Natural Resources of Nepal
Introduction
Natural resources are productive resources that are provided by
nature free of charge.
They are also called natural capital. Natural capital is as important
as physical and human capital for the overall development of a country.
Natural resources include land, climate, forests, water,
minerals, etc.
Natural resources can be renewable or non-renewable, depending
on whether or not they refill naturally.
Renewable resources are those resources that can be restored or
updated naturally over time. The main characteristic of renewable resources is
their ability to regenerate, i.e., Stock is not fixed and can go down and up.
For example, fish and
trees are renewable resources. Non-renewable resources are limited natural
resources.
These resources cannot be renewed or refilled in a short
duration.
Therefore, they are also known as exhaustible resources. For
example, coal, natural gas, petroleum, etc. are non-renewable resources.
The proper use of natural resources makes the country rich.
Most Western countries have become rich by mobilizing their
natural resources, especially mineral resources. Arab countries are rich only
because of their large oil reserves.
Nepal is a mountainous country. It is an underdeveloped country
with different natural resources such as water, minerals, forests, varieties of
agricultural products, and medical herbs. For the economic development of the
country exploitation and proper use of such valuable resources is extremely
important. The situation of the country’s basic natural resources is explained
below.
Water Resources
Water is Nepal’s most important natural resource. Nepal is the
second richest country in the world in terms of water resources. The major
sources of water are – glaciers, snowmelt from the Himalayas, rainfall, and
groundwater.
Depending on their origin, the rivers of Nepal can be broadly
divided into three categories: The first category consists of the country’s
four main river systems: the Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali, and Mahakali rivers, all
of which originate from glaciers and snow-fed lakes. The second category
consists of the rivers that originated from the Mahabharat range, which
includes Babai, West Rapti, Bagmati, Kamala, Kankai, Mechi, etc. The third
category consists of streams and rivulets that originate mostly from the Chure
hills. These rivers cause flash floods during the rainy season and remain
without flow or very little flow during the dry season. It is estimated that
there are 6,000 rivers in Nepal (including rivulets and tributaries) having a
total length of about 45,000 km.
Besides these, there are lots of lakes and ponds in Nepal. Rara
Tal (Mugu), Shey-Phoksundo (Dolpa), Phewa Tal, Rupa Tal, Begnas Tal (Pokhara),
Gaduwal Tal (Chitwan), Satyavati Tal (Palpa), Khaptad Tal (Doti), Barhakunetal
(Dang), Surma Sarobar (Bajhang) and Tilicho Tal (Manang) are some of Nepal’s
well-known lakes.
Role/Importance of Water Resources
Water resources play an important role in the economic
development of Nepal. Being one of the important sources of energy, it is also
termed “White Coal”. Nepal has been designated as the “Water Resource
Capital of South Asia”. The roles of water resources in the Nepalese economy
are as follows:
1. Source of
Energy: The
availability of abundant water resources and geophysical features of the
country provide ample opportunity for hydropower production in Nepal. This is
the source of energy that contributes to the development of transportation,
communication, and every sector of the economy.
2. Development of
Agriculture Sector: Water resource is the basis of irrigation and irrigation
is the lifeblood of agriculture. Adequate provision of irrigation helps to
diversify crops and to increase agricultural productivity. Thus, the
development of the agriculture sector depends directly on water resources. The
Agro-based industries such as sugar, jute, cigarette, flour, rice, oil, paper,
etc. can also be established by using electricity produced from water
resources.
3. Development of the Industrial Sector: The
heavy machinery of large-scale industries cannot run/operate without
electricity. So, it is necessary to generate power for industrial development.
Generating adequate electricity from the rivers helps to develop the industrial
sector of the country. This reduces the cost of petroleum products to run
diesel plants and saves foreign currency.
4. Development of
Tourism: The tourism
industry depends on the natural beauty of the country. Nepal is rich in rivers,
lakes, waterfalls, and many more that contribute to the natural beauty of the
country. The development and preservation of natural beauty is important to
increase the number of tourists from various parts of the world. Besides
tourists also visit Nepal for rafting, boating, fishing, etc.
5. Development of
Alternative Transport and Communication: Electricity replaces the use of petroleum
products and coal. Electricity generated from water resources can be used to
run electric vehicles such as trolleys, cable cars, railways, ropeway, etc.
Water resources are also useful for the development of water transportation
such as rafting and shipping. It may help to initiate a water transit facility.
In the same way, the means of communication such as telephone, internet, fax,
radio, T.V., etc. can also be operated by using hydropower.
