural gas vehicles and in today’s gas-powered automobile fleet, are incredibly inefficient. (See additional data.)
This important fact seems to have escaped T. Boone Pickens, the legendary oil tycoon from Texas who is now promoting a plan to replace natural gas in the electric power sector with wind-generated electricity and use the freed up natural gas to power a fleet of NGVs. Burning natural gas in a new combined cycle power plant is three times as efficient as burning natural gas in a car. Even including electrical losses from transmission, distribution, and battery charging, running a car on electricity from a natural gas power plant is more than twice as efficient.
Under normal driving conditions, well-to-wheel carbon dioxide emissions for vehicles running on electricity from natural gas–fired power plants are one fourth as high as emissions from cars directly burning natural gas. Since a PHEV operating in electric-only mode has no tailpipe emissions, electrifying transport would move the majority of carbon emissions from millions of vehicles to centralized electricity-generating plants, greatly simplifying the task of controlling emissions.
On economics, driving with electricity is far cheaper than driving with gasoline or natural gas. The average new U.S. car can travel roughly 30 miles on a gallon of gasoline, which cost $3.91 in July 2008 (the latest date for which comparable price data for natural gas is available). Traveling the same distance with natural gas cost around $2.51, while with electricity, using the existing electrical generation mix, it cost around 73¢.
Choosing natural gas to power our vehicles would send the United States down the same expensive and inefficient path that created our addiction to foreign oil and our dependence on a resource that will ultimately run out. Choosing green electricity can take us in a new direction—one that leads to improved energy security and a stabilizing climate.
For full report, see http://www.earthpolicy.org/Updates/2008/Update79.htm.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Glimps of Solukhumbhu
Cock on the wall. Numbur Mountain in Background.
Nepali paper prepared from Lokta being sundried under white himal Numbur
Photo by:
Suraj Upadhaya
Monday, November 10, 2008
Mammals from Shey Phoksundo National Park, Dolpa Nepal
Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayur)
SnowLeopard (Panthera unicia)
Wolf (Canis lupus)
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Ghoral (Naemorhedus goral)
Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)
Himalayan Black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus)
Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatto)
Langur (Presbytis entellus)
Himalayan Marmot (Marmots bobak)
Royle’s pika (Ochotona roylei)
Javkal (Canis aureus)
Tibetal Hare (Lepus oiostolus)
Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus)
Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes)
Reference: Biodiversity In Nepal
Status And Conservation
SnowLeopard (Panthera unicia)
Wolf (Canis lupus)
Leopard (Panthera pardus)
Ghoral (Naemorhedus goral)
Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus)
Himalayan Black bear (Selenarctos thibetanus)
Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatto)
Langur (Presbytis entellus)
Himalayan Marmot (Marmots bobak)
Royle’s pika (Ochotona roylei)
Javkal (Canis aureus)
Tibetal Hare (Lepus oiostolus)
Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus)
Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes)
Reference: Biodiversity In Nepal
Status And Conservation
Present Situation of Forestry Education In Nepal
Eucalypts's log
Present situation of forestry education in Nepal
With the aim of producing grassroots level and middle level manpower in the area of Natural Resources Management in Nepal, Institute of forestry was established as an only national level academic institution.
The institute started as the Nepal Forestry Institute at Singh Durbar in 1947.Then it was shifted to Bhimphedi Makawanpur in 1957-58.After the completion of building constructions by Indian Co-operation Mission the Institute was moved to Hetauda in 1965.This institute was run by department of forests, Nepal until July 1972.It became part of the Tribhuvan university,, the first and biggest university, in the same year. Then only the Nepal forestry Institute was renamed as Institute of Forestry (IOF).Until the late 1970s it produced only technician grade foresters (Ranger Course). Now The IOF is providing 2 years ISC forestry, 4 years BSc forestry, 2 years MSc forestry and PhD too.
Now IOF is running its campus in Hetauda and Pokhara and Kathmandu. In Kathmandu we have private forestry college under the IOF TU.
Every year IOF take admission of 80 students in ISc forestry and 111 in BSc forestry. The IOF is well equipped by the tools and technicians but the reality is very worst.
IOF is getting assistance from USAID,IDA,World Bank ,ITTO and many more National and international agency. But there is lack of practical knowledge. The education system is exam oriented. Teachers are trying their best and students are trying their best but due to political instability the time schedule of IOf is being unmanaged and disturbed. Recently due to CA poll the six month semester become 9 months semester. No one care about this. And the courses will not have finished the administration is compelled to change its exam schedule and whole years plan becomes disturbed. Now the one year has passed admitting in IOF for BSc and we haven’t gave the final exam of second semester. It will be only after tihar. Then what will be our third semester? Who cares about this?
The present political situation is responsible for the unmanaged system of forestry education. No politicians are giving care of producing good and well forest technician. We have loss great forestry personnel in chopper accident in Kanchenjunga conservation area. The forestry sector is suffering from their absence. There is no straight policy of government for the improvement of forestry education in Nepal. The Private college Kathmandu forestry college is only one private forestry college but it is suffering from the lack of students. It has to take the students who gave entrance in IOF Hetauda or Pokhara. Though TU gave affiliation to it but it is not giving student and the private college is also not attracting students in forestry sector. In present context the education system is running in competition. No perfect market is there. Monopoly competition market system is being seen in education system.
IOF did not do any advertisement or camp for promoting and attracting students in forestry sector. If IOF bring some effective strategy than it will get more competitive students. Now every student are putting forestry as a second option. First priority goes to MBBS or Engineering than only to other like agriculture, forestry and so on.
So all great personnel working in IOF and TU should think about it. They should not let the forestry education from being degraded. We all should think our responsibility. Teachers should be updated, students should be conscious and careful and no political influences and activities should be done in education. Then only the degraded forestry education system can be upgraded. Otherwise we will not be able to compete in international market.
Suraj Upadhaya
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Declaration of National Conservation Day
23 September declared National Conservation Day
"An angel descends from heaven, upon earthlings ravaged by a self induced apocalypse caused by illegal logging and rampant poaching. Water scarcity, scorching heat and scary storms turn to a beautiful day. Birds start chirping, waterfalls start flowing and people live happily thereafter in harmony with mother nature."
The shadow play staged on the occasion of the first National Conservation day of Nepal brought back the memories of Conservation Heroes who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter accident on 23 September 2006 at Ghunsa, Kangchenjunga.
The Government of Nepal has declared 23 September as National Conservation Day which will be observed every year. This year's theme was "Bring out the conservationist in you".
Inaugurating the programme jointly organized by conservation consortium members comprising of WWF Nepal, Bird Conservation Nepal, Environmental Camps for Conservation Awareness, The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, IUCN – The World Conservation Union, Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists, National Trust for Nature Conservation, Wildlife Conservation Nepal, The Mountain Institute and Wildlife Watch Group, honorable Minister for Forests and Soil Conservation, Mr. Kiran Gurung declared the day as "National Conservation Day” thereby launching "Conservation Heroes: Their Legacy Lives On" and four other books on conservation.
