Fewa action plan needed eKantipur, 12-Jul-08 By Raman Grandon
The existence of Fewa Lake is in peril. Human encroachment, unsustainable tourism development and lately, 'invasion of foreign species' remain the three major threats.
Fewa Lake is one of the best examples of freshwater ecosystem, where hundreds of species rely for food and water including human beings. Fishermen and boaters make their living by Fewa Lake day in and day out and tourists in hundreds flock to admire the surrounding beauty. Not to mention hoteliers, restaurateurs, tourist guides, peddlers and the public at large who make their living from increasing number of tourists. The lake is a prime habitat throughout the year for such migratory bird species as Cukoo, Pochard, Duck, Sandpiper, Woodcock, Hobby, Falcon etc. And what could compare with the scenic and serenity of Pokhara valley adorned by the majestic mountains. Indeed Fewa Lake is the pride of Nepal's tourism industry and a strong cause for local tourism revenue.
The recent media reports on encroachment of the Lake by a certain foreign plant called Eichhornia Crassipes is possibly the worst case scenario. While the weeds covered half of the lake obstructing all recreational activities of tourists, it also gave a picture of what could become of the lake if we are not to act promptly. It was obvious to see lack of coordination among local bodies over the management of Fewa Lake, with authorities butting against each other.
Last year the Appellate Court in Pokhara had directed an interim order to save Fewa Tal from the increasing menace of water hyacinth. A month long campaign was also started the same month to rid the Lake of weeds in the participation of environment committee, fisherman association, boaters, hoteliers as well as Nepal Tourism Board. But this year, it seems, the euphoria died down before the rainy season took the toll.
Originally from South America, Eichhornia or water hyacinth are labeled as weeds and are notoriously known to create problem by clogging waterways and shipping passages. It can float above the water with ease and lacks 'natural predators' which all points out to its rapidly growing abilities. Except for absorbing water pollutants and utilizing its fiber for paper production, it is regarded to be problematic and a danger to ecology. The problem of weed invasion persists in many parts of the world. Though the solution to curbing its growth varies, scientists are still in search of a much effective solution. In Nepal, water hyacinth has posed an insurmountable threat to many wetland and freshwater sites including the most famous Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Bish Hajari Tal near Chitwan National Park. My own observation of the wetland in Koshi Tappu made me come to terms with the depth of the crisis posed by Eichhornia and its impact on local ecology. The weed is growing so rapidly that is has threatened to dry up and disappear the entire Koshi Tappu wetland. The wetland invites hundreds of migratory birds which come from as far away as Siberia and Australia to hatch eggs and survive the ordeal of winter there. And they have been an inseparable part of the local ecosystem as well as offering a great deal of spectacle for the burgeoning eco tourism in the area over the years. Till now no such effective ways has been developed to control it except by employing people to uproot the weeds manually. Until now, Nepal has rarely introduced biological and chemical control measures.
With no wetland, the existence of these entire species of birds and other creatures will also be at loss. Similar is the case in Bish Hajari Tal, one of the inscribed Ramsar site where a record 556 species of birds have been accounted. Quite recently locals of Chitwan have devised a new way of utilizing the weed to produce Bio Gas (THT, July 8), which could be an alternative way to get rid of this weed. There is an immediate need to identify the best ways to tackle this problem and implement it effectively in all the affected areas of Nepal.
Human encroachment that involves doing daily chores like washing and bathing, and disposing effluent and sewage have helped in further polluting the Fewa Lake. With no proper facility for waste water treatment and pollution prevention methodology, the Lake is undergoing a considerable deterioration in quality. Findings taken over the years have revealed that the total area of the Lake has dramatically reduced from 2000O ropanis to just around 12000 ropanis, given that the depletion rate is 0.18 sq. km. every two years. Recently locals in groups have also started to engage in wheat plantation in the marshy tracts of the Lake. In fact the volume and the area occupied by the Lake in recent years have shrunk which is fast replaced by agricultural marginal lands. Moreover, the draining of the chemicals used in agriculture in the nearby villages has gradually jeopardized the ecological balance.
Another problem concerns the unplanned construction of concrete structures along the lake. In a bid to compete for ever-growing tourist revenue, tourism infrastructures like hotels and resorts have been built without taking social and natural sustainability into account. Unlike in other eco-minded destinations like Sri Lanka and Maldives, Nepali government has given little or no consideration to surveying and imposing strict policies and regulations to balance between tourism activities and nature. Instead of opening up eco resorts, entrepreneurs are blindly engaged in installing concrete structures, thereby undermining the beauty of Pokhara Valley. Pokhara is the second most popular destination within Nepal and is the gateway to the famous Annapurna Treks, but it seriously lacks strategy for destination marketing and a comprehensive plan for future tourism activities.