6. Basis of
Health: The
development of water resources helps to provide pure drinking water which is
the basis of healthy life. The availability of safe drinking water helps not
only to increase labour productivity but also to improve the standard of
living.
7. Basis of Forest
Conservation: The
development of hydropower replaces the use of wood as fuel. In Nepal, fuel wood
provides almost 62.5% of total energy consumption. The use of wood as fuel is
one of the main causes of deforestation. Therefore, the development of
hydropower can protect the forest resources of Nepal.
8. Employment
Promotion: Proper
utilization of water resources helps to develop almost every sector of the
economy. The development of the agriculture, industry and tourism sectors
increases economic activities in the country. This may create employment
opportunities in these sectors.
9. Export
Promotion: Water
resource is considered as “white coal” for the Nepalese economy. It can be used
for the development of the industrial sector which helps to increase the export
volume of goods and services. Besides, electricity generated from water
resources can be exported to earn foreign currency.
Potentiality of Hydroelectricity in Nepal
Nepal is rich in water resources. It ranks second in the world
in terms of water resources (Brazil is the first). The main sources of water in
Nepal are rivers, lakes and groundwater. There are about 6000 rivers and
rivulets in Nepal. Most of the rivers in Nepal are originated from the
mountains. They reach the Terai region via hilly region with high speed.
Therefore, electricity can be easily generated by building dams on these rivers.
The potentiality of hydroelectricity in Nepal is about 83,000
MW, which is 2.27% of the world’s total hydroelectricity potential. However,
only 44,370 MW of the potential capacity is techno-economically viable. It is
expressed in the
table 5.2.1:
Thus, even though small in size, Nepal is extremely prosperous
in terms of water resource potential. Apart from this, it is possible to export
electricity to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. Therefore, there can be no
disagreement over Nepal’s economic development if it can be utilized to its
full potential.
Current Situation of Hydroelectricity
Though Nepal has a large amount of water resources with high
energy potential, there are no significant successes in generating electricity.
By mid-March 2022, a total of 2,022 MW hydroelectricity has been
generated from various hydropower projects, which is around 2.44 percentage of
the total potentiality. Total installed electricity is 2205 MW, out of which
hydroelectricity is 2022 MW. It is clear from table 5.2.2.
The first hydro project in Nepal is Pharping hydroelectricity
project (500 KW), installed in 1911 A.D. Today, hydroelectricity is accessible
to all 77 districts of the country and the people who benefited from it are about
94% of the total population. Further investment is needed in this sector to
achieve the sustainable development goal of making easy access to energy for
all populations by 2030 AD.
While analyzing the sector-wise consumption of electricity by
mid-March 2022, it is found that the household sector consumed 45 percent, the
industrial sector 38 percent, the commercial sector 7 percent, and the
miscellaneous sector 10 percent.
The major hydropower projects are as follows:
Tanahu Hydropower Project (140 MW), Rahuganga HEP (40 MW), Dordi
Khola (27 MW), Upper Sanjen (14.6 MW), Sanjen (42.5), Rasuwagadi (111. MW),
Madhya Bhotekoshi (102 MW), Upper Trishuli 3B (37 MW), are some of the major
hydropower projects under construction.
Current Situation of Irrigation
Irrigation is an important use of water resources. It is the
lifeblood of agriculture. The expansion of irrigation facilities can lead to
crop integration and crop diversification, which can help to create employment
opportunities and to reduce poverty.
In Nepal, out of the total geographical area of 1,47,51,600
hectares, the land suitable for arable agriculture is estimated to be about
26,41,000 hectares (17.9% of the total geographical area). Out of this land,
the potential irrigable area under surface and groundwater sources is about
17,66,000 hectares (67% of arable land) owing to the rugged topography and
landform. But at present, only 15,12,432 hectares of land has irrigation
facility.
Table 5.2.4 shows the irrigation facility available
in the country by Mid-March 2022.
However, due to the lack of availability of a sufficient amount
of water in the source and delays in implementation of the projects of water
transfer and multi-purpose water reservoir projects, it is distressing to note that
only 33.0 percent of areas of irrigated land are estimated to get year-round
irrigation facility.
The major irrigation projects of Nepal are as follows:
1. Bagmati Irrigation Project
2. Purbi Rapti Irrigation Project
3. Mahakali Irrigation Project
4. Bhairahawa Lumbini Irrigation Project
5. Chandra Mohan Irrigation Project
6. Narayani Irrigation Project
7. Sikta Irrigation Project
8. Rajapur Irrigation Project
9. Babai Irrigation Project
10. Sunsari-Morang Irrigation Project
Despite the investment of billions of rupees, the result
achieved so far is not satisfactory. The main reasons behind this are lack of
proper maintenance of completed projects, landslides, floods, etc.