The Abraham Conservation Awards were awarded to four individuals and two organizations in recognition of their contribution to grassroots level conservation. The award recipients are Tashi Gyalchhan Lama from upper Dolpa, Lav Bahadur Bisht from Kanchanpur, Man Bahadur Khadka from Kailali, Krishna Prasad Bhurtel from Chitwan, Snow Leopard Conservation Sub-Committee from Yamphudin, and Eco club, Saraswoti Secondary School, Gochhada from Nawalparasi.
Gautam Sapkota from Makwanpur and Anjana Shrestha from Bhaktapur received the Matthew Preece and Yeshi Lama Young Conservation Leader Award awarded in honour of Matthew Preece and Yeshi Lama for their life-long contribution to conservation.
Similarly, WWF Media in Conservation Award, founded to recognize the transformational role of media persons or organizations in highlighting conservation issues in Nepal, was awarded to Shyam Raj Bhatta – reporter with ‘Samaya’ weekly. .
The Nepal Conservation Memorial Scholarships and Mingma Sherpa Memorial Scholarships were awarded to three meritorious students on the occasion. The recipients of the scholarships were Subhash Bishwokarma and Mahesh Mainali and Pema Sherpa.
The renowned Nepali theatre group, Gurukul staged a moving drama with the theme "Bring out the conservationist in you" towards the end of the programme
source: www.wwfnepal.org
New Ramsar Site from Nepal
(koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Ramsar site from Nepal)
Mai Pokhari designated as Ramsar site
Mai Pokhari, a mid-hill wetland of religious significance in eastern Ilam district of Nepal has been declared a Ramsar site. The Ramsar Secretariat handed over the Ramsar certificate confirming Mai Pokhari as a Ramsar site to Mr. Shyam Bajimaya, Director General of Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation at a programme organized during the 10th Conference of Parties to the Ramsar Convention (COP10) at Changwon, the Republic of Korea on 28 October 2008.
Mai Pokhari, with catchment of 12 hectares, is located 13 kilometres away from the district headquarters. It is a major habitat for some indigenous animal species like tree frog, and Himalayan newt commonly known as 'Thakthake' and habitat for more than 300 species of birds. Mai Pokhari holds cultural and religious significance for Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims. WWF Nepal has conducted a detailed cultural and religious study of Mai Pokhari (see the downloadable booklet in Nepali).
With the declaration, Nepal now has nine wetlands listed as wetlands of international significance. The four listed wetlands in Terai are Koshi Tappu, Beeshajari Lake, Jagadhispur Reservoir and Ghodaghodi Lake. Similarly, Gokyo and associated lakes, Gosaikunda, Phoksundo and Rara lakes are the four other high altitude wetlands designated as Ramsar sites.
END NOTES:
Wetlands are defined to include rivers, lakes, swamps, and marine areas less than six metres in depth.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands — signed in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran — is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. There are currently 156 Parties to the Convention, with 1,676 wetland sites, totalling 150 million hectares, designated for inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.
Member countries of the treaty are obliged to manage all wetlands in a sustainable manner, promoting the wise use of all wetlands within their territory; consult with other Parties about the implementation of the Convention, especially with regard to trans-frontier wetlands, shared water systems, shared species, and development; and designate wetlands that meet the criteria for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance for conservation.
Sources
www.wwfnepal.org
Status of Blue Sheep and Himalayan Thar in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve
Abstract
A status survey of Blue was conducted between 25 May-12 June, 2007 in Sundaha,
Seng, Dogadi, Phagune, Barse and Gustung blocks of DHR. Of the 665 sq.km.
potential blue sheep habitat, about 60% of the area was surveyed. A total of 852
blue sheep were counted in 73 different groups of which 81.92% were
classified into different age and sex groups. The average group size of the
observed blue sheep is found to be 11.7% individuals per group ranging from
two to 79 animals. The average population density of blue sheep in the
reserve is found to be 1.28 animals per km2. Of the 698 animals that were
classified into age and sex, 263 were rams, 307 were Ewes, 59 were yearlings
and 39 were lambs. Of the total, 126 (18.05%) were classified as trophy rams,
92 (13.18%) were medium rams and 45 (6.45%) were young rams (Table 3).
The proportion of trophy rams compared to other rams is found to be higher
than the earlier studies. The mean sex ratio is found to be equal to 86 males
per 100 females and the yearling to 100 Ewes ratios is found to be 29.
Efforts were also made to survey Himalayan tahr as and when possible. One
and half day time was spent by team in Sundaha block where 53 individuals
were recorded with 30 males, 14 females, 8 yearlings, 1 lamb & rest
unclassified. Due to only about 0.5 days time spent and found in different
habitat, only 1-11 individuals were recorded in rest of the blocks. The sex
ratio classified (53) Jharal in 30:14 (214 male: 100 female).
The existing quotas of blue sheep hunting, 6 in Dogadi and 4 each in rest of 5
blocks can be safely continued. In case of higher demands 2 more quotas
can be added to Barse, Dogadi & Sundaha for next 5 years.
Himalayan tahrs can be hunted in all the blocks. Sundaha can sustain 4 and
rest of blocks can sustain 2 Himalayan tahrs each year.
If the demands of Jharals increase a separate census along with the hunting
operation can be conducted to certain the status & fixing the quotas.
If new companies are interested, Surtibang block could be allowed for
Himalayan tahr hunting.
Regular census is backbone to the sustainable harvest, thus counting one block
each year to complete all the 6 blocks in a period of 6 years could be practical
and reasonable period for regular census.
Source
www.dnpwc.gov.np
A status survey of Blue was conducted between 25 May-12 June, 2007 in Sundaha,
Seng, Dogadi, Phagune, Barse and Gustung blocks of DHR. Of the 665 sq.km.
potential blue sheep habitat, about 60% of the area was surveyed. A total of 852
blue sheep were counted in 73 different groups of which 81.92% were
classified into different age and sex groups. The average group size of the
observed blue sheep is found to be 11.7% individuals per group ranging from
two to 79 animals. The average population density of blue sheep in the
reserve is found to be 1.28 animals per km2. Of the 698 animals that were
classified into age and sex, 263 were rams, 307 were Ewes, 59 were yearlings
and 39 were lambs. Of the total, 126 (18.05%) were classified as trophy rams,
92 (13.18%) were medium rams and 45 (6.45%) were young rams (Table 3).
The proportion of trophy rams compared to other rams is found to be higher
than the earlier studies. The mean sex ratio is found to be equal to 86 males
per 100 females and the yearling to 100 Ewes ratios is found to be 29.
Efforts were also made to survey Himalayan tahr as and when possible. One
and half day time was spent by team in Sundaha block where 53 individuals
were recorded with 30 males, 14 females, 8 yearlings, 1 lamb & rest
unclassified. Due to only about 0.5 days time spent and found in different
habitat, only 1-11 individuals were recorded in rest of the blocks. The sex
ratio classified (53) Jharal in 30:14 (214 male: 100 female).
The existing quotas of blue sheep hunting, 6 in Dogadi and 4 each in rest of 5
blocks can be safely continued. In case of higher demands 2 more quotas
can be added to Barse, Dogadi & Sundaha for next 5 years.
Himalayan tahrs can be hunted in all the blocks. Sundaha can sustain 4 and
rest of blocks can sustain 2 Himalayan tahrs each year.
