Project In Nepal Research Articles

Stability Evaluation of Lanedada Twin Tunnel in KTFT

The construction of underground tunnels, particularly in roadway systems, is a highly complicated and demanding process, necessitating careful consideration of geological variability, environmental impact, and safety concerns. This thesis emphasizes the critical importance of determining the optimal separation between twin tunnels, balancing the need for environmental conservation, economic efficiency, and structural stability. The study particularly focuses on the Kathmandu Terai/Madhesh Fasttrack (KTFT), a major expressway project in Nepal, which includes twin tunnels at three different sites under varying geological conditions. A detailed case study is conducted on the Lanedada Twin Tunnel, spanning 1.430 kilometers through the Siwalik Hill. Various methodologies, including empirical, analytical, and numerical approaches, are employed to assess tunnel stability. The findings reveal discrepancies in predictions of tunnel squeezing, with Singh et al.'s method indicating no squeezing potential, while Goel et al.'s method identifies squeezing in half of the evaluated sections. Additionally, the approaches by Hoek and Marino (2000) and Shrestha and Panthi (2015) are applied to estimate tunnel deformation at six specific locations. An analysis of rock support systems using the Rock Massm Rating (RMR) classification and the Q system is presented. Special attention is given to the section at 34+160, where the RS2 software is utilized to simulate varying pillar widths between the twin tunnels, allowing for a comparative analysis of different scenarios. This research aims to contribute to the understanding and implementation of safer, more feasible twin tunnel constructions, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of large-scale infrastructure projects.

Impacts of livelihood assets on hydropower displacees’ livelihood strategies: Insights from the Tanahu hydropower project in Nepal

Examination of livelihood assets is crucial for displaced people as it informs effective resource allocation and support. This study investigates the livelihood decisions of households displaced by Nepal's Tanahu Hydropower Project using multinomial logistic regression to evaluate how different assets affect their choices. Data were obtained using questionnaires, with a total of 185 questionnaires used for the analysis in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. This study finds that physical assets substantially influence livelihood strategies, promoting diversification and nonfarming activities. Interestingly, social assets have a negative impact, whereas natural, financial, and human assets exert no significant effect. The study highlights the community's focus on economic stability, balancing immediate financial needs with long-term goals such as children's education. However, it reveals ongoing financial struggles, with an average daily income of only 1.962 USD and many households remaining in poverty, particularly those dependent on farming. The study also reflects on the mixed perceptions toward government policies, influenced by factors such as skill gaps and family aspirations. These findings provide essential insights for targeted support and resource allocation to displaced populations.

Modeling Forest Above-Ground Biomass of Teak (Tectona grandis L. F.) Using Field Measurement and Sentinel-2 Imagery

Over the last few decades, remote sensing has emerged as a dependable and cost-effective method for collecting precise data on forest biophysical parameters, aiding in sustainable forest management and global initiatives to combat climate change. This research aimed to develop a model for estimating the above-ground biomass (AGB) of Teak (Tectona grandis L. F.) by combining field measurements with Sentinel-2 earth observation data. The study took place in 36-year-old teak plantation areas within the Sagarnath Forest Development Project in Nepal’s Sarlahi district. Field measurements were conducted using a destructive systematic sampling method, employing 10 × 10 m2 sample plots, and the volume of logs was determined using Newton’s formula. A total of 30 sample plots were used for calibration, while 10 were utilized for validation purposes. The findings revealed that the average AGB per plot was 814 kg (equivalent to 81.4 t ha−1), with a minimum value of 716 kg (71.6 t ha−1) and a maximum value of 1,060 kg (106 t ha−1). The study utilized five independent variables, namely, the Red band, Green band, Blue band, near-infrared (NIR), and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values from Sentinel-2 imagery data, to develop estimation models. Among the 12 models examined, model M10 proved to be the best fit for accurate AGB estimation (adjusted R2 = 0.9809, RMSE = 0.01269, AIC = −170, and p-value = < 8.39e−21). The equation of the best-fitted model was ln (AGB) = A + B × Red + C × Green + D × Blue2 + E × ln (NIR) + F × ln (NDVI), providing an accurate estimate of AGB. Model validation involved a t-test comparing the observed and calculated AGB values for ten sample plots, demonstrating no significant difference (p-value = 0.3662 > 0.05). This model has the potential to facilitate AGB biomass calculations and carbon stock estimates for teak plantations of similar age groups.