Current Situation of Drinking Water
Drinking water is essential for human existence. Without it,
life is impossible. Nepal has abundant natural resources in the form of water.
However, Nepalese people face a shortage of safe drinking water both in rural
and urban areas.
The major sources of drinking water in Nepal are piped water, tube
well, spring and others. Piped water alone constitutes about 50% of the total
drinking water supply in Nepal. The systematic drinking water system was
started in 1951 AD when Bir Dhara was built.
By the end of the 14th Plan (2016/17 – 2018/19), 88% of people had access to safe
drinking water facilities. However, this figure does not reflect the real
situation as this figure also includes the past projects which are not in use
these days. The 15th Plan (FY 2019/20 – 2023/24) has set the
target to provide drinking water facilities to 99% of the total population. By
the mid-March 2022, about 93.35 percent of toal population has access to
drinking water facility.
After a decades-long wait and missing countless deadlines, water
from the Melamchi River in Sindhupalchok district has finally made it to
Kathmandu. This helps to reduce the problem of the drinking water supply in
Kathmandu. This project has the capacity of 17 crore litres of water per day.
This project was started in 1998 AD and Completed in 2021 AD.
Problems of Water Resource Development in Nepal
The major problems of water resources development in Nepal are
as follows:
1. Inadequacy of
Capital: The development
of water resources requires a huge amount of capital. But being a poor country,
there is not enough capital in Nepal. As a result, Nepal cannot undertake large
hydroelectricity and irrigation projects without any external support. So far,
such projects have been completed with foreign assistance (bilateral and
multilateral).
2. Lack of Technology
and Technicians: Technical knowledge is very important for the development of
water resources. However, technicians having high-level technical knowledge are
still lacking in Nepal. Therefore, Nepal has to buy high-tech technicians from
other countries.
3. Lack of
Transportation and Communication: Transportation and communication facilities are essential in
order to conduct projects regarding water resources. Most of the
hydroelectricity projects are located in hilly areas where transportation and
communication facilities are very difficult to access.
4. Limited
Market: The
market for water products is limited. The purchasing power of Nepalese people
is very low. The only foreign market is India. But Indian policy regarding
these products is not favorable.
5. Defective
Government Policy: Government policies on water resources development is neither
appropriate nor effective. There is lack of adequate statistical data regarding
current situation of water resources. Nepal government has adopted open door policy
for private investment but the policy and legal provisions are neither adequate
nor clear-cut.
6. Rugged Geographical
Terrain: Nepal
is a hilly country. Most of the projects related to the water resource
development are located in hilly areas with uneven geographical terrain. Due to
this uneven geographical situation, development of transport and communication
system in these areas is very difficult which causes difficulties in the
development of water resources in Nepal.
7. Political
Instability: Political
instability that causes frequent changes in government has become a common
feature of Nepal since the restoration of multi-party democracy. As a result,
there arise problems in the continuation of the existing projects, programs and
policies with the change in government. This creates uncertainty in the
economic activities which further discourages the entrepreneurs and reduces
domestic and foreign investment.
Forest Resources
Nepal was very rich in forest resources in the past. It is
evident from the old saying “Hariyo Ban Nepal Ko Dhan” i.e., the green forest
is the wealth of Nepal. Nowadays such a slogan is kept in the books of Nepalese
economic history. This is not because of its declining importance but because
of the massive deforestation in the country. Forest is one of the renewable
natural resources. Hence, scientific management and utilization of the resource
can accelerate the pace of economic development of the country.
Role of Forest Resources
Forest resources are a prerequisite for the development of
agriculture, industry, water resources, etc. The role/importance of forest
resources for the economic development of Nepal can be explained as follows:
1. Basis of Preserving
Natural Eco-system: For ecological balance, at least 43% of the total area should be
covered with forest. Forest is the source of oxygen. Living things can’t
survive without forests. Forests are the natural habitat of various species.
So, forest resources help to prevent precious species from being extinct which
helps to preserve bio-diversity.
2. Backbone of
Agriculture: Forest is the
mother of the agriculture sector. Leaf litter and animal beddings are collected
from the forest, which is a source of compost manure. Forests help to maintain
the level of groundwater that helps in irrigation. Besides, the forest can
prevent soil erosion and landslides as trees have gripping power.
3. Basis of Raw
Materials for Industries and Construction: The raw materials for the forest-based
industries like paper, matches, paints, medicine and varnish and turpentine
processing are available from the forest. Similarly, timber and wood for the
construction of bridges, houses, etc. are also obtained from the forest.
