Structure Of Nepal Research Articles

A study of the first five‐year tenure (2017–2022) of provincial governments in Nepal

AbstractNepal introduced federalism in 2015 with three levels of government: federal, provincial, and local. The preamble of the constitution mentions that the country's new federal system of government shall address three key perennial political and policy problems: (i) centralized governance structure, (ii) geographically disbalancing developmental approach, and (iii) social injustice leveraged by caste‐based social structures and unequal economic opportunities. This research is an attempt to understand the first 5‐year tenure of provincial governments (2017–2022) regarding their efforts to attain the aforesaid constitutional aims. Findings indicate that provincial governments operated in ambiguity during their first electoral tenure, resulting in no tangible outcomes. Instead, they generated rather pessimistic public impressions about provincial government structure in Nepal. The research contributes to broadening the insights on intermediary government mechanisms across federal countries, with empirical evidence from Nepal.

Seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing structures in Nepal

Seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing structures in Nepal

Socio-cultural Aspects of Federal Structure in Nepal

The decade long maoist insurgency and the joint effort of the existing seven political parties' alliance like Nepali Congress, CPN UML and others overthrew the monarchy transforming the country into republic state deciding to adopt federal system of governance. The sole motto of federal notion as said is the equitable justice, accommodation of diversities and wholesome development regarding the economic, socio-cultural, political and international prospects. Before unification of Nepal, It was divided into a numerous principalities and kingdoms, with its own system of governance following the social and cultural autonomy, the own mode of production. The political front formed then after slowly and consistently came under centralized form of administration, annihilation of the local systems slowly. The local systems, usages, local identity, local aspirations, social and cultural diversity were encroached and suppressed in systematic manner. The state unites physically but the rational cultural, social unification left behind by the contemporary ruler and governance that invites for the socio-cultural federalization.

Changes of Family Structure in Nepal

This research article explores the changing family structures in DiktelRupakotMajhuwagadhi Municipality, Khotang, Nepal, driven by various factors such as modernization, globalization, urbanization, and westernization. The study employs a cross-sectional design with a purposive sampling method, gathering data from 1032 respondents who are heads of their respective families, sons, and daughters. The research examines the transition from extended family structures to nuclear families, family authority patterns, healthcare preferences, and economic conditions.The findings indicate a significant shift towards nuclear families, with 70% of families being small nuclear units, and 30% being larger joint family systems. Family authority is increasingly shared between husbands and wives, with both spouses making joint decisions in areas such as expenditure, agricultural work, marriage, and property-related matters.However, the study acknowledges its limitations and recommends further research to understand the underlying reasons behind the observed changes in family structures and decision-making patterns.

Bidirectional effect of earthquake on low-rise RC frames with and without the consideration of In-plane effect of unreinforced masonry infill

Low rise RC frames make up the majority of residential structures built in Nepal. They are created in accordance with the requirements outlined in the Nepal Building Code, particularly the mandatory rule of thumb. Only the bare frame model is taken into consideration while analyzing and designing the majority of reinforced concrete structures in Nepal's urban and semi-urban areas. The infill walls' additional impact is often completely disregarded. Furthermore, there are no separate guidelines and standards set by Nepal Building codes for considering the impact of infill masonry during the analysis. Hence, in this study, reinforced concrete frame structures that commonly represent Nepalese low-rise RC frames is subjected to bidirectional (XY) shaking. Four types of models are considered and for each model, two cases are taken: those with and those without taking into account the in-plane effect of unreinforced masonry infill. The infills’ in-plane impact is modeled using a macro modeling approach. The response parameters under investigation are column rebar strain ductility and roof displacement. The results of the analysis clearly indicate that, when the infills’ in-plane effect is taken into account, both the roof displacement and the strain ductility demand of the column are greatly reduced as compared to the situation where it is not. Furthermore, it is obvious from the analytical fragility curves produced for the bare frame and infill models that the structure's vulnerability is exaggerated when the in-plane impact of infill is ignored.

Experimental characterization of Rat trap and traditional English bond used in masonry structures in Nepal

Experimental characterization of Rat trap and traditional English bond used in masonry structures in Nepal

Impact of infill masonry type on seismic safety of RC frame structures in Nepal

Impact of infill masonry type on seismic safety of RC frame structures in Nepal

Status and Challenges of Reconstruction of Heritage Structures in Nepal After 2015 Gorkha, Nepal Earthquake

ABSTRACT A destructive earthquake of moment magnitude Mw 7.8 struck central Nepal on April 25, 2015, followed by hundreds of aftershocks. A preliminary report of the Department of Archaeology (DOA), Nepal, suggested that as many as 745 monuments in 20 districts were affected. The heritage structures are crucial sectors for development, mainly through tourism and employment generation. However, over three years following the Gorkha Nepal earthquake, many collapsed heritage structures were not reconstructed. This paper explores the progress of heritage reconstruction in Kathmandu Valley along with the reasons behind the slow reconstruction process. Ethnographic fieldwork was carried out in the seven UNESCO listed heritage sites and other heritage areas over six months from November 2019 to April 2020. The research shows that the delay in heritage reconstruction was primarily due to the lack of a well-defined policy for heritage reconstruction; conflict on construction materials to be used for reconstruction; procurement modality for reconstruction; limited governance capacity; lack of workforce for traditional artwork; and the lack of a framework to support community-driven rebuilding initiatives. Some recommendations are made to accelerate the reconstruction of heritage structures in Kathmandu Valley.

