July Analysis: National Security & Climate Change

The Department of Revenue Investigation had seized over 100kg of Gold from the Sinamangal area of Kathmandu District on 19^th July, 2023. The investigation of the case is still going on. On the other hand, this year’s monsoon has impacted the life of people badly. The 13 year old boy got swept away by flood on 20^th July, 2023 and three children of the Arghakhanchi district were buried by the landslide on 4^th July, 2023. Moreover, as per the report of Epidemiology and Disease Control of 8^th July, 2023, monsoon has spread dengue infection in the 66 districts of the country.

Timeline of Major Events

 

Date	Events
4th July	Three Children in Arghakhanchi district died after being buried in the landslide
8th July	The Epidemiology and Disease control division reported the spread of Dengue in 66 districts of Nepal
19th July	Department of Revenue Investigation had seized 100kg of Gold from outside of the Tribhuvan International Airport
20th July	A 13- year old boy got swept away by the flood in Samakhusi, Kathmandu

 

Loop holes in the security of the International Airport leads to smuggling of gold

On 19^th July, 2023; the Department of Revenue Investigations (DRI) had seized 100 kg of gold from Sinamangal, Kathmandu. The Director General of DRI had mentioned that the seized gold was released by the Customs office of the Tribhuvan International Airport. The further investigation revealed that the gold had been imported from Hong Kong to Nepal’s Ready Trade Company by concealing it within the brake shoe of scooter and motorcycle. Furthermore, it was also revealed that more gold might have been smuggled as multiple objects like brake shoe, shavers and metallic motors had been imported to Nepal from the same port since couple of months ago.

The confiscation of these huge amount of gold from outside the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) showcases the poor security of the International Airport of Nepal. Despite of having the metal detectors inside the custom offices, TIA has failed to stop the smuggling process. As the investigation has revealed that this is not first time these huge quantities of gold has been smuggled through this port, the TIA and the concerned authorities have created the space for the questionable conditions. However, it is yet to confirm whether this passing of the gold from the custom office was because of the carelessness of the officer or was done on the purpose. But, it does demonstrate that Government of Nepal should reflect upon its existing loop hole on its security management.

In the recent time, Nepal has been used as the transit point for crossing of the gold imported from Hong Kong, China and United Arab Emirates to the markets of India. According to the reports of Nepal Police, in the last nine years, 665kg of smuggled gold had been seized by the security personnel. Inspite of that, the smuggling rate is in the increasing order in Nepal. This surge in the number might result into the bad reputation of the country in the world. Hence, the government should focus on the fair investigations regarding the smuggling of gold and must initiate to bring strict action against those found guilty.

Rise in the Dengue cases hints to the endemic in the country

The Epidemiology and Division Control division on 8^th July, 2023 reported that the spread of Dengue infection has reached upto 66 districts of Nepal. Sunsari, Dhading, Darchula, Kaski, Sankhuwasabha, Kathmandu, Kanchanpur, Bhaktapur, Myagdi and Jhapa are the major districts of Nepal affected by the Dengue infections. Recently, Dharan of the Sunsari district has been witnessing severe dengue cases and multiple number of patients have lost their life because of the infection. Dengue is a mosquito- borne disease and is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. This mosquito breeds in the clear water, so uncovered water tanks and discarded plastic bottles can be hub for them. The dengue infected person shows the symptoms like mild to high fever, rashes, headache and pain in eyes as well as in the muscles.

Monsoon has always been the crucial season for the spread of various water, air and insect borne diseases. Despite of knowing this fact, both the government and the public has not taken the issue seriously. This negligence has started resulting into the severe spread of the infection. To stop this spread, it is essential for the government to not be negligent towards the adoption of preventive measures and start destroying the eggs of the infected mosquito. Likewise, the government should also aware people regarding the risk of the disease and must provide proper health facilities to the infected people. Whereas, it is also necessary for the public to be aware and adopt the precaution by themselves to stop the spread of this infection.

Flood and landslide disrupted the life of people

Recently on 20^th July, 2023; the 13 year old boy got swept away by the flood in the Samakhusi area of Kathmandu. The search for the missing boy is still going on near the rivers of Kathmandu valley. Likewise, on 4^th July, 2023; three children of the Arghakhanchi district of Nepal got buried by the landslide. Moreover, because of the continuous monsoon rain, the highways has been blocked by the mudslides, making it difficult for the travellers to reach their destination. Similarly, the bridges has been swept away by the floods in various part of Nepal.

The encroachment of the river and other water sources as well as the poor drainage or sewage system has been one of the major cause of the flood in the country. Every mansoon season brings with it landlsides and floods only adding to the plight of the public but the government is yet to take any sustainable meaures to prevent loss of life and property, even in areas where he damage can be predicted and mitigated.