4. Source of
Energy: Forests
are the main sources of energy in Nepal. About 60% of total energy consumption
in Nepal is obtained from forests. Nepalese people are consuming fuel wood for
heating and cooking purposes. Fuel wood is also used extensively in brick and
mine kilns, rural industries, restaurants, etc.
5. Promotion of
Tourism: Forest
enhances the natural beauty of the country. Forest management can preserve rare
wild lives: elephants, tigers, rhinos, musk deer, panda, etc. have been the
source of tourists’ attraction in various wildlife conservations in Nepal.
6. Source of Public
Revenue: Forest is one of
the sources of government revenue in Nepal. It provides both tax and non-tax
revenue by selling the forest products like timber, herbal products, etc.
7. Export
Promotion: Trade
deficit is a chronic problem in Nepal. The development of forest resources
helps to increase the export of forest-related products such as paper, timber,
medicinal herbs, etc. This helps to increase foreign exchange earnings and to
reduce the problem of trade deficit.
Forest is an integral part of rural livelihood in Nepal as shown
in the figure 5.2.1.
Current Situation of Forest Resource
Nepal was rich in forest resources in the past. From this has
originated the saying “Green Forest is the Wealth of Nepal“.
But that is far from being true at present.
According to Economic Survey 2021/22, 30.8 percent of the total
land area of the world is covered by forest, this area is equivalent to 0.6
hectares per person and 422 trees per person.
In Nepal, forest occupies a total of 59,062 sq. km which is 40.4
percent of the total area of the country. Other shrub land covers 6048 sq. km
(4.4%). Forest and shrub land together represent 44.8 percent of the total area
of the country. This implies that there are 0.2 hectares of forest areas and
111 trees per person in Nepal. According to the landscape distribution of
forest areas, the mid-hill has the highest coverage and the Terai has the
lowest coverage.
At present, about 23.3% of the total area is covered with
national parks, wildlife reserves, conservation areas, hunting reserves and
buffer zones. Out of the total 20 Protected Forest Areas, 12 National Parks,
one Wildlife Reserve (Kosi Tappu), one Hunting Reserve (Dhorpatan), and six
Conservation Areas have been preserved through the Department of National Parks
and Wildlife Conservation. Three conservation areas (Annapurna, Manasalu and
Gaurishankar), have been preserved through National Trust for Nature
Conservation (NTNC), and one Conservation Area (Kanchanjunga) has been managed
by the local community. Eco-tourism programs have been implemented in these
areas. So, these protected areas contribute to the National economy through
tourism and also help to protect important national species and biodiversity.
Causes of Deforestation
The main causes of deforestation are discussed as follows:
1. Source of
Livelihood: Around
18.7% of people in Nepal are living below the poverty line. Due to limited
employment opportunities, they collect herbs and other forest products and make
a living by selling them.
2. Migration: Due to the low agricultural productivity
and lack of employment opportunities in hilly areas, people move from hilly
regions to the Terai region. Such migrated people tend to live near the forest
area because of the easy availability of their daily needs from the forest
without cost. Due to the open border, external migration has also become one of
the causes of deforestation in Nepal.
3. Lack of Employment
Opportunity: In
Nepal, about 66% of the total population is engaged in agriculture where
seasonal unemployment and disguised unemployment are widespread. Due to the
lack of alternative employment opportunities outside agriculture, they use
forest resources as a source of additional income.
4. High Population
Growth Rate: According
to the preliminary population census report 2021, Nepal’s total population is
29.19 million and it is compounding annually at the rate of 0.93%. Increased
population causes increased demand for energy, food grain, and construction
materials. This aggravates the problem of deforestation.
5. Lack of Alternative
Sources of Energy: About 36.81% of Nepalese people are living in rural areas where
alternative sources of energy, other than fuel wood are not easily available.
If available then they cannot afford commercial energy like kerosene and
gas due to low levels of income. So, they depend on forest resources which is
another cause of deforestation.
6. Demand for Raw
Materials: There are several
forest-based industries such as matches, paper, herbal, furniture, etc. They
collect their raw materials from the forest. The dependency of such industries
on the forest is one of the causes of deforestation in Nepal.
7. Ineffective
Administration and Absence of Forest Management: There is no effective administration and
forest management policy. Due to a lack of clear forest policy and weak
administration, poachers and illegal traders are not punished properly. Due to
the lack of training for forest workers and their users, deforestation is
aggravated. Political instability also adds fuel to the fire of forest
destruction.
