Mountain Region Of Nepal Research Articles

Landslide Hazard Mapping of Nagadhunga-Naubise Section of the Tribhuvan Highway in Nepal with GIS Application

The aim of this project was to prepare and study a hazard map of Nagadhunga-Naubise section of the Tribhuvan highway. This section lies in the Middle Mountain region of Nepal. For the preparation of the hazard map of the corridor three steps, initial study, field investigation, and data analysis and presentation were carried out. In the initial study, the collection of available data and review of the literature were done. The base map was then prepared from the topographical map. In the field investigation step, all information and maps prepared earlier in the initial study were verified by field check. In the final step, prepared and verified data were then analyzed for the hazard mapping. Topography (gradient, slope shape and slope aspect), geology, drainage and land-use were considered to be the major influencing factors in the slope stability. Pre-assigned hazard rating method was used for hazard mapping of the study area. The area was divided into equal facets. Then ratings of responsible factors to the hazard were assigned to each facet and overlaid based upon a predetermined rating scheme. Total estimated hazard was the sum of these ratings for each overlay. Hazard map was prepared by using three categories as low hazard, medium hazard and high hazard. The Geographic Information System (GIS) was the main tool for the data input, analysis, and preparing of the final hazard map. The hazard map showed the areas of different hazard potential classes of; “low” with 32% portion, “Medium” with 51%, and “high” with 17% portion.

Clinical Features, Management and Outcome of Snake Bite in Children in Manipal Teaching Hospital

Background: Snake bite is a widely distributed and neglected condition with a significant mortality. Medically significant snakes are: Elapidae, which are mainly neurotoxic and Viperidae, which are hemotoxic. Most studies on snake bites are done in Terai belt of Nepal and this is a first study of its kind in children in western region of Nepal. Methods: This was a 7 year retrospective study in Pediatric unit of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Relevant data from all cases of snake bite in children up to 18 years of age was collected in a structured proforma and analyzed. Results: Among the 39 cases of Snake bites; it was more in boys (M: F=1.16:1), from rural areas (62%) and was more common during monsoon (64%). The commonest site of bite was foot (64%). Snakes were identifiable in only 23% of the cases. Local swelling (77%) and pain (74%) were common clinical features. Coagulation profile was deranged in 80% of the patients, hematuria was observed in 13% patients and 15% patients had thrombocytopenia. Most of the snakes were hemotoxic (77%) and only 1 case (2.5%) was neurotoxic. Only 44% of the patients received polyvalent anti-snake venom and blood products were required in 51% of the patients. Most patients improved (75%) and the case fatality rate was 2.5%. Conclusion: Most snakes found in mountainous region of Nepal are hemotoxic and lead to deranged coagulation profile. Mortality is low in hemotoxic as compared to neurotoxic envenomations. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 | Page 119-124 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8954

Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered species Taxus wallichiana (Taxaceae).

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in the endangered tree species Taxus wallichiana from Nepal to investigate regional genetic differentiation, local genetic diversity, and gene flow for the conservation of this species under climate- and land-use change scenarios in mountain regions of Nepal.• Methods and Results: We developed 10 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers from 454 DNA sequencing. Characterization of the new microsatellite loci was done in 99 individuals collected from three valleys with different climatic regimes. The number of alleles per locus varied from four to 12. Observed heterozygosity of populations, averaged across loci, ranged from 0.30 to 0.59.• Conclusions: The new markers provided by this study will substantially increase the resolution for detailed studies in phylogeography, population genetics, and parentage analysis.

Traditional Knowledge of Processing and Use of the Himalayan Giant Nettle (Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis) Among the Gurungs of Sikles, Nepal

The Himalayan giant nettle (Girardinia diversifolia (Link) Friis) has been widely used throughout the mountainous regions of Nepal as a source of fiber (puwa) for weaving ropes, thread, porter’s tumplines, mats, sacks, and bhangra (a piece of traditional Gurung clothing). Ethnic groups such as Gurungs, Magars, Rais and Tamangs are the major exploiters of puwa fiber in Nepal. This study investigates the traditional knowledge of the processing and use of puwa fiber among the Gurungs of Sikles, in the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal. Puwa products have much cultural value for Gurungs in Sikles. Women are responsible for most of the puwa related activities and most of the woven products are used within households. Although puwa  has become established as an important non-timber forest product for generating income among rural communities in the mountainous and Himalayan regions of Nepal, its economic potential has yet to be realized in Sikles. 