If the demands of Jharals increase a separate census along with the hunting
operation can be conducted to certain the status & fixing the quotas.
If new companies are interested, Surtibang block could be allowed for
Himalayan tahr hunting.
Regular census is backbone to the sustainable harvest, thus counting one block
each year to complete all the 6 blocks in a period of 6 years could be practical
and reasonable period for regular census.
Source
www.dnpwc.gov.np
One New Bird Species in Nepal
Found only in Nepal!
Nepal Rufous-vented Prinia
© Bird Conservation Nepal
06 Feb 2008
Nepalese scientists have recorded a new subspecies of bird at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) of east Nepal.
The bird was first recorded by Ornithologist and Chairperson of Nepal Rare Birds Committee (NRBC) Mr Suchit Basnet and Mr Badri Chaudhary on 1 April 2005 at Koshi Tappu. The bird was identified as Rufous-vented Prinia bringing Nepal's total bird list to 862 species. The bird is known as Prinia burnesii to scientific community. The new taxon from Nepal is referred to as Nepal Rufous-vented Prinia Prinia burnesii nipalensis.
A team of experts affiliated with Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) led by Ornithologist Dr Hem Sagar Baral has further assessed the taxonomic status of the bird and recently declared the bird as a new subspecies of Rufous-vented Prinia. According to Dr Baral the subspecies is currently found only in Nepal. "Discovery of a new taxon from Koshi Tappu, which is one of the most bird watched areas of the country indicates the possibilities of finding more new species from the country,” he said.
Ornithologists call this as a ground breaking research work and most significant on the taxonomy of Nepal's birds after the discovery of Nepal Wren Babbler Pnoepyga immaculata a new bird described to science nearly 17 years ago.
The other two subspecies of Rufous-vented Prinia - Prinia burnesii burnesii is found in Pakistan in the west along the tributaries of Indus River and adjacent Punjab in India, and Prinia burnesii cinerascens is found in Assam in the east along the Bramhaputra River systems and adjoining states of India and Bangladesh. The newly described bird shows somewhat intermediate characters between the two subspecies and appears to form a link between them, is found in the Ganges River systems, which is the other major river system in the Indian subcontinent.
The adult of this new subspecies has overall olive-grey to light brown plumage. The head and nape are greyer compared to the browner back, wings and tail. In most individuals, there is faint whitish supercilium which reaches behind the eye. The head is densely streaked compared to back. On the back, the streaks are bolder compared to the ones in head. The juveniles are similar to adults but slightly less marked on the head and body. All birds seen and heard were located on grassland patches on small islands of the Koshi River. The grass species in the area included Saccharum spontaneum, S. arundinacea, Typha elephantine, and Phragmites karka. Sparsely dotted young sissoo Dalbergia sissoo trees and xeric bushes Casurina spps. were also present in the area. They were absent in heavily disturbed grasslands adjacent to villages indicating their preference for less disturbed grasslands.
It is a resident breeding species and highly threatened in the country because of habitat loss and degradation. Future surveys might reveal its presence in grasslands in different parts of the country.
Conservationists in Nepal have already listed the species as critically endangered for the country and emphasized as a candidate species for IUCN Red Data list.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is situated on the flood plains of the Sapta-Koshi River in eastern Nepal. The Koshi River originates in the mountains of Nepal and the Tibetan plateau and flows through northern India. WWF Nepal has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the government’s Water and Energy Commission Secretariat to sustainably manage the Koshi River basin.
Nepal Rufous-vented Prinia
© Bird Conservation Nepal
06 Feb 2008
Nepalese scientists have recorded a new subspecies of bird at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) of east Nepal.
The bird was first recorded by Ornithologist and Chairperson of Nepal Rare Birds Committee (NRBC) Mr Suchit Basnet and Mr Badri Chaudhary on 1 April 2005 at Koshi Tappu. The bird was identified as Rufous-vented Prinia bringing Nepal's total bird list to 862 species. The bird is known as Prinia burnesii to scientific community. The new taxon from Nepal is referred to as Nepal Rufous-vented Prinia Prinia burnesii nipalensis.
A team of experts affiliated with Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) led by Ornithologist Dr Hem Sagar Baral has further assessed the taxonomic status of the bird and recently declared the bird as a new subspecies of Rufous-vented Prinia. According to Dr Baral the subspecies is currently found only in Nepal. "Discovery of a new taxon from Koshi Tappu, which is one of the most bird watched areas of the country indicates the possibilities of finding more new species from the country,” he said.
Ornithologists call this as a ground breaking research work and most significant on the taxonomy of Nepal's birds after the discovery of Nepal Wren Babbler Pnoepyga immaculata a new bird described to science nearly 17 years ago.
The other two subspecies of Rufous-vented Prinia - Prinia burnesii burnesii is found in Pakistan in the west along the tributaries of Indus River and adjacent Punjab in India, and Prinia burnesii cinerascens is found in Assam in the east along the Bramhaputra River systems and adjoining states of India and Bangladesh. The newly described bird shows somewhat intermediate characters between the two subspecies and appears to form a link between them, is found in the Ganges River systems, which is the other major river system in the Indian subcontinent.
The adult of this new subspecies has overall olive-grey to light brown plumage. The head and nape are greyer compared to the browner back, wings and tail. In most individuals, there is faint whitish supercilium which reaches behind the eye. The head is densely streaked compared to back. On the back, the streaks are bolder compared to the ones in head. The juveniles are similar to adults but slightly less marked on the head and body. All birds seen and heard were located on grassland patches on small islands of the Koshi River. The grass species in the area included Saccharum spontaneum, S. arundinacea, Typha elephantine, and Phragmites karka. Sparsely dotted young sissoo Dalbergia sissoo trees and xeric bushes Casurina spps. were also present in the area. They were absent in heavily disturbed grasslands adjacent to villages indicating their preference for less disturbed grasslands.
It is a resident breeding species and highly threatened in the country because of habitat loss and degradation. Future surveys might reveal its presence in grasslands in different parts of the country.
Conservationists in Nepal have already listed the species as critically endangered for the country and emphasized as a candidate species for IUCN Red Data list.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is situated on the flood plains of the Sapta-Koshi River in eastern Nepal. The Koshi River originates in the mountains of Nepal and the Tibetan plateau and flows through northern India. WWF Nepal has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the government’s Water and Energy Commission Secretariat to sustainably manage the Koshi River basin.
Herbal Resources of Dolpa
Herbal Resources of Dolpa
Abstract
The flora of the Nepal Himalaya contains 10,167 plant species, of which over 7,000 are flowering plants and over 1,600 species are medicinal and aromatic herbs (Shrestha et al. 2000). The herbs, representing about 25% of the total country’s vascular flora, are used under different traditional systems including the Ayurveda, Homeopathic, Home herbal (folklore) and Amchi (traditional Tibetan medicine) medicinal systems. Thirty percent medicinal plant species of the country occur in the western part of the country. Western mountain regions lifestyle is depend upon the income from these herbal resources prevailing in that area.
Introduction
Dolpa lies between latitude 28¬¬ degrees 45 minutes to 29 degree 45minutes N and longitude 82 degrees 30 minutes to 83 degree 30 minutes east. It occupies an area of 7889 sq.km at the height of 1525-7754 M from sea level.Dolpa is well known as the Nepal’s largest district. It is rich in cultural and biological diversity.
