Earthquake: Hope has prevailed

Rajesh Sharma

Today (May 22), I went to Katoun village in Manikhel VDC (3 hour drive from Kathmandu) with an objective to help earthquake affected families to build temporary shelters with zinc sheets. Our friends had resources to build about 50 temporary shelters. Although, some people criticize such design as zinc sheet tunnels, but we disagree. Till 5 days ago, the families had just a few tarpaulin sheets and all houses were damaged (either had big cracks or collapsed). In 5 days, the village was entirely different. Every collapsed or cracked house had given birth to a tiny child - a temporary shelter made out of zinc sheet roofing. I was surprised and so was my friend cum guide who is a local but resides in Kathmandu. How this miracle happened?

1. The Tamangs there (about 90%) have still community bond. When they decided, they managed the resources and work force.

2. Mostly, they used the zinc sheets of the collapsed/cracked houses and also some families bought new zinc sheets.

3. Many families (nearly 70%) have a member working in foreign countries - Malaysia and Golf countries. They send resources in times of great need.

4. They have a community managed forest and they got branches of trees to use as wooden support. They got it free of cost. However, they had to pay for small wages/snacks.

5. One community member replied me that now their shelters are ready, mostly they recovered their stored grains and they have received a few blankets, etc, hence, they are in better position to stand during the monsoon. They have big question mark that how they will construct their house in the winter. Their expectation from the government and also from NGOs is nearly NIL.

6. They have so much grief as they lost two members of their community during the very first earthquake.

Finally, I found that there is resilience, empathy, sympathy, community bond, minimum resource base, self-confidence generated by different factors including their loved ones working in Malaysia, Golf countries etc. Hope has returned in the form of the tiny shelter. When we see dark around, a small candle could bring the joy of light.

In the villages like Katoun, if the government could be sincere in providing 15,000 Rs as interim relief and 200,000 Rs as compensation for the uninhabitable/damaged houses and 25000 Rs for the houses that could be repaired, the people could stand firmly on their feet.

Every village and every family is different. So, it could not be simply generalized. However, we must understand that those who rebuild the villages and the lives of the people there, are the people themselves. The government and private institutions or individuals could support during emergencies and could assist in reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Narrow sub-nationalism and aggressive nationalism both harm us

Rajesh Sharma

I have seen a bitter debate going on for some days among and between some contributors on Facebook regarding taking some earthquake affected people to Tarai.

Narrow sum-nationalism and aggressive nationalism have come into full play. This is not a time for fighting within. Neither Nepal will break simply because a few leaders have made half-cooked statements nor it will be stronger only because their opponents are reacting vehemently. Now, emotions should be in check. Even, small events, minor unpalatable statements and a few unwanted things could be ignored. This is the situation of national calamity of unprecedented scale, intensity and nature and we have to direct our total energy to rebuilding lives as well as socio-economic and physical infrastructure.

As far as taking people to Tarai is in consideration, it is not the business of the Kathmandu elites. For resettling people (when it is absolutely necessary), it should be done in an area as close as possible to their native place. They should have access to their farmland if possible. It is not that easy to resettle. It is interwoven with their livelihood, skill compatibility, culture and climate acclimatization. Please do not see people as one rice mill, which could be dismantled here and could be reassembled some where else.

A Great Nepali Show Is Going on

Rajesh Sharma

The time of desperation and nervousness is over. Now, creative imagination, the dream of making something out of nothing, hope and confidence should govern our thoughts and deeds. Those who have lost their loved ones have shown extreme patience and have accepted the cruelty as reality. Those who have lost their shelter and livelihood are also gradually standing up and are trying to rebuild their lives. Those who have not lost that much are trying their level best to share with less fortunate compatriots. A great Nepali show is going on. This massive campaign of rebuilding through rehabilitation and reconstruction will unite us as strongly as possible, will generate compassion as deeply as possible and enable us to scale new height as high as possible.

Exceptions are everywhere. The millionaires and billionaires in Kathmandu are busy in garbing a 1000 Rupees tarpaulin sheet. The black marketers are selling goods at much higher prices than it should be. Thugs are collecting money and are enjoying several pegs of whiskey in the late evenings misusing that money. Many people who have not seen any damage to their house or rented rooms are enjoying lives in Tundikhel and several places like that. Many government officials are making their pockets heavy with the money intended to go to victims. And, many leaders and cadres of political parties are busy in all sorts of corrupt practices. However, this is not the general trend. The people will keep account of such things and, most probably will take direct actions where it happens. A few such actions are already seen.