Commentary: A Look at the Wild Buffalo (Bubalus Arnee) Translocation Project in Nepal, and Why it Likely Failed

Commentary: A Look at the Wild Buffalo (Bubalus Arnee) Translocation Project in Nepal, and Why it Likely Failed

Commentary: A Look at the Wild Buffalo (Bubalus Arnee) Translocation Project in Nepal, and Why it Likely Failed

The Himalayan nation of Nepal has had many conservation successes since it first embarked on modern conservation programs beginning in the 1970s. Over 20% of its landmass is now covered in protected areas and many wildlife populations are recovering [1].

Are digital social media campaigns the key to raise stroke awareness in low-and middle-income countries? A study of feasibility and cost-effectiveness in Nepal.

Stroke is a major global health problem and was the second leading cause of death worldwide in 2020. However, the lack of public stroke awareness especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Nepal severely hinders the effective provision of stroke care. Efficient and cost-effective strategies to raise stroke awareness in LMICs are still lacking. This study aims to (a) explore the feasibility of a social media-based stroke awareness campaign in Nepal using a cost-benefit analysis and (b) identify best practices for social media health education campaigns. We performed a stroke awareness campaign over a period of 6 months as part of a Stroke Project in Nepal on four social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok) with organic traffic and paid advertisements. Adapted material based on the World Stroke Day Campaign and specifically created videos for TikTok were used. Performance of the campaign was analyzed with established quantitative social media metrics (impressions, reach, engagement, costs). Campaign posts were displayed 7.5 million times to users in Nepal. 2.5 million individual social media users in Nepal were exposed to the campaign on average three times, which equals 8.6% of Nepal's total population. Of those, 250,000 users actively engaged with the posts. Paid advertisement on Facebook and Instagram proved to be more effective in terms of reach and cost than organic traffic. The total campaign cost was low with a "Cost to reach 1,000 users" of 0.24 EUR and a "Cost Per Click" of 0.01 EUR. Social media-based campaigns using paid advertisement provide a feasible and, compared to classical mass medias, a very cost-effective approach to inform large parts of the population about stroke awareness in LMICs. Future research needs to further analyze the impact of social media campaigns on stroke knowledge.

Earthquake impact on the stress magnitude at the area of shear zones

Both tectonic activity and geological environment such as faulting and shearing in the rock mass influences the in-situ stress condition in the rock mass. The large-scale earthquakes cause both accumulation and sudden release of strain energy resulting the changes on the magnitude and direction of the in-situ stresses. This is the case in the Himalayan region, where the tectonic movement is active and periodic dynamic earthquakes are common. This manuscript assesses the influence of local shear faults on the in-situ stress condition along the pressure tunnel of Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Project in Nepal. For this a 3D numerical modeling is carried out to assess potential changes in the magnitude of in-situ stresses, in particular the magnitude of minimum principal stress, due to dynamic loading (earthquake).

Rock Squeezing Analysis in Young Mountains: A Case Study of Headrace Tunnel of Supermadi Hydroelectric Project in Nepal

The tunnel stability was assessed by analysing stress in the opening. Squeezing is the major problem faced while excavation a tunnel alignment in Himalayan region. This research was done in Super Madi hydroelectric project of 44 MW, in which main focus on the rock mass section of headrace tunnel of Inverted D shaped. The prediction of squeezing is done using various empirical, semi empirical, semi analytical and numerical modeling for the three different rock class. Finite element analysis was done using Rock science Phase2 software and output was verified by site investigation. The main lithologies of the area along the tunnel axis are banded gneiss. Based on the site condition, this study recommend the accurate method of predicting rock squeezing in the lesser Himalayan region with similar site conditions. It is found that the higher deformation occurs in high tunnel depth with low Q value.

Changes in the Livelihood Capitals and Strategies of Hydropower Displaced Community of Arun-III in Nepal

The growing clean energy demand in the South Asian region has seen an increase in the hydropower construction in Nepal. This has undoubtedly raised the issues of involuntary displacement. This study explores the displaced population of the Arun III hydroelectric project in Nepal. Findings reveal people have adjusted to different livelihood strategies in the short term. However, the disparity in household livelihood choices has reduced natural asset-based activities, and long-term sustainability is a concern. To close this gap, the government should focus on developing people’s skills, improving their human capital, and focus on improved benefit-sharing mechanism for holistic development of the region.