Temperature of Dolpa varies from max.25 degree C to min -8 degree c. Due to which Dolpa is rich in medicinal plants. It is famous for the well known herbs YarsaGumba (Cardysips synenis).The variations of climate, soil and altitudes are responsible for these diversity. Due to richness in herbal resources the economic status is maintained. The income from these herbal resources contributes to the local and national economy through the generation of employment, not only local farmers and collectors are benefited but the whole stake holder related to herbal industry are benefited too.
Herbal drugs are playing an important role in health care programs world-wide
The need for conservation of medicinal plants being increasingly recognizes at local and national level. As medicinal herbs not only provide raw material for manufacture of drugs but also have reserved the local inhabitants for long time in traditional health care system and various other domestic consumption.
Among the 529 useful plant species recorded from Dolpa district so far, more than 400 species are medicinal plant such as Allium wallichii, Cordyceps sinensis, Aconitum, Allium, Arisaema, Berberis, Corydalis, Gentiana, Hippophae, Juniperus, Rhododendron,etc . The plants are widely used as resource for grazing in the Himalayas. Rotational grazing of livestock and selective harvesting mainly applied by Amchis were only the sustainable management approaches aimed at constraining pressures.
Medicinal plants are very important natural resources. Measures like conservation of rare species, systematic cultivation of economical profitable species and central of deforestation can greatly help being increasing these resources.
Mainly Dolpa is famous for Yarchagumba. Every year during May and June, thousands of villagers from remote areas risking their own lives head for high mountains to collect cordyceps or yarsagumba or yarchagumba. It is estimated that one villager can earn up to Rs. 2,500 approximately to $35 a day by collecting cordyceps or yarsagumba or yarchagumba which is beyond the monthly salary of many Nepalese households. Dolpa – a remote district in western Nepal with high steep valleys and dry climate is one of the foremost areas for collecting Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba. Almost 50% of the annual supply of Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba comes from Dolpa alone. Here, not only the adults but school goers also take unofficial holidays in search of the gold rush. Collection of Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba was illegal until 2001 but following its popularity and the lobbying from various organizations, the Government lifted the ban but imposed a royalty rate of Rs. 20,000 (US$ 280) per kilogram(2.2lbs). One kilo of Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba that costs about Rs. 315 (US$ 5/6) in 1992 increased to Rs. 105,000 (US$ 1,435) by the year 2002 and the price has been shooting up so as the international interest on the mysterious half-caterpillar-half-mushroom known as Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba.
Conclusion:
What we conclude that it is Dolpa is rich in herbal resources and the life is suatined by income from these herbal resources but due to lack of knowledge and technology the amount of herbal collection is decreasing day by day. Proper care should be given on the sustainable management and consumption of herbal resources.This approach is much more important for rare and threatened species.
Reference:
Ripu M Kunwar,Bal K Nepal, Hari B Kshhetri,Sanjeev K Rai,1 and Rainer W Bussmann,2006, Ethnomedicine in Himalaya: a case study from Dolpa, Humla, Jumla and Mustang districts of Nepal,Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnobiomedicine
Kunwar, R.M. 2002. Some threatened medicinal and aromatic plants: status, trade and management practice in Dolpa district, midwestern Nepal. Journal of Natural History Museum 21:173-186
Suraj Upadhaya
BSC forestry
Institute of Forestry
Kathmandu Forestry College
Kathmandu
luckysuraj@gmail.com
Abstract
The flora of the Nepal Himalaya contains 10,167 plant species, of which over 7,000 are flowering plants and over 1,600 species are medicinal and aromatic herbs (Shrestha et al. 2000). The herbs, representing about 25% of the total country’s vascular flora, are used under different traditional systems including the Ayurveda, Homeopathic, Home herbal (folklore) and Amchi (traditional Tibetan medicine) medicinal systems. Thirty percent medicinal plant species of the country occur in the western part of the country. Western mountain regions lifestyle is depend upon the income from these herbal resources prevailing in that area.
Introduction
Dolpa lies between latitude 28¬¬ degrees 45 minutes to 29 degree 45minutes N and longitude 82 degrees 30 minutes to 83 degree 30 minutes east. It occupies an area of 7889 sq.km at the height of 1525-7754 M from sea level.Dolpa is well known as the Nepal’s largest district. It is rich in cultural and biological diversity.
Temperature of Dolpa varies from max.25 degree C to min -8 degree c. Due to which Dolpa is rich in medicinal plants. It is famous for the well known herbs YarsaGumba (Cardysips synenis).The variations of climate, soil and altitudes are responsible for these diversity. Due to richness in herbal resources the economic status is maintained. The income from these herbal resources contributes to the local and national economy through the generation of employment, not only local farmers and collectors are benefited but the whole stake holder related to herbal industry are benefited too.
Herbal drugs are playing an important role in health care programs world-wide
The need for conservation of medicinal plants being increasingly recognizes at local and national level. As medicinal herbs not only provide raw material for manufacture of drugs but also have reserved the local inhabitants for long time in traditional health care system and various other domestic consumption.
Among the 529 useful plant species recorded from Dolpa district so far, more than 400 species are medicinal plant such as Allium wallichii, Cordyceps sinensis, Aconitum, Allium, Arisaema, Berberis, Corydalis, Gentiana, Hippophae, Juniperus, Rhododendron,etc . The plants are widely used as resource for grazing in the Himalayas. Rotational grazing of livestock and selective harvesting mainly applied by Amchis were only the sustainable management approaches aimed at constraining pressures.
Medicinal plants are very important natural resources. Measures like conservation of rare species, systematic cultivation of economical profitable species and central of deforestation can greatly help being increasing these resources.
Mainly Dolpa is famous for Yarchagumba. Every year during May and June, thousands of villagers from remote areas risking their own lives head for high mountains to collect cordyceps or yarsagumba or yarchagumba. It is estimated that one villager can earn up to Rs. 2,500 approximately to $35 a day by collecting cordyceps or yarsagumba or yarchagumba which is beyond the monthly salary of many Nepalese households. Dolpa – a remote district in western Nepal with high steep valleys and dry climate is one of the foremost areas for collecting Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba. Almost 50% of the annual supply of Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba comes from Dolpa alone. Here, not only the adults but school goers also take unofficial holidays in search of the gold rush. Collection of Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba was illegal until 2001 but following its popularity and the lobbying from various organizations, the Government lifted the ban but imposed a royalty rate of Rs. 20,000 (US$ 280) per kilogram(2.2lbs). One kilo of Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba that costs about Rs. 315 (US$ 5/6) in 1992 increased to Rs. 105,000 (US$ 1,435) by the year 2002 and the price has been shooting up so as the international interest on the mysterious half-caterpillar-half-mushroom known as Cordyceps or Yarsagumba or Yarchagumba.
Conclusion:
What we conclude that it is Dolpa is rich in herbal resources and the life is suatined by income from these herbal resources but due to lack of knowledge and technology the amount of herbal collection is decreasing day by day. Proper care should be given on the sustainable management and consumption of herbal resources.This approach is much more important for rare and threatened species.