There are also other causes of deforestation such as the high
dependency of the farming system on the forest, illegal trade, uneducated
people, etc.
Consequences of Deforestation
The consequences of deforestation in Nepal are as follows:
1. Natural
Calamities: Deforestation
causes floods, landslides, deficiency of rainfall and various diseases. In this
way, deforestation creates the situation of natural calamities. Hence,
deforestation means breaking the natural balance.
2. Environmental
Degradation: Forest
helps to keep the environment clean. According to experts, at least 43% of the
total land area should be covered by forests for ecological balance.
Deforestation causes climatic changes and irregular rainfall. Irregular
rainfall causes drought and floods, soil erosion, landslides, etc.
Deforestation also causes the decline and even extinction of various species of
wild animals and plants. This shows that deforestation harms
the environment.
3. Extinction of
Endangered Animals and Plants: Forests are the natural habitat of animals, birds, and
plants. Deforestation causes the extinction of endangered animals and plants such
as elephants, tigers, rhinos, etc., which harm the
ecosystem and tourism industry.
4. Effect on
Agriculture: Forest
resources are closely related to agriculture in many ways. Deforestation causes
soil erosion, irregular rainfall, and water scarcity, which in turn decrease
the productivity and production of soil. Therefore, deforestation affects
agriculture negatively.
5. Effects on
Industries: Deforestation
harms the industrial sector. This leads to a reduction in the
supply of raw materials for forest-based industries like paper, medicine,
furniture, etc. Employment and public revenue are also affected.
6. Decline in
Groundwater: Groundwater
is one of the major sources of water supply in Nepal. Especially in the Terai
region, people use groundwater for the purpose of household uses and
irrigation. The level of groundwater largely depends on the forest area.
Deforestation causes a decrease in water which increases the problem of water
scarcity.
7. Negative Effects on
the Economy: Deforestation
destroys natural beauty, bio-diversity, and endangered animals and birds. It
also pollutes the environment. Consequently, there will be a decrease in
tourist arrivals in the country. This reduces foreign exchange earnings.
Mineral Resources
The mineral resource is one of the important natural resources.
Gold, Silver, Copper, Coal, gas, limestone, etc. which are found in the womb of
the earth are called mineral resources. They are nonrenewable natural
resources. Sustainable development of such resources helps to strengthen the
national economy.
Nepal being a hilly country should possess a sufficient amount
of such minerals. From the very beginning, metals like iron and copper are said
to have been utilized in different parts of the country. Several industries
have been established based on mineral resources, which are available in
different places. The contribution of mineral resources to the GDP is estimated
at only about 0.65%. If we can develop the mineral industries well, it can play
a great role in the economic development of the country.
Role/Importance of Mineral Resources in Economic Development
Mineral resources play an important role in the economic
development of a country. They contribute to a country’s development by generating
foreign direct investment, export earnings, government revenues (through
royalties, taxes, licenses, and fees), gross domestic product (GDP) growth, and
employment.
The role of mineral resources in the economic development of
Nepal can be explained as follows:
1. Development of
Agriculture Sector: Minerals such as metals are used in manufacturing
agricultural tools and implements like spades, machines, and irrigation devices
for agricultural development. The mineral (Pyrite) available in Nepal is very
useful for the production of chemical fertilizers.
2. Development of the Industrial Sector: The development of the industrial sector of a
country largely depends on the availability of mineral resources. Mineral
deposits are the basis of raw materials, machinery, and equipment needed for
industry. Agriculture lime, marble, lead, cement, etc. are the main
mineral-based industries in Nepal.
3. Development of
Transport, Communication, and Electricity: The development of transport and electricity
needs heavy equipment, which is the outcome of mineral resources.
4. Source of
Energy: The
optimal use of natural resources such as petrol, diesel, and natural gas, can
meet the increasing energy demand. They can replace imports of petroleum
products and help to reduce the problem of trade deficits.
5. Employment
Opportunities: Most of the people in Nepal are engaged in agriculture, where
unemployment and disguised unemployment are common. The development of mineral
resources requires more employment and reduces the unemployment rate in the
country.
6. Source of Public
Revenue: Optimum use of
mineral resources helps to establish large-scale industries. Nepal has a
greater scope of cement, iron, zinc, coal, etc. The government can impose VAT
and other duties on these products which are the major sources of public
revenue.
Current Situation and Potentiality of Mineral Resources
It is believed that Nepal is rich in mineral resources.
