Tek Singh Bhat

Nepal's iconic glaciers and snow-capped peaks, symbols of natural beauty and vital sources of water, are disappearing at an alarming rate due to climate change. The recent compensation announcement at COP29 raises a critical question: can this funding genuinely restore fragile ecosystems, or is it merely a temporary measure to address visible impacts while neglecting deeper, systemic issues? Melting mountains in pakistan (Photo : social media)  At COP29 in Baku, global leaders committed $300 billion to climate action—an unprecedented pledge but far less than the $1.3 trillion demanded by developing nations. This disparity has fueled doubts about wealthier nations’ commitment to tackling the root causes of climate degradation. Critics argue that without a clear and actionable implementation plan, the promised funds risk being no more than a superficial band-aid for a profound crisis. For vulnerable nations like Nepal, this compensation feels more like a compromise than a victory. Th...

  A River Transformed in Two Months Just two months ago, in September, during the rainfall, I stood before a river full of life, its waters stretching from one bank to the other. Today, that very place resembles a rubble storage site—bare, sandy, and devoid of water. How could this river change so drastically in such a short time?  This stark transformation is not an isolated case. Traveling along the 100 km highway stretch from Pathalaiya (Bara District) to Bardibas (Mahottari District), I have observed over 20 such rivers. During the monsoon, they are raging torrents, but for the rest of the year, they appear lifeless—just expanses of white sand and gravel. These sights leave one questioning: What is happening to our rivers and landscapes?  A Wake-Up Call: The 2024 September Floods The urgency of this issue was underscored during the catastrophic floods of September 27-28, 2024. Relentless rains caused devastating flooding, landslides, and lightning strikes across Nepal...