Building collective capabilities through ICT in a mountain region of Nepal: where social capital leads to collective action

In this paper, we explore how ICT can lead to development specifically human development in Sen's capability approach. In answering to the critique that Sen views capabilities as the individual, we incorporate the societal level by adding collective capabilities. We propose that ICT helps to create or enhance SC of communities which in turn can lead to development by building collective capabilities through collective action. To illustrate, we conducted a qualitative case study of an ICT initiative in a remote mountain region of Nepal. We found support for our proposition and further that developing collective capabilities also simultaneously enhanced individual capabilities. We contribute to theory building by showing that not just the characteristics of SC, but also its form can promote collective action. We further illustrate that the SC and the capability perspectives are compatible and it is possible to read the two streams both simultaneously and complementarily.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial activity and Brine shrimp toxicity test of some Mountainous Lichens from Nepal

A total of twenty four lichen species belonging to six families were collected from mountainous region of Nepal. The methanol extracts of each species were tested for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in vitro. It was found that extracts of twenty one lichen species were active against B. subtilis and seven species were active against S. aureus. Similarly, in DPPH assay, three species Peltigera sp.,Cladonia sp., and Canoparmelia sp. showed comparable activity with commercial standard, BHA. In ABTS+ assay, extracts of Parmoterma sp., Ramalina sp., Peltigera sp. and Cladonia sp. showed stronger activity than ascorbic acid. The observed data after comparison with previously published reports indicated that the high altitude lichens contain stronger antioxidant and antibacterial constituents. Similarly, the methanol extracts of Heterodermia sp. and Ramalina sp. showed comparable toxicity effect with commercial standard berberine chloride indicating a potent source of anticancer drugs.

The Role of ICT Actors and Networks in Development: The Case Study of a Wireless Project in Nepal

AbstractThe role of ICT actors in the formation and extension of ICT4D projects is important. The actors through their extended network and aligned interest can enhance the effectiveness of the project which in turn enables socioeconomic development opportunities. However, few studies have been conducted to understand the role of these central players. The objective of this paper, therefore, is to address this knowledge gap by conducting a qualitative case study in the Myagdi district in the mountain region of Nepal. In this study we explored the Nepal Wireless Networking Project (NWNP) and examined how an activist started it from one mountain village and gradually extended across more than 150 villages. The formation and extension of information and communication technology for development (ICT4D) projects goes through different phases of identification of relevant ICT actors, roles, negotiations, and their interest alignment. To understand the various phases, we employed Actor‐Network Theory (ANT) and explored how a social activist, in the midst of challenges, initiates the wireless project to facilitate educational and healthcare services to the mountain regions. In continuum, the study found how the activist identified relevant actors and enrolled them to form a network of aligned interest. The study also identified several challenges such as high illiteracy rate, over dependency on focal actor, and poor physical infrastructure that may impede the network building process. Furthermore, we identify some implications for research and practice based on insights from the case study.

Antidiabetic effect of Neopicrorrhiza scrophulariiflora on type 2 diabetic model rats

Introduction: Neopicrorrhiza srophulariiflora (NS), which is locally known as “kutki / katuki” in Nepali is available at 3500-4800 m, east to west Himalayan region of Nepal. It is being used as indigenous antidiabetic plant in Nepal by the local people in the treatment of diabetes. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic property of NS in streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetic model rats. Methods: NS dried rhizomes, collected from mountainous region of Nepal, was extracted with 80% ethanol and water by cold percolation method. The extracts were administered at a dose of 1.25gkg1 body weight for 21 consecutive days to type 2 diabetic male Long-Evans rats, bred at BIRDEM animal house. Type 2 diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ to 48 hour old pups (Long Evans) from BIRDEM Animal house. Serum glucose was estimated by GOD POP method, on 0 day and by decapitation on 21st day by tail tip method. Results: Ethanol extract of N. srophulariiflora significantly (p<0.05) improved oral glucose tolerance in type 2 rats in comparison to control group at the end of the study period. It was also found that the water extract and ethanol extracts significantly lowered serum glucose level of type 2 diabetic rats in both prandial states (simultaneously with oral glucose load p><0.05; at 75min and 30 minutes prior to oral glucose load p><0.05; at 105min) compared to water fed control group. Administration of Glibenclamide (5 mgkg-1) also produced significant reduction (p><0.01) in serum glucose concentration in type 2 diabetic rats. Conclusions: N. srophulariiflora is beneficial for treating Type 2 diabetes and therefore merits further exploration and researches both chemically and biologically to identify the active principle(s) and mechanism of action.