Preliminary geological surveys reveal that there are varieties of mineral ores,
natural gas, coal, etc. deposited in the various parts of Nepal. However, the
extent and possibility of commercial utilization of those mineral deposits are
yet to be known. Based on various geological surveys, the current situation of
mineral deposits in Nepal is outlined below:
1. Iron Ore: Iron is the principal metal that is used extensively
in infrastructure development works, and manufacturing heavy machinery
equipment, arms, and agricultural tools. In Nepal, iron ore deposits have been
found in Fulchoki (10 million tons of iron ore are estimated to be deposited),
Labdikhola (10 million tons of iron ore are estimated to be deposited), Thoshe
(8 million tons), Jirwang (1 million ton). Besides, iron ores have been found
in Kulekhani, Godawari, Bhaise, Pyuthan, Bandipur and so on.
2. Copper: Copper is another important metal that is
mainly used in electrical industries to produce electrical and electronic
equipment, copper wires, crafts, utensils, and other household purposes. Copper
ore is expected to be found in about 30 places. These places are Bhotkhola,
Gyaji, Arkhaule, Nangre, Wapsa, Siddhakhani, etc. but the amount has not been
ascertained.
3. Magnesite: 180 million tons (66 million tons of
high grade, MgO content 88 to 96% loss-free basis) of magnesite deposit in
Kharidhunga, Dolakha; 20 million tons of medium to low-grade magnesite deposit
in Kampughat in Udayapur district; and few small size magnesite occurrences
from Palpa, Baitadi and Dolakha have been identified.
4. Mica: The mica mines have been found in Bajhang,
Chainpur, Doti, Bhojpur, Lamjung, Gosaithan, Nuwakot, Dhankuta and so on. But
the quantity has not been ascertained.
5. Limestone: Limestone is the most important raw material
for the cement industry. Limestone is found in Chovar, Jogimara, Bhainse,
Rasuwa, Baglung, Pulchowki, Baitadi, Tipling, Salmor valley and so on.
6. Lead: Lead is found in Arkhaule, Durlung, Rasuwa,
Baglung, Pulchowki, Baitadi, Tipling, Salmor valley and so on.
7. Coal: Coal is available in the Dang, Sallyan, Rolpa,
Pyuthan, and Palpa districts. Small-scale 19 coal mines are in operation in
these districts. In addition to that 30 prospecting licenses are also issued.
Present coal production in Nepal is insignificant.
Moreover, other notable minerals like slate stone, petroleum, and
natural gas, zinc, nickel, gold, graphite, marble, pyrite, etc. are expected to
be deposited in various parts of Nepal.
Problems of Mineral Resources Development
Most of the mineral resources are found only in paper. The
causes of non-identification and non-exploitation of mineral resources are as
follows:
1. Inadequacy of
Capital: A
large amount of capital must be invested in developing mineral resources.
However, Nepal is a poor country and the pace of capital formation is very
slow. Due to the inadequacy of capital, there has not been enough capital
investment for the development of this sector.
2. Lack of Technology
and Technicians: Exploitation
of mineral resources requires highly efficient technicians and modern
technology. But, there is a lack of such technicians and technology in Nepal.
So, the country has to rely on foreign experts for the development of this
sector.
3. Lack of
Infrastructure: Nepal is a hilly country. Most of the mineral resources are
supposed to be deposited in hilly areas. There is a need for basic
infrastructure such as transport, communication, and electricity for the
exploitation of mineral resources. But these facilities are not available in
mineral-deposited areas.
4. Defective
Government Policy: There should be an adequate and appropriate mineral policy to
ensure the speed of mineral resource development in the country. Such policy
should cover various aspects of mineral resource development
including exploration, exploitation, processing, research, investment, etc. However, there is no appropriate mineral policy in Nepal. In the absence of this, the
government is unable to attract private investment in this sector.
5. Lack of In-depth
Geological Surveys: The most important aspect of mineral resource exploration
is in-depth geological surveys. In our country, except few preliminary
geological surveys, so far there have not been adequate surveys. Due to this,
there are no data on the quantity and quality of mineral resources available in
the country.
6. Political
Instability: Political
instability that causes frequent changes in government has become a common
feature of Nepal since the restoration of multi-party democracy. Frequent
change in government causes problems in the continuation of the existing
projects, programs, and policies. This creates not only problems in developing
mineral resources but also in developing the country as a whole.
Natural Resource Management
Natural resource management refers to the management of natural
resources such as land, water, plants animals, etc. with a special focus on
how management affects the quality of life for present and future generations.