Use of mHealth for management of hypertension in low and middle-income countries: opportunities and challenges

Despite being the leading cause of global mortality, the hypertension control rate is astonishingly low, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. There is evidence that the mHealth approach is a potential platform for delivering interventions for hypertension management. Our recent study from Nepal also provided strong evidence for reducing blood pressure, improving control rate, and medication adherence. The objective of this paper is to document the real-world experience of designing and implementing a mHealth project in Nepal and relates them with the evidence from other similar Low- and Middle-Income Country (LMIC) settings. We learned that mHealth provides a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between providers and patients, send health education and reminder messages, secure patients' privacy, and make data management easier. We also encountered technological and financial barriers, unclear mHealth policy and guidelines, and low literacy levels, including digital literacy. As many of them are addressable, integrating mHealth provides a promising approach to hypertension management.

Hydraulic Analysis of Lekhnath Small Town Water Supply Distribution Network, Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal

Water Distribution Network earlier will have challenge in fulfilling the growing need of water supply. Forecasting and monitoring the flow, pressure, demand, and quality of water in water distribution network are key requirement for sustainable and reliable water supply. Lekhnath city, due to the recent merger with the biggest metropolitan city of Nepal, Pokhara, has created the rapid growth of population resulting to haphazard pipeline extension in this area. For hydraulic analysis of Lekhnath Small Town Water Supply Distribution Network, one of the networks i.e., Shishuwakhudi distribution network was faced with problem analysis. This hydraulic analysis is a part of on-going doctoral research and Youth-led Initiative ‘drinkPani’ on ‘Water Supply and Quality Monitoring using Emerging Technologies’ where capacity building of Youth and Women through data-driven engagements (Water-informatics) is one of the core targets in the overall project-work package. The preliminary analysis of water quality was also derived from Young Water Volunteers (YWVs) under the research work on Youth-led Participatory Sensing (YPS) Model to enhance drinking water security of the study area. The Shishuwakhudi Water Distribution Network (WDN) supplies water to 1138 household at present and consisting of 41 junction nodes and 11.2km distribution pipeline distributing water from a reservoir. With field survey, households at each node of the network were determined. Demand driven analysis using EPANET was done to determine the pressure deficit at various nodes. Demand pattern based on design guideline was adopted for analysis. At present scenario, four nodes at end of the network showed negative pressure at peak hours (5 am- 7am). At other times, the pressure was above 10m head. Demand was forecasted for 10 years from now by projecting the household population based on growth rate of census 2011. When projected to future scenario, the existing pipeline showed only 17% reliability with a minimum pressure requirement of 10 m head as per norms of urban water supply project in Nepal. Genetic algorithm was used for optimization of the Shishuwakhudi Network with total cost of replacing pipes as an objective function with pressure constraint of minimum 10m head. With 500 generation of run, the optimal diameter for each pipe was obtained that gave optimal cost of NRs 4,21,50,917 (USD 359,690.64). This optimization helps in selecting the proper pipeline network for future expansion to fulfil the growing need of water demand.

Impact of variation in climatic parameters on hydropower generation: A case of hydropower project in Nepal

Nepal has substantial potential to generate electricity through hydropower projects. Most of the hydropower projects in Nepal are Run-off-River (ROR) types. Significant seasonal variation can be pronounced on its river basins resulting in higher streamflow & higher hydropower generation during the wet/summer season and just reverse scenario in case of the dry/winter season. Thus, ROR-type hydropower in Nepal is more susceptible to Climate Change. This study assesses the impact of variation in climatic parameters on the hydropower generation by implementing WEAP model using the meteorological and hydrological data from 1976 to 2004 under Reference & Climatic Scenarios. The results reveal that the streamflow of Dordi River of Nepal is in increasing trends and can be more pronounced during April, May, June & July of the season under climatic scenarios. The generation of hydropower plant is likely to increase up to 15%, 1%–32% & 1%–51% over the study period under climatic scenario-1, 2 & 3, respectively, as compared to baseline scenario and the increments are observed to be more prominent during April & May of the season which is very crucial finding in current context of Nepal as there is power deficit during the dry season. Therefore, detailed technical and policy level planning can enhance the power generating capability of the future hydropower projects that will be developed in this corridor. This will significantly impacts the national energy planning and implementation.