Indirect Tax: Trend and Structure in Nepal

This study tries to analyze the trend and structure of indirect tax in Nepal and examine the contribution of indirect tax in Gross Domestic Product of Nepal. This study has been based on secondary data published by the Government of Nepal covering a period between 2002/03 to 2019/20 fiscal year. Descriptive method of analysis has been adopted in the study. During the study period, the percentage contribution of indirect taxes to Gross Domestic Product ranges from 6.60 to 14.45. The percentage contribution is observed to be increasing along with the fluctuation trend till 2018/19 but decreased in 2019/20 as compared to earlier years.

Reflection on earthquake damage of buildings in 2015 Nepal earthquake and seismic measures for post-earthquake reconstruction

On April 25, 2015, a M8.1 earthquake happened near Pokhara, Nepal, and aftershocks occurred continuously which caused significant losses. In November 2015, the authors made an in-depth investigation on the earthquake damages of various engineering structures in Nepal. As the post-disaster reconstruction work has not been completed, up to this day, the current reconstruction work is still worthy of continuous attention. Firstly, the earthquake damage of typical frame and masonry buildings in Nepal was described and the causes of damage were analyzed. The reinforcement measures and suggestions were putted forward for post-earthquake reconstruction, which focused on the load transmission path of the structure, the enclosure structure, the beam-column joints, the integrity of the structure, house site selection and structural stiffness.With the help of the finite element software, the numerical modeling analysis of the wall reinforcement measures and a typical reconstruction house was carried out. The results show that the seismic performance of masonry wall can be greatly improved after being wrapped by reinforced concrete or seismic band, the use of seismic band in reconstruction of typical houses in Nepal can effectively improve the seismic performance of buildings. The surrounding areas of door and window openings are still the most vulnerable places to be damaged. Reinforcement should be strengthened in these locations.

Locus and Focus of Third Sector in Development of Nepal

After state and market, NGO regards as third sector in the field of development. NGO produce positive impact on all dimension in marginalized society of developing country like Nepal. To assess the status of non-governmental organization of Nepal in provincial and district level and to identify their prospects and challenges, this article is prepared as the title “locus and focus of third sector in development of Nepal”. It is mainly based on the secondary data of social welfare council, Nepal. Information regarding objectives was collected through various search engines by simple literature review. The status of I/NGO is found unequal at provincial and district level in Nepal. Bagmati province is in top-most position in terms of number of NGO followed by province-2 and province-1. Karnali province is lowest position in terms of number of NGO followed by Sudur Paschim province and Gandaki province. Federalism requires balance development in intra-province and inter-provinces. Being a vehicle of foreign donors to channel their help to the marginalized communities, I/NGO must play effective roles to solve the problem of people neglected by state and market. The joint efforts of all development partners including I/NGO are mandatory to meet financial sustainability and balanced development in Nepal. The governance system transformed from unitary to federal structure in Nepal. Local, provincial, and federal level governments are facing huge resource gaps to perform their roles and responsibilities. The role and responsibility of development partner including I/NGO are vital to fulfilling these gaps. Easy registration process and weak monitoring system of government as well as lack of transparency in I/NGO are the notable issues to address without delay. To meet national commitment “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” and to fulfill the target of sustainable development goals, joint efforts of all sector like state, market ,I/NGO, cooperative , private sector, international community are mandatory with the visionary and coordinating leadership of federal government of Nepal.

Quest for development: An examination of more than a half-century of national planning and foreign aid practice in Nepal

Abstract This paper examines the national planning process and the effectiveness of foreign aid for the development of Nepal from 1956 to 2019 using archived planning documents, international publications, and facts gleaned from conversations with planning officials. The existence of the National Planning Commission predates the establishment of the Ministry of Finance in Nepal. However, the lack of coordination between the two agencies has turned the former into a weak organization by preventing it from executing its budget. In each of the national plans, there is recognition of failures, underachievement, and low capacity in administering foreign aid-funded projects. The stated targets of the plans are rarely met while areas without strategic objectives sometimes surpass expectations. Plans have been neither visionary nor realistic and are not implemented effectively. While 90% of peasants were engaged in agriculture contributing 59% of the national economy, they did not receive significant attention for a long time. Foreign aid has increased greatly in Nepal since the 1950s and the country continues to be very dependent on it. But there have been questions about donors’ tardiness in releasing committed funds as well as the country's ability to execute aid-funded projects. There is a lack of capacity and accountability in both the government and the donors. Consequently, aid cannot fulfill its economic mission and meet the conditions tied to its continuance until the country can be administratively strong enough to conduct development projects alone. Recommendations are offered for changes and innovations within the structure of Nepal's government which would modify the role of the National Planning Commission, rationalize the planning process, harness the technical capability of the country, and move responsibility for plan implementation to the ministries most able to perform effectively.