As a collective, as a Nepali nation, we will overcome all difficulties and will start smiling sooner than later. Let's build hope and let's march forward. We are a great nation. Move is our character. CHARAIBETI, CHARAIBETI !

tarpaulin sheets and CA member's

Rajesh Sharma

Great decision by Urban Development Ministry regarding tent distribution to CA members. The queue to get two tents or tarpaulin sheets provided evidence that the CA member's mentality is that of accumulation - be that power, wealth, relief materials or anything else. May be, there are exceptions like Kamal Thapa and Bhim Rawal but the mentality like that of Rajendra Pandey is self-revealing. I salute the bad brain behind the decision and the bad behavior of many law makers as these two together have made amply clear the corrupt mentality of the creamy layer.

National Government??

Rajesh Sharma

There is debate now going on about formation of a national government. I believe, this will create distraction from relief delivery and devising an effective and meaningful rehabilitation and reconstruction plan. In any case, the same stale faces will come together in a new basket. And, also it may create further polarization among and between the crooks at the top. Hence, I think, formation of a high power rehabilitation and reconstruction authority is the need of the hour. Our whole concentration should be on channelizing our energy and resources so as to start creating hopes among ourselves. A few too corrupt, too feudal and too inefficient ministers could be replaced. Let's do first things first rather than reshuffling the stale hierarchic order.

Earthquake and Treasury of Lord Pashunath

Rajesh Sharma

Now, this is the right time to get help from Pashupatinath. During this time Pashupatinath's treasury could help to build several thousand houses or could provide two meals a day for several thousands people for several months. Let's use the wealth there for helping suffering humanities. The Lord Pashupatinath, if he exists (sorry, I am not a pro-God person) could be happy, the devotees should be happy and the victims of earthquake could get great help from this resource.

Share market: Immediate course

Rajesh Sharma

My comment on Santosh Singh Lingden ji's post about market in immediate future.

Now, damage is history and reconstruction is future. We have to see things in a dynamic realm - moving constantly. Hence, I believe that for some time, may be one or two months, damage factor or the history will dominate and market may go down but not that much. My assumption is that when the effect of reconstruction starts playing dominant role, the market psychology will improve greatly and the market will start moving up. Generally, I am expecting that during the coming dividend season in August-September, the index will be above 950.

Earthquake relief delivery: Biplav and C. K. Raut

Rajesh Sharma

I have noted contributions from two groups that signals very positive strategically. From long term perspective, their present endeavors may signal something good coming out from them.

Biplav and his party comrades are seen busy sharing labor in constructing temporary shelters in quite some villages. This was the need of the day and they did exactly that.

Also, C. K. Raut and his colleagues/cadres are quite active in collecting relief materials in several districts in Madhes/Tarai and sending those materials in earthquake affected areas. Moreover, he has asked his cadres and people there to observe fast on May 29 and contribute that saved food grain to people in great need of support. This too is very positive development.

I appreciate these endeavors.

Earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction commission/authority

Rajesh Sharma

Now, we have seen commitments from international community as well as Nepali business community for rehabilitation and reconstruction program. The problem is that they do not trust the government as it is seen as too corrupt. On the other side, the government suspects that if allowed to work directly, a large sum will be spent on administration of the fund and people will get just a few pennies. Both, perhaps are right in their respective perspectives.

Now, it could be a better arrangement if a trustworthy high level mechanism is put in place. This mechanism may be called a commission or authority but should have final authority in all areas of rehabilitation and reconstruction program. The commission/authority could be established by amending interim constitution or by adopting a law from the parliament. It will get funds and utilize those funds from international community, Nepalese government and local contributors.

The commission/authority should have renowned welfare/development professionals, education as well as health professionals, social scientists, economists, engineers, management expert etc. This commission should have about 15 members. In my imagination, persons like Kul Chandra Gautam, Dr. Govinda K. C., Kedar Bhakta Mathema, Anuradha Koirala, Arun Kumar Singh (Swami Ananda Arun) etc could best suit for such commission/authority.

Probable scenario of post earthquake share market

Rajesh Sharma

I read posts from friends including that of Puru R. Chimouriya ji and Sanj Maharjan ji about immediate effects or long term impact of the earthquake on the market. Broadly, I agree with them.

I believe that for a few days or a few weeks, the market will see RED but not that much down. A few people may need cash to meet emergencies and will sell. But, many will hold. Hence, within a month or two, the share market will stabilize or even move up if NRN investment starts pouring in and NRB reschedules loan repayment taken as margin lending.