It deals with how people interact with landscapes. It integrates land
management, water management, biodiversity conservation, and industrial
sustainability in the future. It recognizes that people and their livelihoods
depend on the health and productivity of our landscape. Thus, natural resource
management refers to the sustainable use of the available natural resources for
the sustainable development of the country.
According to the National Planning
Commission (NPC),
“Natural resource management means to meet the present and future demand and
need without depleting the existing stock of resources.”
This shows that there is a close relationship between the use of
natural resources and the economic development of a country. However, careless
use of these resources may lead to environmental pollution. Thus, natural
resource management is in line with the concept of sustainable development.
Haphazard use and depletion of natural resources create various problems such
as air pollution, water pollution, water scarcity, atmospheric changes, hazardous
wastages, soil degradation, deforestation and loss of bio-diversity. This shows
the need for natural resource management for sustainable development, which
implies both the use and preservation of natural resources. Thus, natural
resource management is a question of the trade-off between present and future
consumption.
Problems of Natural Resource Management
The major problems of natural resource management in Nepal are
as follows:
1. High Population
Growth Rate: High
population growth rate is one of the major problems of natural resource
management. When the population increases, demands for most of the goods and
services increase. In order to fulfill these demands for goods and services of
the growing population, there will be pressure on natural resources.
2. Inadequate Public
Awareness: Most
of the rural people of Nepal are uneducated and unaware of the scientific use
of the available natural resources. As a result, they are using the available
resources haphazardly. This creates problems in natural resource management.
3.
Deforestation: Deforestation is another problem of natural resource management.
Because of the high population growth rate and migration; maximum use of
firewood as fuel for cooking; lack of awareness; forest resource is destroyed.
This creates the problem of natural resource management.
4. Unscientific
Urbanization: Due
to unscientific urbanization and lack of disposal facilities, pollution is
increasing in urban areas. In some parts of the country, drainage is connected
to the river. It causes water pollution. Therefore, various animals and aquatic
plants are gradually destroyed. This complicates the problem of natural
resource management.
5. Use of Chemical
Fertilizers: Nowadays,
most of the farmers of Nepal are using chemical fertilizers to
increase agricultural products in unscientific ways. Consequently, many animals
and plants are being affected negatively resulting in problems in natural
resource management.
6. Establishment of
Industries: The
establishment of industries is also responsible for polluting the environment.
There is no provision for the control of pollution due to a lack of clear-cut
policy. Consequently, air pollution is increasing in Nepal.
7. Increasing Number
of Vehicles: The number of
vehicles is increasing day by day in urban areas of Nepal. But road condition
is not good to face the pressure of such an increasing number of vehicles.
Further, the traffic system is also not scientific. As a result, air pollution
is high in urban areas.
These are some of the problems of natural resources management
or causes of environmental degradation.
Consequences of Natural Resource Mismanagement
The environmental problem is growing in developing countries
including Nepal. Environmental mismanagement has serious effects on human
health and productivity. The consequences of environmental pollution or natural
resource mismanagement are as follows:
1. Soil
Degradation: Environmental
negligence leads to soil degradation which reduces the productivity of the
agricultural sector. Due to this, the total production of main crops is
decreasing day by day.
2. Water Pollution and
Water Scarcity: Water pollution harms human health and lowers labor
productivity. There is a frequent occurrence of water-borne diseases such as
typhoid, diarrhea, etc. There is a depletion of underground water which causes
water scarcity for drinking, bathing, irrigation, and industrial use.
3. Air Pollution: The use of energy, and smoke from vehicles and
industries are causing air pollution. This is creating breathing-related
diseases such as hypertension, high blood pressure, etc.
4. Loss of
Bio-diversity: Environmental degradation reduces bio-diversity. It reduces the
adaptability of the ecosystem and the loss of genetic resources. There is
eco-system overload, which means a state in which natural processes cannot
recycle all the waste substances dumped into the environment. It results in the
build-up of waste. Hence, if unchecked, it leads to the ultimate destruction of
the environment and its capacity to sustain life.
5. Atmospheric
Changes: The
overproduction of carbon monoxide is the cause of depletion of the ozone layer
which leads to different diseases related to air. It also increases global
warming. The forest, agriculture, and the whole ecosystem are affected by
atmospheric changes.
6. Natural Calamities: Rapid deforestation leads to uneven
rainfall which results in floods, landslides and various diseases.
7. Adverse Effect on
Tourism Industry: Most
tourists want to visit beautiful places in healthy environments. No one would
be willing to visit polluted areas. Hence, environmental pollution will
adversely affect the tourism industry in the country.
Measures or Suggestions for Natural Resources Management
Following are some of the suggestions for natural resource
management.