Fish Assemblage Structure and Environmental Correlates in Nepal’s West Rapti River, Banke

The spatial and temporal variations of fish assemblages in rivers and streams of Nepal are poorly understood. So, the present study aimed to explore the spatial and temporal variations of fish assemblage structure in Nepal’s West Rapti River. The data were collected during autumn, winter and spring seasons, from October 2018 to April 2019. Fish samples were collected using cast net of 12 mm mesh size. A total of 28 species belonging to 7 orders, 10 families and 19 genera were recorded during the study. The analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) showed no significant difference among the stations and seasons. Based on cluster analysis, two major clusters were observed. The similarity percentage (SIMPER) analysis delineated that Cabdio morar (C14, 13.63%), Barilius bendelensis (C11, 10.32%), Gogangra viridescens (C22, 7.85%), Salmostoma phulo (C17, 7.74%), Labeo gonius (C5, 7.53%), Gagata cenia (C23, 6.45%), Garra gotyla (C6, 5.87%) and Labeo dyocelius (C2, 5.62%) were the most contributing species. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) distinctly showed that the environmental variables dissolved oxygen, pH, carbon-dioxide, and water temperature play an essential role in shaping the fish assemblage structure of West Rapti River.

Strengthening Research-Education-Extension (R-E-E) Linkage in New Context of Federal Structured Nepal

Objective: The objective of this paper to examine the major limitations of past efforts in Nepal regarding the link between agriculture research, education, and extension and to highlight the government’s strategy and policy measures to overcome these limitations in the new federal structure in Nepal. Methodology: The paper is based on the government policy paper, articles, books, reports, and website. Policymakers, faculties, and researchers from three major stakeholders of REE blended through key informant interviews. Result: Paper concluded that linkages between the research, education, and service delivery are the weakest. Lack of extension policy, lack of joint ventures or common programs, no functional link between universities, agricultural ministry, research institute, and private sector in policy forums are weakening REE linkages. Rural extension and community development can be developed as a three-way partnership. i) land-grant university/college in each state including municipalities, ii) state government through ministry and department iii) local government through municipalities, and Community Agriculture Extension Service Centers (CAESC). Implication: A typological model is suggested to explain organizational and operational linkage strategies. Taking these together, the scattered efforts and services being provided by the existing structure, Agriculture Academic Institution (AAI) should able to fulfill these gaps with the close collaboration of community initiative as suggested by Agriculture Development Strategy (ADS). While doing so, the existing institutional structure can also be restructured and revitalized.

Characterisation of mechanical behaviour of masonry composed of fired bricks and earthen mortar

The paper discusses the mechanical characterisation tests conducted on the masonry composed of fired solid bricks and earthen mortar. Earth materials are considered favourable from the viewpoint of sustainability. Nonetheless, limited experimental investigations have been made on the mechanical characterisation of earth materials. In the present study, the bricks were taken from existing historical structures in Nepal. The earthen mortar was made from locally available loam. Uniaxial compression, diagonal compression and bending tests were performed. The specimens strengthened with timber and steel members were also tested. The tests showed that the masonry specimens had fair strength in compression, shear and tension. The strengthening with timber and steel members successfully increased the strength and stiffness of the specimens. The paper aims to deepen the understanding of the mechanical behaviour of the masonry composed of fired solid bricks and earthen mortar and to provide suggestions for the strengthening of such masonry.

Study of the Seismic Response on the Infill Masonry Walls of a 15-Storey Reinforced Concrete Structure in Nepal

Following the strong earthquake on April 25, 2015 in Nepal, a team from the University of Porto, in collaboration with other international institutions, made a field study on some of the most affected areas in the capital region of Kathmandu. One of the tasks was the study of a high-rise settle of buildings that were damaged following the earthquake sequence. A survey damage assessment was performed to a 15-storey infilled reinforced concrete structure, which will be detailed in the manuscript. Moreover, ambient vibration tests were carried out to determine the natural frequencies and corresponding vibration modes of the structure. The main aim of this manuscript is to present a numerical study concerning the influence of the masonry infill walls in the structure seismic response. For this, three numerical models were built discriminating the situations with and without damage and nondamaged infill walls. Validation and calibration of the numerical model was ensured by comparing the numerical frequencies with those obtained from ambient vibration tests. In addition, linear elastic analyses were carried out, using real accelerograms from the Gorkha earthquake to assess and quantify the major differences between the models in terms of inter-storey drifts ratios, inter-storey shear forces and seismic loadings.