Given the magnitude of the risks the Lake and entire Pokhara Valley is facing, there is a need for the local authorities and government of Nepal to immediately draw up a Fewa Action Plan in participation of all stakeholders. The action plan should focus on promotion of sustainable tourism while conserving the rich biodiversity. Such an action plan must offer an integrated management strategy for tackling all the issues and at the same time provide a set of schemes to put all the concerned stakeholders into action on a periodic basis. Sustainability of Fewa Lake and Pokhara Valley is not just crucial to tourism but for future generations to come.
Get wild: Camping in the Great Outdoors amNewYork, 7-Aug-08 By Ron Bishow
Living in New York City you can go weeks without seeing grass, and when was the last time you actually saw stars? Nature, however, is not as far away as you might think. Within just a few hours of the Big Apple you have some of the most majestic parks and lakes in the Northeast. What better way is there to enjoy them then rolling out a sleeping bag and a tent?
Beaver Pond Campsite, Harriman State Park. 800 County Route 106, Stony Point, NY 10980 nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=57 (845) 947-2792; $13 base rate Getting There: Short Line Bus from Port Authority to Harriman. Trip takes about an hour.
Just 50 miles northwest of the city, this scenic destination has two public camping areas from where you can enjoy the 31 lakes and reservoirs, 200 miles of hiking trails, three beaches, and not a building in site. Each site at Beaver Pond has a picnic table and fire ring; comfort stations, showers, and laundry facilities are also available because nothing says camping like doing your whites.
New York Recreational Adventures Campground (RAC) Newburgh/New York City N KOA Box 134D Plattekill, NY 12568 www.newburghkoa.com 800-562-7220 $41.79-$42.99 base rate (Weekend Rates; based on two adults) $45.99-$51.99 water/electric (Weekend Rates; based on two adults) Getting There: I-84 Exit 7 North or I-87 Exit 17, North 3 miles on New York 300, North 6 miles on New York 32 to Freetown Highway. Trip takes about an hour and 40 minutes
If you are looking for a more activity-based camping experience, then this 65-acre Hudson Valley destination is for you. With a playground, basketball court, fishing pond, two swimming pools and hiking trail you will never go wanting for something to do. You can also go apple or pumpkin picking, or check out the local wineries. Also, antique stores abound in the area.
Lake Sacandaga, Adirondak Foothills RV Campground 1327 County Highway 110, Broadalbin, NY 12025 www.visitsacandaga.com 518-883-5025 $40 a night water/electric Getting There: I-90 (NY Thruway) at Albany, take exit 24 (I-87). Go North on I-87 past Saratoga Springs to exit 17N. Trip takes about two and a half hours
Originally home to the Mohawk Indians, Lake Sacandaga is now a bastion of outdoor fun just 180 miles from the city. Since it is a lake with 125 miles of shoreline, water activities like boating and fishing are the main draw, but you can also go off-roading, horseback riding or hunting, if so inclined. There are also eight golf courses within driving distance and plenty of places to stay if you don't feel like roughing it.
Heckscher State Park Heckscher Pkwy, Field 1, East Islip, NY 11730 http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=153; 631-581-2100 $8 per vehicle; $17 per night Getting There: LIRR to Great River Station. Trip takes about an hour and a half.
With 69 campsites, this beautiful Suffolk County shoreline area has twenty miles of trails for hiking and biking, and the Great South Bay and a swimming-pool complex for taking a dip. There are also picnic areas, a boat launch, playing fields and much more. Plus, you can't put a price on being able to take the train instead of trying to rent a car. (Note: Reservations have been suspended due to a potential outbreak of west nile virus that could cause the park to close without warning)
Hither Hills State Park 50 South Fairview Avenue, Montauk, NY 11754 http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkId=48; 631-668-2554 $24 a night Getting There: LIRR to Montauk. Trip takes about three hours.
Camping in the Hamptons Always wanted to go to the Hamptons but don't have the disposable income? Well, just bring your tent! This 168-site campground has an ocean view for a fraction of the price of a rental in the nearby ritzy community. You can fish year-round and check out the "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor, some of which are 30 feet high.
Bear Spring Mountain, the Catskills 512 East Trout Brook Road, Downsville, NY13755 www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24454.html; 845-786-2701 $16 Getting There: Route 17 to Exit 90, East Branch take Route 30 north to Shinhopple; turn left on East Trout Brook Road. Trip takes about two hours and forty minutes.
You won't have Patrick Swayze teaching you to dirty dance, but there is still plenty to do up in the Catskills. Forty-one tent and trailer sites are available at this site created in 1885 to protect the region's water resources. It is a great place to hit the water (canoe and boat rentals are available) or go horseback riding if you like. This is no frills camping by the way, no hook-ups and no showers, but how comfy is camping supposed to be anyway?