Technical efficiency and technological gaps correcting for selectivity bias: Insights from a value chain project in Nepal

Strengthening linkages with markets along the value chain is a promising pathway to increase agricultural productivity, welfare, and food security of smallholder producers in developing countries. Our study investigates the impact of an integrated value chain project, which linked producer organizations to markets and provided various types of training to their members. Using primary survey data from Nepal, we apply propensity score matching to ensure common support and statistical balance between project (treatment) and non-project (control) households. We implement the selectivity-corrected stochastic production frontier methodology to control for unobservable characteristics and estimate a simulation-based stochastic metafrontier to account for different technological levels between the two groups of households. Comparing results between the translog and Cobb-Douglas production frontiers, we find that the more flexible translog specification shows no signs of selectivity bias while this bias is present with the Cobb-Douglas, motivating the need to correct for selectivity. Our main results from the metafrontier analysis indicate that project impacts are reflected in substantial technological gaps and significant meta-technical efficiency differences in favor of treatment households. Thus, this study shows that strengthening linkages between producers and markets can have a large positive effect on productivity. Heterogeneity analysis suggests that more vulnerable producers, including those with fewer years of education and smaller farms, receive relatively higher returns from the project compared to their counterparts.

Employer Toxic Leadership and Implications for Managing Risk and Stakeholder Management: a Road Improvement Project in Nepal

This is a research paper that is focused on assessing the impacts of Employer Toxic Leadership in terms of Risk and Stakeholders Management of an 81Km road construction project in Nepal. An interpretive methodology was utilised in order to help understand implicitly the management leadership’s impact on the project. The scope for this research was the on-site supervisory team. The targeted population of interest was made up of 15 engineers located at on-site offices in the early construction phase of a road construction project. The research outcomes consisted of six (6) main themes with corresponding nineteen (19) sub-themes.The paper addresses raised issues of toxic leadership impacts within risk and stakeholder management and establishes outcomes and implications for the continuing project construction management. The paper also indicates that the Employer conducts inadequate risk management especially in relation to a variety of stakeholders and thus faces serious project performance issues leading to project failure.The Employer road construction management is considered to be a very weak risk management environment due to institutional toxic leadership style, orientation and lack of professional engagement of project management with stakeholders. The Employer (government department - DoR) has purposely and negatively altered the project quality and delivery expectations resulting in serious questions over its operational governance stance and financial efficacy.

Project Management and Employer Toxic Leadership: Implications for Managing a Road Improvement Project in Nepal

This is a research paper that is focused on assessing the toxic leadership impacts of Project Management (Employer) on an 81Km road construction project in Nepal in terms of project performance. An interpretive methodology was utilised in order to help understand implicitly the management leadership’s impact on the project. The scope for this research was the on-site supervisory team. The targeted population of interest was made up of 13 engineers located at 2 on-site offices in the early construction phase of a road construction project. The research outcomes consisted of five (5) main themes with corresponding nineteen (19) sub-themes.The paper addresses raised issues of toxic leadership and determines outcomes and implications for the continuing project construction management. The paper also discloses that the Project Management of the Employer has been inadequate. Another specific outcome indicates that more effective leadership training focused on utilizing and embracing contemporary project leadership developments is essential to bring the project back into alignment with the planned Contractual construction schedules.The Employer road construction management appears to be very weak due to their low level of technical knowledge, toxic leadership style, orientation and strategies adopted for the Project Management. The Employer also appears to operate with a demonstrated lack of coherent leadership or oversight that has resulted from a Toxic Leader approach. The outcomes of the integrated analysis shows that this has negatively altered the project quality and delivery expectations. Significant changes have been recommended to address these raised toxic leadership issues.

Project Finance Criteria and Governance of Public-Private Partnership Hydropower Project in Nepal

Project finance arrangement has obvious need for contract management during its life cycle. Contract management for private sector hydropower projects generally include Generation License, Project Development Agreement, Power Purchase Agreement, Financing Agreement, Construction Contract Agreement, and Operation Contract Agreement. Markets, hierarchies and hybrids are the forms of governance structure under the Transaction Cost Theory, while debt and equity often regarded as a basis for determining governance structure. Fundamental criteria for project finance arrangement include establishing a special purpose vehicle to undertake a project, using debt and equity in capital structure, debt capital obtained based on projected cash flow without collateral except if the project created assets given to the lender against the security of loan by the sponsors. This paper analysed project finance criteria as the determinants of governance structure in hydropower projects. In Nepal, private sector developed hydropower projects and supply generated energy to the only off-taker under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Project Finance (PF) arrangement. The chi-square test was utilised to assess the association of fundamental criteria of PF with the governance structure of hydropower projects. The results indicate strong association between PF criteria with the governance structure of sample hydropower projects in Nepal.