Reference:
Ripu M Kunwar,Bal K Nepal, Hari B Kshhetri,Sanjeev K Rai,1 and Rainer W Bussmann,2006, Ethnomedicine in Himalaya: a case study from Dolpa, Humla, Jumla and Mustang districts of Nepal,Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnobiomedicine
Kunwar, R.M. 2002. Some threatened medicinal and aromatic plants: status, trade and management practice in Dolpa district, midwestern Nepal. Journal of Natural History Museum 21:173-186
Suraj Upadhaya
BSC forestry
Institute of Forestry
Kathmandu Forestry College
Kathmandu
luckysuraj@gmail.com
Youth and Conservation
Youth and Conservation
There is a great role of young people in the development of nation. History tells us what the role of youth in nation building was.
Actually in developing countries like ours (Nepal), the youth play and important role in every aspect of the nation building. Without involvement of youth in any task, no task can be performed properly. For the proper utilization and mobilization of resources, the youth have to be mobilized in those tasks.
Conservation means sustainable use of natural resources, such as soils, water, plants, animals, and minerals etc. From the aesthetic and moral viewpoint, conservation also includes the maintenance of national parks, wilderness areas, historic sites, and wildlife. In certain cases, conservation may imply the protection of a natural environment from any human economic activity.
Conservation is one of the important national tasks which have to be performed by government. Without conservation of natural resources (either renewable or non-renewable) national development can’t be thought effective.
At present the natural environment is being deteriorated day by day in geometric progression. Wildlife are in danger situation. List of endangered species is being longer. More species are getting the prefix EXTINCT. Many poor species are living without proper management of their habitat. Home ranges, territory of many species are being squeezed by human people. Natural habitats of wild animals are being converted into industrial area. Not only the areas are squeezed but also the environment for those animals is being deteriorated day by day.
A number of endangered species are being decreased in geometric progression because increased poaching for trading. Game-species are being killed for economic benefit of certain human group. Various parts of animals are exported illegally without fear of law.
The condition of conservation is very poor. Actually illegal hunting, poaching and encroachment are increasing day by day. No any proper law enforcement agency is active in special area. Nepal Army and Department of National Park and Wildlife Reserve (DNPWC) are responsible only inside national park and wildlife reserve. Out of these Police and District Forest Office are responsible. Political influence is one of the major hindrances that these agencies aren’t also able to be actively involved in achieving the objective of conservation.
For the proper conservation of natural resources, the youth should be mobilized. Involvement of young people on conservation is very necessary. Young people try to perform every task differently than others do. They try to use modern knowledge and techniques which they learn from various sectors. If they are given proper guideline they will accomplish it effectively.
The young can easily control illegal hunting and poaching in and outside the national park. There are various anti-poaching youth groups, formed for controlling and creating awareness in community. For example, anti poaching youth groups in buffer zone area of Chitwan national park are doing appreciating job.
To mobilize young people, it is also not very hard task. Young people of this generation are already aware of about conservation. So no more awareness is needed for them too.
So for the conservation of wildlife and natural resources, the youth have to be mobilized on guidance of experienced adult people to come a long way in the conservation goal attainment.
Suraj Upadhaya
BSc forestry
Tribhuvan University
Institute of Forestry
Kathmandu Forestry College
There is a great role of young people in the development of nation. History tells us what the role of youth in nation building was.
Actually in developing countries like ours (Nepal), the youth play and important role in every aspect of the nation building. Without involvement of youth in any task, no task can be performed properly. For the proper utilization and mobilization of resources, the youth have to be mobilized in those tasks.
Conservation means sustainable use of natural resources, such as soils, water, plants, animals, and minerals etc. From the aesthetic and moral viewpoint, conservation also includes the maintenance of national parks, wilderness areas, historic sites, and wildlife. In certain cases, conservation may imply the protection of a natural environment from any human economic activity.
Conservation is one of the important national tasks which have to be performed by government. Without conservation of natural resources (either renewable or non-renewable) national development can’t be thought effective.
At present the natural environment is being deteriorated day by day in geometric progression. Wildlife are in danger situation. List of endangered species is being longer. More species are getting the prefix EXTINCT. Many poor species are living without proper management of their habitat. Home ranges, territory of many species are being squeezed by human people. Natural habitats of wild animals are being converted into industrial area. Not only the areas are squeezed but also the environment for those animals is being deteriorated day by day.
A number of endangered species are being decreased in geometric progression because increased poaching for trading. Game-species are being killed for economic benefit of certain human group. Various parts of animals are exported illegally without fear of law.
The condition of conservation is very poor. Actually illegal hunting, poaching and encroachment are increasing day by day. No any proper law enforcement agency is active in special area. Nepal Army and Department of National Park and Wildlife Reserve (DNPWC) are responsible only inside national park and wildlife reserve. Out of these Police and District Forest Office are responsible. Political influence is one of the major hindrances that these agencies aren’t also able to be actively involved in achieving the objective of conservation.
For the proper conservation of natural resources, the youth should be mobilized. Involvement of young people on conservation is very necessary. Young people try to perform every task differently than others do. They try to use modern knowledge and techniques which they learn from various sectors. If they are given proper guideline they will accomplish it effectively.
The young can easily control illegal hunting and poaching in and outside the national park. There are various anti-poaching youth groups, formed for controlling and creating awareness in community. For example, anti poaching youth groups in buffer zone area of Chitwan national park are doing appreciating job.
To mobilize young people, it is also not very hard task. Young people of this generation are already aware of about conservation. So no more awareness is needed for them too.
So for the conservation of wildlife and natural resources, the youth have to be mobilized on guidance of experienced adult people to come a long way in the conservation goal attainment.
Suraj Upadhaya
BSc forestry
Tribhuvan University
Institute of Forestry
Kathmandu Forestry College
Energy Crisis and Nepal's Potentiality
Energy Crisis and Nepal’s Potentiality
Suraj Upadhaya
Abstract
Energy that is not popularly used and is usually environmentally sound like wind, solar, geothermal is simply regarded as renewable energy. The renewable energy made available through established sources and technology is considered as non-conventional one, if otherwise, conventional. Speaking strictly the forms of alternative energy or renewable energy are environmentally favorable and no negative impacts and economically viable. Alternative energy sources are necessary to explore in context to solve the present problem of energy crisis in Nepal. Being rich in natural resources Nepal posses high potential of development of energy generation station.
Key words: Energy crisis, hydropower, Alternate energy, consumption
Interpretation:
• It is the daily routine of Nepali to see the long endless line on roadside for the petroleum products. The consumption of energy is increasing day by day. The ratio of consumption and supply of energy had very big gap between them. The consumption rate is increasing rapidly. The consumption of petroleum products in FY 2006/07 had increased by 0-7 percent to reach 947,784 Kiloliters while L.P gas had increased 5-15percent to 93,562 Metric Ton. The consumption of L.P gas had increased by 29.8 percent in the first eight months of FY 2007/08.
• The NOC was at loss in FY 2006/07 and FY 2007/08 for not reviewing the rate of petroleum products as per the price hikes in the international market.
• Well established countries are fighting with each other for ownership of petroleum products. Many country people had lost their life in battle of fuel ownership. Iraq is the victim of so called fuel war.