Bowman Lake State Park, Finger Lakes 745 Bliven Sherman Rd, Oxford, NY 13830 http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=16 607-334-2718 $13 basic rate Getting There: Off Route 220, 8 miles west of Oxford. Trip takes about four hours.
A great launching point for exploring the Finger Lakes region of New York with roads that wind through forests filled with evergreen and hardwood trees, where deer run wild. When walking through, make sure to look up and maybe you will spot one of the 103 species of birds that live here. The lake is also filled with trout. Hunting is permitted, but only in season, naturally.
A Construction Code Official for the Township of West New York, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today to extorting and accepting more than $30,000 in corrupt cash payments, as well as other benefits, in exchange for official favors, U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie announced.
Franco Zanardelli, 58, a resident of West New York, admitted accepting from individuals and business owners located in Hudson County corrupt cash payments and other benefits in exchange for exercising and agreeing to exercise his official influence as the Construction Code Official for the Township of West New York in their favor.
Zanardelli, who was expected to resign today, pleaded guilty to a one-count Information before U.S. District Judge Garrett E. Brown, Jr. The Information charged him with extortion under color of official right. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian R. Howe.
Today was Zanardelli’s first appearance in court in connection with the corruption investigation. Judge Brown released him on an unsecured $100,000 personal cognizance bond pending sentencing scheduled for Nov. 10.
From at least in or about 2002 to on or about June 25, 2007, Zanardelli was the Construction Code Official for the Township of West New York. In that capacity, Zanardelli stated he was responsible for inspecting work performed, issuing permits and Certificates of Occupancy, and enforcing the construction code to ensure compliance with pertinent federal, state, and local regulations. During that time period, Zanardelli admitted that he accepted from individuals and business owners corrupt cash payments and other benefits. In exchange, Zanardelli admitted that he expedited permits, certificates of occupancy, and other approvals for the payors.
By way of example, Zanardelli admitted that he accepted a series of corrupt cash payments in connection with exercising his official influence in connection with a building project on Johnson Place in West New York. In total, Zanardelli admitted that he accepted more than $30,000 in corrupt cash payments and other benefits in exchange for exercising his official influence as West New York’s Construction Code Official.
In addition to his position as West New York’s Construction Code Official, Zanardelli became the Construction Code Official for the Town of Guttenberg in or about 2006, having first been employed as a Building Inspector by that Town from in or about 1999 to in or about 2006. Also, Zanardelli was employed as a Building Inspector by the Town of Secaucus since in or about 2004.
Christie credited Special Agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Weysan Dun, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian R. Howe, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Special Prosecution’s Unit in Newark.
Latest security upgrades at city transit hub cost $100M AM News, 1-Aug-08 By Matthew Sweeney, msweeney@am-ny.com
The best evidence of the beefed up security at the Port Authority Bus Terminal might be that a guy snapping photos inside can get stopped three times — twice by Port Authority employees and once by a plainclothes cop — within five minutes.
“They don’t like it when people start taking pictures,” a Port Authority employee said before escorting a reporter and photographer to the bus station’s administrative office where the confusion was cleared up.
The busiest bus station in the world, where some 200,000 passengers come through each weekday, has taken steps to boost security during the past year.
“It has all the attributes of a suburban shopping mall and a major transportation facility,” said Ernesto Butcher, the Port Authority’s chief operating officer. “It is in the category of those kind of facilities that have been targeted around the world.”
At a cost of $100 million, the Port Authority has added steel cross braces to the south side of the south building as a seismic retrofit — a halfway-completed project to help the structure with stand natural disasters. Exterior columns were strengthened. Security cameras were added.
Bollards (barriers that are often disguised as large planters) along Eighth Avenue and 42nd Street are designed to keep vehicles from ramming the building.
The glass in the doors and the walls along the east and north sides of the building has been made shatter-proof.
Since the 9/11 attacks, the Port Authority has spent more than $200 million on security at the bus terminal.
Nicholas Casale, a security consultant, said that while it’s impossible to thwart all attacks, you can make it as difficult as possible and minimize the damage.
The watchful eyes at the Port Authority, however, may be some of the best deterrents to attacks at the terminal.
The recent media reports on encroachment of the Lake by a certain foreign plant called Eichhornia Crassipes is possibly the worst case scenario. While the weeds covered half of the lake obstructing all recreational activities of tourists, it also gave a picture of what could become of the lake if we are not to act promptly. It was obvious to see lack of coordination among local bodies over the management of Fewa Lake, with authorities butting against each other.