Increasing the lateral capacity of dry joint flat-stone masonry structures using inexpensive retrofitting techniques

This paper presents an experimental investigation of various seismic retrofitting techniques for dry joint flat-stone masonry. During post-earthquake reconstruction in Nepal, it is suggested that flat stone buildings are retrofitted by considering the local economy and material availability. However, effective seismic design of dry joint flat-stone masonry buildings is needed to ensure that these buildings will be safer during future earthquakes. Five retrofitting schemes are proposed using locally available and affordable materials. Cyclic in-plane testing was performed for both unreinforced and reinforced specimens. The behavioural characteristics of the specimens are evaluated with the failure mode, load–displacement response, and hysteretic energy dissipation. The experimental results show that the use of wooden/gabion wire bandages and gabion wire jacketing can significantly increase the seismic performance of a dry joint flat-stone masonry building in terms of its energy dissipation and ductility. This study provides scientific support and engineering guidance for development and revision of guidelines and standards for stone masonry structures in Nepal and other developing countries.

Geotechnical and Structural Aspect of 2015 Gorkha Nepal Earthquake and Lesson Learnt

An earthquake of moment magnitude (Mw ) 7.8 struck the central Nepal at 11:56 am on April 25, 2015. More than 9,000 people were killed and thousands of residential buildings, and hundreds other structures were also destroyed. An aftershock of moment magnitude (Mw ) 7.3 hit northeast of Kathmandu on May 12 after 17 days of main shock which caused additional damages. Immediately after the earthquake, authors undertook a field investigation and visited the affected areas. Strong motion records from both earthquakes and their impacts on structures as well as geotechnical issues are presented in this paper. Most of the structures in Nepal are made of adobe, unreinforced masonry, and reinforced concrete. Failure mechanisms of those buildings are briefly explained in this paper. Geotechnical aspects such as soil liquefaction, slope failures, settlement and lateral spreading, and site amplification effects that considerably influenced the damage patterns at many areas are briefly discussed as well. The lessons learnt from this earthquake are also summarized in this paper.Journal of the Institute of Engineering, 2017, 13(1): 20-36

Low pathotype diversity in a recombinant Puccinia striiformis population through convergent selection at the eastern Himalayan centre of diversity (Nepal)

Worldwide Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) epidemics have been reported to be driven by few genetic lineages, while a high diversity is evident at the Pst Himalayan centre of diversity. This study investigated the relationship between pathotype diversity and genetic structure in Nepal, the eastern Himalayan region, which has been largely unexplored. Despite the high genetic diversity and recombinant structure detected through microsatellite genotyping, characterization of virulence phenotypes for 62 isolates identified only eight pathotypes, with two pathotypes predominant over all the populations. This is in contrast to the Pakistani and Chinese recombinant populations, where high pathotype diversity is associated with genetic diversity. The most prevalent Nepali pathotype was not a unique clonal lineage, but was represented by seven multilocus genotypes from four distinct genetic subgroups, suggesting strong directional selection on virulence genes, resulting in convergent pathotypes in distinct genetic groups. This convergent selection is discussed in comparison with clonal French and recombinant Pakistani populations. Additionally, the Nepali Pst population carried virulence to 17 out of 24 tested yellow rust resistance genes (Yr), with the absence of virulence to Victo and Early Premium and resistance genes Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr24 and Yr26. Virulence to Yr2, Yr7, Yr27 and YrSu were fixed in all isolates, in line with the deployment of these resistance genes in Nepal. The results reflect the influence of resistance gene deployment on selection of virulence and pathotypes in a recombinant pathogen population, which must be considered in the context of durable resistance gene deployment.

Historic Earthquake-Resilient Structures in Nepal and Other Himalayan Regions and Their Seismic Restoration

Since 1255, major earthquakes have struck Nepal. This article looks at the history of these earthquakes and how they impacted the region and its heritage. The recent April 2015 earthquake was characterized by the widespread destruction of historic buildings. It is worth noting that not all of the historic buildings succumbed to the earthquake. In the Kathmandu Valley, more than a handful of restored or reconstructed historic structures survived the force of the quake. Structures such as the Cyasilin Mandap, Patan Museum, 55 Windows Palace, and the south wing of the Sundari Chowk stood their ground. However, the Nepalese government would like to reconstruct the destroyed heritage using the traditional methods and materials. So what can we learn from the past? Can the past guide our future reconstruction? Is there a method that is traditional, and, at the same time, resistant to earthquakes?