1. Afforestation: Afforestation helps to prevent soil
erosion, landslides, flood and drought. For this, various afforestation
programs should be launched.
2. Scientific Use of
Natural Resources: Mineral
resources are limited in Nepal. We cannot increase the stocks of mineral
resources as per our wish. Therefore, we have to use these resources rationally
for sustainable development.
3. Enactment of Legal
Provision: The rules and
regulations must be transparent and they should be implemented effectively.
Legal provision is most urgent to utilize the mineral and forest resources of
Nepal.
4. Environmental
Education: Almost all
people depend upon natural resources in different ways. However, most of the people
of Nepal are not aware of the importance of natural resources. So they should
be familiarized with the importance of natural resources via environmental
education.
5. Establishment of
Reserved Areas: To
protect various types of wild animals and plants, various reserved areas should
be established. This is helpful for ecological balance.
Climate Change
Climate change is a change in global or regional climate
patterns over time. It means changes in Earth’s temperature, humidity, air
pressure, wind, clouds, and rainfall patterns over time.
As the world has developed and experienced drastic technological
advances, improvements in healthcare, and an ever-growing population with an
ever-lasting demand for resources, pollution has become a major concern in the
21st century.
The unscientific urbanization, caused by high population growth
and migration, has led to a decline in forest areas, exacerbating the problem
of climate change in the economy.
In the process of economic growth and development, there has
been an increase in the use of fossil fuels. This causes an increase in
greenhouse gases in the environment. As more greenhouse gases are released into
the atmosphere, the temperature of the Earth rises, leading to a chain of
problems including rising sea levels due to the melting of glaciers and ice
caps.
As economic growth and incomes rise, material items such as cars
become more affordable. Consumers are more likely to use their car than public
transport due to the inferior value that is placed on such services. This leads
to a significant increase in the amount of polluting gases that are released
into the atmosphere.
Impacts of Climate Change on the Economy
Climate change will have a wide range of socio-economic impacts.
It not only affects important economic sectors such as agriculture, energy, and
health but will also cause changes in the supply and demand for goods and
services in all sectors of the economy. Higher temperatures, rising sea levels,
and other climatic changes (changes in regional rainfall patterns, water
cycles, frequency and intensity of extreme weather events) also affect aspects
of life that are not primarily based on economic activities such as human
security, Health and well-being, culture, people’s capabilities, and
environmental quality.
Some of the impacts of climate change on the economy are
discussed below:
1. Impact on
Agriculture: Climate change
has a greater impact on the agriculture sector in countries like Nepal,
where agriculture depends on natural factors. It increases the cost of
agricultural products. For instance, drought, heavy rainfall, floods, and
landslide causes the additional cost of production. The opportunity cost of
crop production rises which might encourage farmers to switch their jobs.
Furthermore, the decrease in production could increase the price of
agricultural products.
2. Impact on Tourism: The effects of climate change make some
tourist destinations less attractive and others more attractive. Weather
patterns have become unpredictable, which means that summer periods could be
extended or winter may be longer than usual. Extreme temperatures, floods, and
landslides may be the result. There have also been many incidents in which
national and international tourists have lost their lives due to sudden climate
change. Mountain ranges have always been the center of attraction for trekking
and mountaineering activities. Mount Everest is one of the biggest attractions
for international tourists in Nepal. Climate change prevents international and
local tourists from visiting tourist attractions. In addition to the
mountainous region, other tourist destinations such as Chitwan National Park,
Pokhara, and other popular tourist areas are also affected.
3. Impact on
Infrastructure: Climate change causes floods and landslides affecting people’s
daily lives and causing tremendous physical damage. Nepal as a poor country is
struggling to invest capital in physical infrastructures such as roads,
bridges, hydropower projects, buildings, etc. There are very few possibilities
of government compensation for the destruction of physical property. So, the
economic cost of infrastructure in the country is very high due to climate
change.
4. Impact on
Hydropower: Hydropower
is already a complex system, and climate change increases the complexity of the
hydropower system. Fluctuations in rainfall affect the amount of water and the
production of installed capacity. As temperatures in Nepal rise every year,
melting snow in the Himalayas will increase hydropower for several years, while
the potential will decrease after years.
5. Migration: Climate change creates mass migration
around the world. Immigrants are leaving flooded coastlines, drought-stricken
farmlands, and areas of extreme natural disasters. This has become a serious
issue in some countries.
Climate change is a global issue and every one of us must do
what we can to contribute and help slow down climate change. We need to think
about the benefits that might arise if we introduce policies to control climate
change.