Impact of Variation in Climatic Parameters on Hydropower Generation: A Case of Hydropower Project in Nepal

Impact of Variation in Climatic Parameters on Hydropower Generation: A Case of Hydropower Project in Nepal

Beta Distribution for Estimating Risk Associated Time Schedule of Hydropower Projects in Nepal

Background: Risk is associated with every kind of project work whether it is related to engineering construction project, software development project, financial transaction process or business process. There isn't any project which is free of risks. It is inherent in all types of projects. Observing risk associated with a project can help in successful completion of projects in expected time and expected cost with good assurance of quality. This article is concerned with quantitative analysis of risks coined with hydropower construction project in Nepal.
 Objective: The main objective of this paper is (a) to identify different activities involved in hydropower construction projects (b) to estimate risk associated time schedule of the identified project activities.
 Materials and Methods: Data required for the fulfillment of the objective are obtained by interview and discussion with executives of “Shiva Shree Hydropower Limited” and by using project schedule charts of projects won by the company. In this article quantitative analysis of schedule risk of hydropower project is studied by simulation method.
 Results: Different activities involved in hydropower construction project are identified. Also, risk associated with time schedule of project are observed quantitatively by simulation using beta-PERT distribution.
 Conclusion: Estimation of time schedule associated with project activities is more realistic when it is analyzed by using beta-PERT distribution compared to other statistical distributions.

The development of the Delivery Assessment Tool (DAT) to facilitate quality improvement in burns services in low-middle income countries

Implementation science is a useful tool to consider ways in which we can introduce improvements to burn services in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs), where the majority of the burden of burn injury is now experienced. This paper outlines the development of the Delivery Assessment Tool (DAT), a method for facilitating quality improvement in burn services in LMICs. We used a participatory approach that ensured that local clinicians and experts were fully involved in piloting the tool. The DAT is based on internationally agreed operational standards for burn care service delivery and has undergone an iterative process of improvement and refinement through an initial three-year project in Nepal and Bangladesh. The DAT, a 50-item tool organised into 10 subsections, is used to assess a service through a participatory focus group discussion with a mixed, multidisciplinary team of staff working at the burn service, typically 6–10 participants. This usually lasts 2–3 h. The staff in the unit then select priority areas for quality improvement programmes that are within their control to achieve, which starts a cycle of audit and review. The final version of the tool was used in a further three-year project to evaluate 11 hospitals in Nepal and Bangladesh. Education and training are key components of this work; both were provided by Interburns as part of on-going support for the clinical teams. At the end of the project a>19% improvement in scores was demonstrated using the final version of the DAT in both Nepal and Bangladesh; this achievement is remarkable given the continued difficulties in service provision where patient numbers far outstrip the resources available to care for them. As a result of this work, we have made a digital version of the tool available free of charge.

Disaster risk reduction education that enhances the proactive attitudes of learners: A bridge between knowledge and behavior

Research on disaster risk reduction education (hereafter, DRR education) focuses on educational acts that take place between instructors and learners. Current research principally analyzes the knowledge and skills transmitted from instructors to learners, with the expectation that instructors teach learners knowledge and skills so that learners can engage proactively in DRR-related activities and respond appropriately to an actual disaster. However, previous studies have pointed out that increased knowledge and skills do not necessarily lead to behavioral changes in learners. Based on a literature review, the current study discusses why proactive attitudes are not fostered by current DRR education, which is underpinned by three approaches: (1) active instructor/passive learner approach, (2) knowledge-transmission approach, and (3) short-term knowledge evaluation approach. These three approaches, collectively termed the “transmission paradigm,” inhibits the fostering of a proactive attitude. Hence, this study proposes a new “proactive attitude paradigm” which consists of the (1) instructor/learner fusion approach, (2) participation in a community of practice approach, and (3) long-term commitment evaluation approach. The proactive attitude paradigm suggested in this study has been applied to a teacher training project in Nepal in which teachers developed a proactive attitude toward continuous DRR education. Further practical study of DRR education aimed at closing the gap between knowledge and behavior through adoption of the proactive attitude paradigm will be the focus of future research.