Environment and Energy Management Issues in Nepal

Environment Management Issues

In the Himalayan range in South Asia, Nepal is a landlocked nation sandwiched between two enormous nations (China and India). One of the world's poorest and most developing nations is Nepal. The majority of industrial production in Nepal involves processing agricultural products (sugarcane, jute, tobacco, grain, etc).

The principal environmental management concerns are as follows:

• Lack of Proper Rules and Regulations 
  • Nepal is regarded as a non-industrialized nation, and unlike other industrialized nations throughout the world, it does not have a sizable number of industries that might seriously harm the environment. Despite this, it is obvious that Nepal's companies do not care about air pollution. The industries of Nepal are not regarded as the primary causes of air pollution due to short-term profit and a lack of appropriate norms and regulations.
• No Proper Education Regarding Health Educations and Health Issues
  • Due to a lack of sufficient information regarding health education, the majority of people in Nepal are not aware of their health. People don't pay much attention to their health. After contracting a condition, people prefer going to hospitals to being conscious.
• Unorganized or Unmanaged Urbanization and Industrialization
  • In Nepal, industrialization and urbanization have not been well managed. Development is carried out incorrectly due to a lack of appropriate policy. Industries disregard environmental safety regulations.
• No Proper Disposal of Wastage and Sewages
  • The settlements are sparsely inhabited, and as most of the garbage generated there is perishable, the locals—most of whom are farmers—always find effective ways to use biodegradable wastes in their farms. But things are extremely different in developed places (urban areas). For this topic, the Kathmandu Valley has been identified as the main suspect.
• Excessive Use of Chemical Fertilizers like Pesticides 
  • The majority of people in Nepal depend on farming as a means of livelihood because it is an agricultural nation. More productivity results in better income. Because of this, individuals overuse artificial fertilizers, which degrades the land, in an effort to enhance productivity. Approximately 75% of the nation's energy needs are satisfied by fuel wood. Nearly all of the people who live in rural areas—more than 80% of the population—rely on trees for their daily energy needs. As a result, forests are under a lot of stress. In comparison to the rate of deforestation, the rate of tree planting at the moment is extremely slow. Nepal's cattle industry is strongly reliant on its grasslands and forests. The forestry industry is expected to provide 42% of this requirement. The local residents' lack of understanding of the value of trees is related to the government's failure to offer them access to other energy sources.
• Energy Management Issues
  • Due to connectivity and accessibility, many projects are not viable.
  • Infrastructure construction inflates project costs.
  • Problems arise because the locals want free energy and free sharing.
  • When deadlines are missed, the project's cost is made public.
  • Investment becomes a significant problem. The commercial banks hardly ever lend the $4 million required for a 70% loan on a 2MW plant. Long-term project loans are rarely easily granted by banks.

References

dipakgaire.com.np/en/2015/12/10/energy-situation-in-nepal/

WECS 2014, Energy Data Sheet, Water, and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS), Government of Nepal, June 2014.