Ethnobotanical study of plants used for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus in the Mountainous Regions of Nepal

An ethnobotanical study of plants used by the traditional healers, herbalists and local people for the treatment of diabetes mellitus was conducted in the villages of the mountainous regions, Nepal. The present study has documented 25 plant species belonging to 17 families, which have been used for the treatment of this disease. The use of infusion from plant leaves was the commonest method of herbal preparation. At present, these traditional knowledge and practices are in risk due to land use change and over-exploitation of the species. Hence some species are under serious threat indicating urgent conservation need of the useful plants with their habitats.

Climate sensitive measure of agricultural intensity: Case of Nepal

While acknowledging the influence of climate on agricultural intensification, most studies have ignored its application in the measurement of intensity. Through the inclusion of climate variables, this paper develops a time-weighted measure, the Crop Potential Index (CPI), which can be used to assess the production potential of a region. The CPI is compared with the more conventional method, Cropping Intensity (CI), to assess the significance of their differences in the three ecological zones of Nepal. The comparison of the CPI with that of the CI shows a significant difference between the two measures in all three ecological regions. The level of difference is larger in regions where climate is a limiting factor, such as the Mountain region of Nepal. The climate sensitive CPI can be considered as a more complete measurement tool and can be useful for planning agricultural development activities in Nepal. The advantage of the CPI is apparent in its ability to set a theoretical upper limit to the production potential of crops in a specific climatic region. Compared to the CI the CPI is more realistic in quantifying agricultural intensity in regions where climatic factors set the theoretical upper limit for crop growth and development.

Are children's perspectives valued in changing contexts? Revisiting a rights‐based evaluation in Nepal

AbstractThis paper examines how local action to reduce poverty and broader transformational change in the mountainous regions of Nepal has been informed by children's perspectives. In 2000, research was carried out with children to evaluate a local organisation's community development programme. The author revisited researchers, managers and former child club members in 2008 in order to explore how children's participation in rights‐based evaluation had translated into outcomes. With conflict and a changing understanding of rights within Nepal forming the backdrop, political and structural dimensions had to be considered to understand the changing lives of boys and girls. Children's perspectives in turn need to inform rights‐based policies and programmes to improve wellbeing and address social injustice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Participatory Varietal Selection of Wheat for Micro-Niches of Kathmandu Valley

The diversity of agro-environmental conditions among wheat-based farming systems in the mountainous regions of Nepal may favor the development and production of multiple narrowly adapted varieties over a few broadly adapted varieties. Sixteen genotypes were tested using Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) trials at farmers' fields in three districts in the Kathmandu Valley. Grain yield was the trait most preferred by farmers, followed by tillering, resistance to diseases, drought, and lodging. Farmer selection of optimal genotypes varied over time and location depending on agronomic and climatic pressures, indicating a preference by farmers for growing multiple, narrowly adapted varieties. Production potential of PVS genotypes averaged up to 142% greater than the most widely grown variety, RR21. With farmer participation in the selection process in different agro-ecological micro-niches of Nepal, both yield potential and yield stability of wheat should increase significantly, thereby providing farmers with the economic means to sustain the current small-scale agriculture suited to the mountainous terrain.

Trekking and Climbing in the Solukhumbu District of Nepal: Impact on Socioeconomic Status and Health of Lowland Porters

Much has been written about the environmental impact of tourists in the mountainous regions of Nepal, but there is scant information about the impact of tourism on the indigenous population. The Solukhumbu district is one of 75 districts of Nepal and has a population of 122 965.1 It is an area of huge economic importance to Nepal because it contains Sagarmatha National Park, a World Heritage Site. Within this area are Mt. Everest and other climbing and trekking peaks, bringing approximately 60 000 tourists a year into the area (Nepal Tourism Board, oral communication, August 15, 2007). These tourists provide employment for thousands of trekking porters who carry their provisions, luggage, and equipment up the valleys and mountains and also carry their rubbish back down. Commercial porters also work in the region carrying supplies for local people, as there are no roads in these valleys and the paths are often too steep for beasts of burden (particularly in the lower valleys). There are no reliable figures available for the number of individuals working as porters in the region. Many people associate this area with the Sherpas, a high-altitude ethnic group who migrated to Nepal approximately 500 years ago from neighboring Tibet. The Solukhumbu district is mountainous and, as a result, people live and work at hugely varying altitudes from 1500 to 8848 m. While it contains the largest group of Sherpas outside Tibet, not all of these people are Sherpa. Many others who live here come from other ethnic groups such as Rai, Tamang, Magar, and Gurung. This article concentrates not on Sherpas but rather the low-altitude porters who ascend through the valleys each season to do the work of portering, for both trekking

