NEPAL MINERALS

NEPAL MINERALS

Because only a few minerals were available in small quantities for commercial utilization, the mineral industry's contribution to the economy was small. Most mineral commodities were used for domestic construction. The principal mineral agency was the Department of Mines and Geology. Geological surveys conducted in the past had indicated the possibility of major metallic and industrial mineral deposits, but a poor infrastructure and lack of a skilled work force inhibited further development of the mineral industry.

The most important mineral resources exploited were limestone for cement, clay, garnet, magnetite, and talc. Crude magnetite production declined from a high of approximately 63,200 tons in 1986 to approximately 28,000 tons in 1989; it was projected to decline further to 25,000 tons in 1990.

In 1990 mineral production decreased significantly, largely because of political unrest. Production of cement fell approximately 51 percent over 1989--from approximately 218,000 tons to about 107,200 tons. Production of clays for cement manufacture dropped from 7,206 tons to 824 tons. Lignite production decreased 19 percent, and talc production fell 73 percent. Ornamental marble production, however, increased in 1989--by 100 percent in cut marble and 1,560 percent in marble chips.

Nonetheless, the mining industry had the potential to become a more important part of the economy, as new mines were being planned or were being developed. Two cement plants already were in operation, and a third one was being planned. It was expected that with full production in the three plants, Nepal might become selfsufficient in cement. A magnetite mine and pressuring plant east of Kathmandu had completed its construction phase and began production of chalk powder (talcum powder) on a trial basis in 1990. A highgrade lead and zinc mine was being developed north of Kathmandu in the region of Ganesh Himal and was expected to become operational in the 1990s, although raising enough capital for the project was problematic. Production of agricultural lime in 1989 doubled that of the previous year, suggesting that progress was being made towards meeting requirements of the agricultural sector.

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN NEPAL

NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN NEPAL

Nepal's economic development depends critically on natural resources that are fragile and being rapidly degraded. In Nepal, the links between poverty, economic incentives, institutional weaknesses in government, and the destruction of land, water resources, and forests are more starkly visible than in countries where environmental damage is not, or not yet, so severe. A new OED study analyzes the projects, policies, and institutional reforms that have affected the management of Nepal's natural resources over 25 yrs (1966-89).

The study finds that despite $4.5 billion of aid for projects affecting natural resources, Nepal still has worsening environmental problems and no effective strategy to address them. The Bank's own assistance has done little to promote better natural resource management except within the sphere of the individual projects it has financed.

Yet, as resource degradation continues, the country's scope for improving living standards diminishes. Because better resource management will require not only financial investments but changes in policy, institutions, and individual behavior, environmental concerns urgently need to be incorporated into decision making at all levels.

Development, environment

Ninety percent of Nepal's GDP and employment comes from agriculture, yet soils are very poor. The topography hampers the development of transport, communications, and a monetized economy. Population growth is 2.7 percent a year. Problems such as persistent soil erosion, high rates of sedimentation, increased flooding, and decline in water quality continue to intensify. Pressures of population and livestock on land, migration to fragile areas, and the extent of poverty are all implicated (see box). But so too are development policies and projects.

Six forms of capital participate in the development process-- human, natural, institutional, cultural, physical, and financial. Sustainable development comes from attaining a balance across the various forms of capital over space and time. In Nepal, the accumulation of physical and financial capital has been sought more aggressively than the acquisition of human and institutional capital or the conservation of natural capital. But as natural capital continues to deteriorate, the possibilities for sustainable development diminish.

Studies assessing natural resource degradation in Nepal appeared as early as 1959, but offered few suggestions for managing natural resources better. Bilateral donors were the first to develop programs in soil conservation, land management, afforestation, and livestock rationalization. Most of these programs were quite narrowly conceived and not pursued in the context of an overall understanding of causes and effects or of a broad donor/government development strategy. Nepal's early National Development Plans gave little attention to the environment and natural resources; most public investments were for roads and telecommunications. The Bank began to address environmental problems much later than Nepal's other donors and, even then, without an explicit statement of the problems.

The literature over two decades has severely criticized the way decisions were made and government policies formulated in Nepal, and how little international aid has done to bring about change. Between 1966 and 1989, donors committed more than $4.5 billion (1988 dollars) in grants and loans to Nepal for about 800 projects affecting the use of renewable resources. But much of this aid supported uncoordinated projects that duplicated or cancelled out each other's efforts. Proliferating projects and conflicting advice drained the government's managerial, technical, and financial resources. Donors noted Nepal's limited absorptive capacity but went on providing aid.

Lakes In Nepal

LAKES IN NEPAL

Majestic, splendid and holy... the lakes of Nepal are reverred not only for their natural beauty but also for the spiritual importance attached to them. There are around two hundred lakes in Nepal of glacial and tectonic origin. Mountain lakes like Rara, Phoksundo and Phewa are majestic in extent and beauty.
Nepal lakes are famous for their crystal clear water, scenic backgrounds and the adventure activities that they offer. Cited below are two of the activities that keep you fresh and vigorous like the blue waters of the lakes themselves.