Above are the some examples of facts caused by the energy. Our modern society takes energy for granted. No longer do we have to toil for hours to produce our food, clothing, warmth and even entertainment. At the flick of a switch we command machines to provide for us. Electricity is ever ready, ever available ... BUT, what if that changed? What will happen if aero plane stop due to shortage of aero fuel? What will happen if hospital rejects to do operation of victim due to lack of electricity?
The present study shows that after 50 years there will be very big shortage of petroleum products in world. The prosperous country will face the problem what now poor country are facing and those poor countries will have no access to petroleum products.
As we know the major portion of the world’s energy consumption comes from the petroleum products like petrol, diesel, coal, etc. The present rate of consumption of these fuels is so high that everyone is worried about it. It is suggested that if the present rate of consumption of the petroleum products continues, it may exhaust in few decades. On the other hand, it takes millions of years to form the fossils fuel. This clearly indicates a probable energy scarcity called energy crisis in near future if we are not careful in using these fuels. To avoid such situation, we have to search for alternate sources of energy.
Introduction
Biomass and hydropower are two indigenous energy sources in Nepal. Fuel wood supplies almost 80 percent of total energy demand and is extracted beyond the sustainable supply capability of the forests indicating a growth in deforestation. Whereas, electricity supplies only one percent of total energy consumption and only about 614 MW of 83,000 MW theoretical potential have been developed.
So far today, Nepal has not been advanced in the technology related to alternative energy which is not satisfactory however the trend in this area is quite appreciable. Technically biogas digesters, small hydropower, solar water heaters, etc are the most proven alternative energy sources.
INDICATIVE POTENTIAL
ENERGY IN NEPAL
S.N Energy type Potential
1 Solar Energy 26000Mw
2 Wind energy 200 Mw
3 Hydropower Theoretically 83GW,Practically 25000 Mw
4 Fuelwood 7 metric ton
5 Biogas About 200000 plants of 10 cu.m size at existing livestock population
source:www.praprup.com
Compared to other countries in the world, Nepal has made significant progress in developing and using water resources for producing power. Mostly Nepal is investing on micro hydropower over the past three decades. Currently there are over 900 micro-hydro installations in the private sector in about 59 of the 75 districts of the country.
Potential energy sources in Nepal
1. Fuel Wood
Forest covers almost 5.6 million hectares of Nepal’s land forms i.e. around 29% of the country area.75% of the country’s fuel requirement has been fulfilled by the forest. Almost all people’s livelihood is run by the energy from forest. Fuel wood is the most prominent energy sources which are drawn from this forest. More than 7.5 million metric ton fuel wood is accessible for use. The study shows that in high mountain area the fuel wood consumption is 640kg/person/Year while that is terai is 479kg/person/year. It is all because of temperature. The temperature of High Mountain is very low which need high energy consumption for sustaining life and in Terai people can easily adjust in low fuel wood consumption.
Fuel wood consumption in Nepal cannot be replaced in the near future and, therefore, the sustainability of forestry sector would remain a question until that time. The support of developed country becomes important in managing forests and supplying alternative form of energy sources.
2. Hydropower
Hydroelectricity comes from the damming of rivers and utilizing the potential energy stored in the water. As the water stored behind a dam is released at high pressure, its kinetic energy is transferred into turbine blades and used to generate electricity. This system has enormous costs up front, but has relatively low maintenance costs and provides power quite cheaply. In Nepal approximately 83,000 Mw of hydroelectric power potential is available, and about 614 MW of that have been developed.
Nepal is famous for hydro potential. In the world ranking Nepal lies in second position than Brazil.
Basin-wise hydropower potential in Nepal
Basin Theoretical Potential (GW) EconomicPotential (GW)
Koshi 23 11
Gandaki 21 5
Karnali and Mahakali 35 25
Others 4 1
Total 83 42
(Source. Shrestha H.M 1996)
The first hydropower generation was commissioned in 1911 in Purphing near Kathmandu. To date, the country has about 614 MW of installed hydropower capacity and about 55 MW of petroleum fuel based generating capacity to supply electricity. On the other hand 12 MW small hydropower has been installed mainly to supply electricity to rural areas.
3. Wind Energy:
In 1990 the wind turbine of 20KW was installed to supply light to 80 households in the Country. However, this unit has not been in use in present day due to the technical reasons. In the Northern belt (region) of Nepal wind energy is available, but, the exact potential is yet to be estimated due to lack of technical personnel. Wind power, of course, is a promising unconventional source of power. It is merely air in motion, set up and continually regenerated by small fraction of isolation reaction the outer atmosphere. It is estimated that nature is generating 1.67 X 1015 Kw annually but lonely a small fraction of this can be harnessed for use in the other forms. It is reported that the potential to generate wind energy in Mustang is reported at about 200 Mw. (et.al Rajbhandari)
Solar Energy: Only after seventies the utilization of solar energy was started through the introduction of domestic solar water heaters. In rural area Nepal telecommunication, civil aviation, Nepal electricity authority is using solar energy as a source of energy. More than 348 Kw of energy from sun is being used by various stakeholders within Nepal.
Solar energy is very suitable for the country like Nepal. Solar energy is the best option for the generation of energy. Photovoltaic, thermal devices should be used to generate the solar energy. In Nepal the total installed photovoltaic capacity is about 350 Kw.
4. Petroleum Products:
Though Nepal is not producing petroleum products but is highly depended on it. Import is the only method to meet the demand for petroleum products. The demand and supply both are increasing day by day. Since 1975 the supply had increased by almost 70 folds. The time period between 1987-1997 is regarded as the first time when there was more demand of Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).It is because LPG was introduced as an alternate of kerosene, electricity etc in urban and semi urban area. Due to pressure of high population Nepal Oil Corporation is being unable to supply properly. Though it has storage capacity of 70309 kilolitres (KL) it is suffering from problem of shortage.
Recent report of NOC shows that NOC is incurring monthly losses of nearly 3 million dollars due to lower selling prices of petroleum products. The corporation sells LP gas at a price lower by 3.70 dollars per cylinder. Likewise, it has losses of 75 dollars in every kilo-liter of petrol, 60 dollars in diesel, and 10.5 dollars in kerosene. However, it earns 278 dollars profit in sale of every kilo-liter of aviation fuel.
The report also showed that NOC maintains very low stock of petroleum products, heightening risks of shortage once supply is disrupted. The current stock cannot last for more than three days of demand in the capital. The report said absence of necessary infrastructure like pipeline from Raxaul to Amlekhgunj, the petroleum depot situated at the Indo-Nepal border some 90 km south of Kathmandu, has greatly affected supply of petroleum products.
5. Bio-Briquette:
Bio-Briquette is fuel briquette that is prepared from natural resources and used as source of alternative fuel. Bio-Briquette is prepared from Charcoal,mud, and water as binding material. It is prepared mainly utilizing weeds (Lantana camara). The Bio-Briquette is of diameter 12.5cm, and height of about 6cm.
In Nepal Bio-Briquette’s history is not so old. Only one decade ago it was commonly adopted in Nepali society. Most of the CFGs are producing Bio-Briquette as a source of income. Interesting part is that one Bio-Briquette is sufficient for cooking bhat,dal and tarkari for 4 family members.