Indigenous practices for harvesting water from streams in the semi-arid environment of Nepal

Techniques for water harvesting from streams for irrigation and waterpower utilities, particularly in the semi-arid middle mountain region of Nepal, were developed many centuries ago. Water harvesting techniques have traditionally evolved to fit the local environment and living conditions of the people. In terms of community participation, the sustainability of community-based local water resources management in Nepal should promote traditional streamwater harvesting technologies that will potentially benefit local communities and also should be recognized by environmentalists and water experts. This paper investigates some traditional forms of water delivery technologies adopted by local farmers in three catchment areas from the middle mountain region of Nepal. Each form of indigenous practice is considered from the objective of scientific validation.

Linguistic Relativity and Spatial Concept Development in Nepal

Reports the results of a study done in a mountainous region of Nepal on a sample of 144, 6–14 year old boys and girls, schooled and unschooled. A variety of tasks was selected for the analysis of language children use for describing space and for the assessment of spatial encoding and cognitive performance on spatial developmental tasks. The results confirm that the language people use to describe spatial arrays is linked to the way in which they orient themselves in the environment. The age trends in language development indicate a change from intrinsic and projective to geocentric references, with almost no use of egocentric terms, while the encoding of spatial arrays is predominantly absolute (age changes being task specific). Overall, spatial cognitive development is quite independent of spatial encoding, but shows some statistically significant relations to the use of geocentric language.

Management of water resources and low flow estimation for the Himalayan basins of Nepal

Reliable estimates of low flow are extremely important for the monsoonal mountainous areas of the Hindu Kush–Himalayan (HKH) region as people in this region are facing growing problems of water during dry periods in terms of both quality and quantity. Furthermore, increasing evidence of decrease in snow cover and retreat of glaciers due to global warming have been reported from various parts of the HKH, which has serious implications for low flow in the region. However, reliable methods for low flow are difficult to find and lack of hydrometeorological data have inhibited the development of such methods. This has posed serious problems for sustainable management of water resources systems in the region in view of the difficulties in low flow. This paper also discusses a method for low flow estimation in the mountainous regions of Nepal, which shares with other neighbouring areas the complexity in the nature of the terrain and climate, inadequate hydro-meteorological network and insufficient long-term reliable data on hydrometeorology. The method discussed is based on a method developed in the UK, for estimating the hydrological regime at ungauged sites. Regionalization of the flow has been developed applying multi-variate regression analysis of long-term hydro-meteorological data and catchment characteristics. A number of standardised flow duration type curves have been determined, and regression models of the flows and the topographical and geological characteristics of the catchments were established. The mean flow was estimated using the water balance principle where the long-term mean annual runoff is the difference between long-term average annual precipitation and long-term actual evapotranspiration. Regionalization has been carried out by developing grids of hydrological response. The grids allow the flow regime to be estimated at any point on any stream in the mountainous region of the country. This is the first regional method of this kind to be developed to estimate low flows from ungauged catchments in Nepal. Such a method is of great importance for Nepal as well as for the mountainous regions of other countries of the HKH region, as it allows assessment of water availability for the design of small hydropower, irrigation and water supply schemes, and contributes to the economic development and poverty alleviation.

Mountain roads development in Nepal: engineering geological concerns

Road construction in the mountainous regions of Nepal has not only added to the road building experience in the rugged mountain terrain but also created awareness that development of linear infrastructure in the mountainous regions requires multidisciplinary approach from social, economic, engineering, environmental, and biotechnical considerations besides substantial engineering-geological inputs. This paper tries to provide a brief account of the practices and developments in mountain-specific planning and management of infrastructure on the basis of experiences from Nepal.