Boating
The pleasure of touching water waves while siting on a boat cannot be described in words. A relaxing boat drive on Phewa lake of Pokhara is one of the most soothing experiences in Nepal. Leisure boating can be done in various locations. Pokhara, set in a lush topical alley, with a backdrop of the Annapurna range, is blessed with many lakes and is the most famous spot for boating activities.

The Phewa, Begnas and Rupa lakes provide enough space for boating experiences. Phewa Lake is Pokhara's prime attraction for photographers, boaters and shore side strollers.Visitors love sending an hour or two rowing (or being rowed by one of the local boats men) through the many inlets, with a visit to the Varahi island temple.

Fishing
Nepal, the world's second rich country in the water resources having numbers of rivers and lakes, is an ideal location for fishing and angling. There are some specific ethnic group in the hills and Terai region of Nepal whose lifestyle has been based on Fishing. Bote, Majhi, Tharu and Machhuwar are some of them.

With approximately 118 varieties of fresh water fish found in the Himalayan waters of Nepal, fishing can be really exciting. Mahaseer is the most commonly sought sport fish, besides mountain stream trout-like varieties and lowland water species. Pokhara's crystal clear lakes are the best for fishing.

Rivers in Nepal

RIVERS IN NEPAL

Rivers in Nepal are treated as goddesses. They are the ever flowing and inspiring source of beauty, abundance and infinite adventure. The rugged topography, extreme variations and excessive snow melting in Nepal make this mountain kingdom blessed with blosoming, flowering rivers, running across the country. This makes Nepal an obvious choice for river adventure.

River journeys in Nepal are electrifying and nerve thrilling. Your life flashes before you as you comfortably hurtle towards monster boulders and towering walls of water. So come let us indulge in this maddening and bone chilling experience.

Nepal is a country of adventures. The raging rivers, high mountains, exotic valleys and jungle safaris are all sources of adventure. Cited below are some of the most thrilling and engaging adventurous activities of Nepal.

The splendid rivers of Nepal can be divided into three categories in accordance to their origins. The first category comprises the three main river systems of the country - the Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali river systems, all of them originating from glaciers and snow-fed lakes.

The Koshi River System
1. The Koshi river system consists of Tamor, Arun, Dudhkoshi, Likhu, Tamakoshi, Sunkoshi and Indravati rivers.
2. The Arun and Sunkoshi originate in Tibet. The confluence of these rivers is at Tribeni (near Dharan) in Sagarmatha Zone.
3. Flowing for almost 10 kms through a narrow gorge before entering the plains, the 'Sapta Kosi' or simply the 'Koshi', swollen with the waters of the seven rivers, finally merges into the Ganges.
4. The Kali Gandaki originates in Mustang and converges with the Trishuli at Deoghat in Chitwan. The river is then called the 'Narayani' and goes on to meet the Ganges.

The Gandaki River System
1. The Kali Gandaki originates in Mustang and converges with the Trishuli at Deoghat in Chitwan. The river is then called the 'Narayani' and goes on to meet the Ganges.
2. The Gandaki river system in central Nepal consists of the Kali Gandaki, Budhi Gandaki, Marsyanghi, Trishuli, Seti, Madi and Daraundi rivers.
3. The Kaligandaki is the longest river and the Trishuli, the main tributary of this system.

The Karnali River System
1. The Karnali river system in Western Nepal consists of the Humla Karnali, Mugu Karnali, Seti and Bheri rivers and is the longest river system in the country.
2. The Humla Karnali, which rises in Tibet, is the main tributary. After entering India, this river assumes the name Gogra.

Naturl Resources

Natural Resources

Natural resources is economically referred to as land or raw materials occur naturally within environments that exist relatively undisturbed by mankind, in a natural form. A natural resource is often characterized by amounts of biodiversity existent in various ecosystems. Natural resources are derived from the environment. This is currently restricted to the environment of Earth yet the theoretical possibility remains of extracting them from outside the planet, such as the asteroid belt.
Many of them are essential for our survival while others are used for satisfying our wants. Natural resources may be further classified in different ways.

Classification

On the basis of origin, resources may be divided into:

Biotic - Biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere, such as forests and their products, animals, birds and their products, fish and other marine organisms. Mineral fuels such as coal and petroleum are also included in this category because they are formed from decayed organic matter.

Abiotic - Abiotic resources include non-living things. Examples include land, water, air and ores such as gold, iron, copper, silver etc.
Considering their stage of development, natural resources may be referred to in the following ways:

Potential Resources - Potential resources are those that exist in a region and may be used in the future. For example, petroleum may exist in many parts of India, having sedimentary rocks but until the time it is actually drilled out and put into use, it remains a potential resource.
Actual Resources - Actual Resources are those that have been surveyed, their quantity and quality determined and are being used in present times. The development of an actual resource, such as wood processing depends upon the technology available and the cost involved. That part of the actual resource that can be developed profitably with available technology is called a reserve.

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