6. Other fuels
Biogas, Coal, livestock manure, crop residues are some other sources of energy in Nepal. While talking about crop residue there is a potential of about 14million metric tons of crop residue among which Terai singly supply 9 metric ton.
Many communities from country are using livestock manure as a good source of heat energy. They are using manure for cooking purpose since long period of time.
Opportunities:
As we discussed already that Nepal is rich in water sources, it bears a big opportunity of development of hydropower in Nepal. Nepal can practice the international business of Hydropower. Nepal is rich in forest products. Forest being good source of energy it can be good option for Nepal to generate energy from Forest. The recent efforts to mobilize Community participation and private investment to increase forest quality should be emphasized here. Communities have, in general, a dedication and enough motivation to manage forests but have very little expertise. The demand for forestry products (fuel wood, fodder, and timber) is immediate to them. Therefore, backing the community forestry projects with forest experts should be intensified. It can be noted that in the long run, these forests would be the main source for fuel wood, timber and revenue collection to meet local needs. Therefore, there is a need for intensive local training on forest management, in which the international agencies could actively playa vital role. Also the Nepali forest can be used as a source of income from clean development mechanism. The income from CDM can be used in the development of hydropower in Nepal. The unemployment rate of Nepal is increasing day by day. By establishing the hydropower station, energy station, the employment opportunity can be generated.
Conclusion
Forestry sector dominate the Nepal’s energy scenario as it supplies more than 8o% of total energy demand in Country. Fuel wood will remain as the major source of energy but the current use is not sustainable. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative means of energy to meet the need of rural people.Nepal is rich in water resources and it could be developed to meet the local and regional demand of water for hydropower. If micro hydropower station can be developed then it will be great task for reducing the pressure in consumption of biomass and fuel import. But for the national level benefit large scale projects should be developed with the help of private sector, Hydropower, Solar energy, wind energy are renewable source of energy and they have also potential to reduce the emissions of green house gas. So to reduce effect of global warming and maintain sound environment Nepal seeks help from developed countries for a sustainable development of its natural resources and improvement in quality of citizen's life.
Selected References:
Rijal.k.1998,’Renewable Energy Technologies:A Brighter Future’ Policy Options for Mountain communities in HKH and Agenda for Action in Nepal prepared for ICIMOD.Nepal
Pokharel, S, 1998, Energy in Nepal. Prepared for the Nepal National Committee
of the World Energy Council and circulated in the 17th World Energy Congress,
Houston, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, P.O. Box 1340, Kathmandu,Nepal
Annual report of Nepal Electricity Authority www.nea.org.np
Official website of Nepal oil corporation
Wikipedia.org
Annual Emission Reduction Report for Project Activity 1 of CDM Project in Biogas Support Programme of Nepal
Ronald B. Swenson,2007,’Biofuels: Science or Fiction?’ www.solartoday.org
Suraj Upadhaya
Abstract
Energy that is not popularly used and is usually environmentally sound like wind, solar, geothermal is simply regarded as renewable energy. The renewable energy made available through established sources and technology is considered as non-conventional one, if otherwise, conventional. Speaking strictly the forms of alternative energy or renewable energy are environmentally favorable and no negative impacts and economically viable. Alternative energy sources are necessary to explore in context to solve the present problem of energy crisis in Nepal. Being rich in natural resources Nepal posses high potential of development of energy generation station.
Key words: Energy crisis, hydropower, Alternate energy, consumption
Interpretation:
• It is the daily routine of Nepali to see the long endless line on roadside for the petroleum products. The consumption of energy is increasing day by day. The ratio of consumption and supply of energy had very big gap between them. The consumption rate is increasing rapidly. The consumption of petroleum products in FY 2006/07 had increased by 0-7 percent to reach 947,784 Kiloliters while L.P gas had increased 5-15percent to 93,562 Metric Ton. The consumption of L.P gas had increased by 29.8 percent in the first eight months of FY 2007/08.
• The NOC was at loss in FY 2006/07 and FY 2007/08 for not reviewing the rate of petroleum products as per the price hikes in the international market.
• Well established countries are fighting with each other for ownership of petroleum products. Many country people had lost their life in battle of fuel ownership. Iraq is the victim of so called fuel war.
Above are the some examples of facts caused by the energy. Our modern society takes energy for granted. No longer do we have to toil for hours to produce our food, clothing, warmth and even entertainment. At the flick of a switch we command machines to provide for us. Electricity is ever ready, ever available ... BUT, what if that changed? What will happen if aero plane stop due to shortage of aero fuel? What will happen if hospital rejects to do operation of victim due to lack of electricity?
The present study shows that after 50 years there will be very big shortage of petroleum products in world. The prosperous country will face the problem what now poor country are facing and those poor countries will have no access to petroleum products.
As we know the major portion of the world’s energy consumption comes from the petroleum products like petrol, diesel, coal, etc. The present rate of consumption of these fuels is so high that everyone is worried about it. It is suggested that if the present rate of consumption of the petroleum products continues, it may exhaust in few decades. On the other hand, it takes millions of years to form the fossils fuel. This clearly indicates a probable energy scarcity called energy crisis in near future if we are not careful in using these fuels. To avoid such situation, we have to search for alternate sources of energy.
Introduction
Biomass and hydropower are two indigenous energy sources in Nepal. Fuel wood supplies almost 80 percent of total energy demand and is extracted beyond the sustainable supply capability of the forests indicating a growth in deforestation. Whereas, electricity supplies only one percent of total energy consumption and only about 614 MW of 83,000 MW theoretical potential have been developed.
So far today, Nepal has not been advanced in the technology related to alternative energy which is not satisfactory however the trend in this area is quite appreciable. Technically biogas digesters, small hydropower, solar water heaters, etc are the most proven alternative energy sources.
INDICATIVE POTENTIAL
ENERGY IN NEPAL
S.N Energy type Potential
1 Solar Energy 26000Mw
2 Wind energy 200 Mw
3 Hydropower Theoretically 83GW,Practically 25000 Mw
4 Fuelwood 7 metric ton
5 Biogas About 200000 plants of 10 cu.m size at existing livestock population
source:www.praprup.com
Compared to other countries in the world, Nepal has made significant progress in developing and using water resources for producing power. Mostly Nepal is investing on micro hydropower over the past three decades. Currently there are over 900 micro-hydro installations in the private sector in about 59 of the 75 districts of the country.
Potential energy sources in Nepal
1. Fuel Wood
Forest covers almost 5.6 million hectares of Nepal’s land forms i.e. around 29% of the country area.75% of the country’s fuel requirement has been fulfilled by the forest. Almost all people’s livelihood is run by the energy from forest. Fuel wood is the most prominent energy sources which are drawn from this forest. More than 7.5 million metric ton fuel wood is accessible for use. The study shows that in high mountain area the fuel wood consumption is 640kg/person/Year while that is terai is 479kg/person/year. It is all because of temperature. The temperature of High Mountain is very low which need high energy consumption for sustaining life and in Terai people can easily adjust in low fuel wood consumption.