Sector-wise, no major impact would be there even in case of insurance sector. However, we are less educated to understand that the money to settle the claims comes, primarily from reinsurance companies and Insurance fund. Due to our investors' level of understanding and education, insurance sector may see some significant fall initially. Micro-finance also will have the similar fate. Even commercial banks and hydro-power companies also may see some fall initially. This will happen due to more psychological than real factors and will be corrected soon.

The rumor mongers and sadists are plenty in number in the market. Unethical business practices are regular phenomenon than exceptions. Hence, we should be better prepared to see such situation but we should hold tightly our share certificates - physical or materialized.

Thank you the Rescue and Recovery Teams

Rajesh Sharma

During the time of crisis, some unexpected/unwanted things may happen unintentionally. Hence, it is natural that there could be some grey areas and so, benefit of doubt comes into play. The role Indian military personnel played is certainly praiseworthy baring a few exceptions. We should take the exceptions as gray areas that invite benefit of doubt. Therefore, with all humility, we should say, "Thank you Indian Army for your contributions during rescue and recovery phase!"

Similarly, Our sincere thanks to all rescue teams who had valuable contributions in saving precious lives. Neither we will forget the devastating earthquake nor we will forget your daring acts. Our heartfelt "Thank You, all of you."

Finally, our very own army, armed police and civilian police did a job beyond our expectations. Their courage, skills and motivation made us a proud nation. We salute you all!

Earthquake and our responsibility

Rajesh Sharma

This natural calamity has devastating effects on our lives. We saw what is nearly impossible to accept. We lost so many friends, relatives and fellow compatriots. We are certainly passing through a stage of national mourning. But, for us, who are still okay, this is time for perseverance, call of duty and sharing. Let's contribute our time, energy and resources as much as we can and help our compatriots and our beloved nation to come out of the darkness as we have been seeing. I believe that as organized teams or as an individual, we have immense potentials to serve the suffering humanity and a hurt nation.

Earthquake and failed political leadership

Rajesh Sharma

The political leadership has failed badly. Now, it is high time to hand over all responsibilities to coordinate, handle, manage and provide relief program, acts, activities and actions to the national army.

We and Earthquake

Rajesh Sharma

Every new situation brings new challenges and new opportunities. The devastating Gorkha Earthquake 2015 also has brought major challenges and opportunities.
1. We have, now, some major challenges that include providing relief and temporary accommodation to a few millions of people. Hence, we need food, water, clothes, medicines and tents as well as materials to construct temporary shelters. This is our immediate challenge.
2. Counseling, consoling and providing emotional support is another area of immediate challenge. The trauma of loosing someone near and dear, being hurt and fearful need care and psychological comfort.
3. Bringing normalcy back including running regular support services, institutions, offices, factories and businesses as soon as possible is another challenge.
4. Agriculture should get special priority and maximum support as that is the life line of our rural economy.
5. Rebuilding infrastructure - private, corporate, collective and public is our strategically important challenge. In this process, we should reconstruct our infrastructures taking into consideration our seismic vulnerability.
6. We are a bit in position of strength as our airports, road networks; telecom infrastructure and hydro power projects are generally okay and are functional. The focus now is on rebuilding buildings and repair of vital infrastructures if there are any damages.
7. Our damaged buildings are mostly in rural areas and private buildings. There is still community culture exists and rebuilding could generate some community process and would be done with less corruption and corrupt practices. If resources in the form of cash as mix of grant and loan is provided and programs like food for work in massive scale, that would address both food and resource needs.
8. The massive reconstruction activities would generate millions of jobs in construction, development, socio-economic and psychological rehabilitation and the purchasing power of the working class people may go up.
9. The massive inflow of government, donors' and private resources would create momentum in our economy that will take the nation from emergency to uplitment in a shortest possible time.
10. Now, the government must allocate all surplus budget of this financial year in the "Earthquake Reconstruction Fund" and also allocate significant part of next five year budget. Bilateral as well as multilateral resources also should be mobilized in billions of dollars by packaging new products and services and marketing them, rather than just crying for funds.
11. Controlling corruption ruthlessly by people and state is need of the hour. Taking direct action by people at the field itself against corrupt persons including politicians, bureaucrats and so-called local leaders/NGOwalas could also come into action.
WE COULD AND SHOULD BUILD OUR NATION. Let's unite and channel our energy, time and resources to rebuild our villages, towns and cities.