Fuel wood consumption in Nepal cannot be replaced in the near future and, therefore, the sustainability of forestry sector would remain a question until that time. The support of developed country becomes important in managing forests and supplying alternative form of energy sources.
2. Hydropower
Hydroelectricity comes from the damming of rivers and utilizing the potential energy stored in the water. As the water stored behind a dam is released at high pressure, its kinetic energy is transferred into turbine blades and used to generate electricity. This system has enormous costs up front, but has relatively low maintenance costs and provides power quite cheaply. In Nepal approximately 83,000 Mw of hydroelectric power potential is available, and about 614 MW of that have been developed.
Nepal is famous for hydro potential. In the world ranking Nepal lies in second position than Brazil.
Basin-wise hydropower potential in Nepal
Basin Theoretical Potential (GW) EconomicPotential (GW)
Koshi 23 11
Gandaki 21 5
Karnali and Mahakali 35 25
Others 4 1
Total 83 42
(Source. Shrestha H.M 1996)
The first hydropower generation was commissioned in 1911 in Purphing near Kathmandu. To date, the country has about 614 MW of installed hydropower capacity and about 55 MW of petroleum fuel based generating capacity to supply electricity. On the other hand 12 MW small hydropower has been installed mainly to supply electricity to rural areas.
3. Wind Energy:
In 1990 the wind turbine of 20KW was installed to supply light to 80 households in the Country. However, this unit has not been in use in present day due to the technical reasons. In the Northern belt (region) of Nepal wind energy is available, but, the exact potential is yet to be estimated due to lack of technical personnel. Wind power, of course, is a promising unconventional source of power. It is merely air in motion, set up and continually regenerated by small fraction of isolation reaction the outer atmosphere. It is estimated that nature is generating 1.67 X 1015 Kw annually but lonely a small fraction of this can be harnessed for use in the other forms. It is reported that the potential to generate wind energy in Mustang is reported at about 200 Mw. (et.al Rajbhandari)
Solar Energy: Only after seventies the utilization of solar energy was started through the introduction of domestic solar water heaters. In rural area Nepal telecommunication, civil aviation, Nepal electricity authority is using solar energy as a source of energy. More than 348 Kw of energy from sun is being used by various stakeholders within Nepal.
Solar energy is very suitable for the country like Nepal. Solar energy is the best option for the generation of energy. Photovoltaic, thermal devices should be used to generate the solar energy. In Nepal the total installed photovoltaic capacity is about 350 Kw.
4. Petroleum Products:
Though Nepal is not producing petroleum products but is highly depended on it. Import is the only method to meet the demand for petroleum products. The demand and supply both are increasing day by day. Since 1975 the supply had increased by almost 70 folds. The time period between 1987-1997 is regarded as the first time when there was more demand of Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).It is because LPG was introduced as an alternate of kerosene, electricity etc in urban and semi urban area. Due to pressure of high population Nepal Oil Corporation is being unable to supply properly. Though it has storage capacity of 70309 kilolitres (KL) it is suffering from problem of shortage.
Recent report of NOC shows that NOC is incurring monthly losses of nearly 3 million dollars due to lower selling prices of petroleum products. The corporation sells LP gas at a price lower by 3.70 dollars per cylinder. Likewise, it has losses of 75 dollars in every kilo-liter of petrol, 60 dollars in diesel, and 10.5 dollars in kerosene. However, it earns 278 dollars profit in sale of every kilo-liter of aviation fuel.
The report also showed that NOC maintains very low stock of petroleum products, heightening risks of shortage once supply is disrupted. The current stock cannot last for more than three days of demand in the capital. The report said absence of necessary infrastructure like pipeline from Raxaul to Amlekhgunj, the petroleum depot situated at the Indo-Nepal border some 90 km south of Kathmandu, has greatly affected supply of petroleum products.
5. Bio-Briquette:
Bio-Briquette is fuel briquette that is prepared from natural resources and used as source of alternative fuel. Bio-Briquette is prepared from Charcoal,mud, and water as binding material. It is prepared mainly utilizing weeds (Lantana camara). The Bio-Briquette is of diameter 12.5cm, and height of about 6cm.
In Nepal Bio-Briquette’s history is not so old. Only one decade ago it was commonly adopted in Nepali society. Most of the CFGs are producing Bio-Briquette as a source of income. Interesting part is that one Bio-Briquette is sufficient for cooking bhat,dal and tarkari for 4 family members.
6. Other fuels
Biogas, Coal, livestock manure, crop residues are some other sources of energy in Nepal. While talking about crop residue there is a potential of about 14million metric tons of crop residue among which Terai singly supply 9 metric ton.
Many communities from country are using livestock manure as a good source of heat energy. They are using manure for cooking purpose since long period of time.
Opportunities:
As we discussed already that Nepal is rich in water sources, it bears a big opportunity of development of hydropower in Nepal. Nepal can practice the international business of Hydropower. Nepal is rich in forest products. Forest being good source of energy it can be good option for Nepal to generate energy from Forest. The recent efforts to mobilize Community participation and private investment to increase forest quality should be emphasized here. Communities have, in general, a dedication and enough motivation to manage forests but have very little expertise. The demand for forestry products (fuel wood, fodder, and timber) is immediate to them. Therefore, backing the community forestry projects with forest experts should be intensified. It can be noted that in the long run, these forests would be the main source for fuel wood, timber and revenue collection to meet local needs. Therefore, there is a need for intensive local training on forest management, in which the international agencies could actively playa vital role. Also the Nepali forest can be used as a source of income from clean development mechanism. The income from CDM can be used in the development of hydropower in Nepal. The unemployment rate of Nepal is increasing day by day. By establishing the hydropower station, energy station, the employment opportunity can be generated.
Conclusion
Forestry sector dominate the Nepal’s energy scenario as it supplies more than 8o% of total energy demand in Country. Fuel wood will remain as the major source of energy but the current use is not sustainable. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative means of energy to meet the need of rural people.Nepal is rich in water resources and it could be developed to meet the local and regional demand of water for hydropower. If micro hydropower station can be developed then it will be great task for reducing the pressure in consumption of biomass and fuel import. But for the national level benefit large scale projects should be developed with the help of private sector, Hydropower, Solar energy, wind energy are renewable source of energy and they have also potential to reduce the emissions of green house gas. So to reduce effect of global warming and maintain sound environment Nepal seeks help from developed countries for a sustainable development of its natural resources and improvement in quality of citizen's life.
Selected References:
Rijal.k.1998,’Renewable Energy Technologies:A Brighter Future’ Policy Options for Mountain communities in HKH and Agenda for Action in Nepal prepared for ICIMOD.Nepal
Pokharel, S, 1998, Energy in Nepal. Prepared for the Nepal National Committee
of the World Energy Council and circulated in the 17th World Energy Congress,
Houston, Water and Energy Commission Secretariat, P.O. Box 1340, Kathmandu,Nepal
Annual report of Nepal Electricity Authority www.nea.org.np
Official website of Nepal oil corporation
Wikipedia.org
Annual Emission Reduction Report for Project Activity 1 of CDM Project in Biogas Support Programme of Nepal
Ronald B. Swenson,2007,’Biofuels: Science or Fiction?’ www.solartoday.org
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