Crisis, Corruption, and the Demand for Change
An unprecedented rainfall event struck Nepal at the end of the 2024 monsoon season. Despite forecasts predicting massive rainfall a week in advance, the tragic loss of over 250 lives in the recent floods could not be averted. A family of four, stranded on the roof of their home, cried for help for hours, with videos circulating on social media near the center of the capital. Yet no rescue was mounted, raising serious questions about the government’s commitment to its citizens during crises.
Political Indifference: A Leader Missing in Action
Meanwhile, our prime minister continued his trip to the U.S., and upon returning, absurdly claimed there was no information about where the flooding or erosion was occurring. Confident in his alliances, he seems to believe his position is untouchable. Soon enough, he will once again play his patriotic card—the same one that first brought him into the spotlight.
Cashing In on Catastrophe
This isn’t the first time the government has faced criticism for its sluggish response to natural disasters—it’s practically become a tradition. From exploiting crises like the 2015 earthquake to the COVID-19 pandemic, our politicians have turned every disaster into a cash cow.
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Profiting from Desperation: Corporations Exploit Crisis
Our private sector isn’t far behind in this mediocrity. While international practices often see enterprises providing monetary or other forms of relief to disaster-stricken communities, here, after massive floods and landslides blocked roads, airlines doubled their ticket prices, profiting from people’s desperation. Although regulations exist to govern such actions, the government dares not enforce them. This is evident from a recent example where influential political parties were reported to have received assets, compromising their ability to hold people accountable.
The Crisis Narrative: Framing Disasters for Personal Gain
It’s striking to observe how organizations in Nepal are navigating this crisis, crafting narratives that serve their own interests. A few bold critics and researchers have dared to criticize the lavish five-star dinners occurring amid a glaring lack of real action, but the majority seem eager to capitalize on the moment. Some are vying for new projects, while others link the situation to climate change—an important issue, no doubt—but it shouldn’t dominate the entire narrative and overlook poor response and recovery efforts. What’s more concerning is the deafening silence on government accountability. Few dare to challenge the authorities because their jobs and projects depend on a web of connections that discourage them from speaking out against the very system they rely on. As one disaster management expert humorously remarked, "If you work on floods in Nepal, securing projects is almost guaranteed—as long as you have the right government connections."
Frustrated Youth: A Generation at a Breaking Point
Lives are lost, communities are shattered, and frustration among the youth continues to grow, evident from the queues of young people leaving Tribhuvan International Airport even during the Dashain festival. The crushed aspirations of many Nepalese reflect a deeper discontent with a system that seems to prioritize profit over people. As the youth voice their anger, we must ask ourselves: what kind of future are we building?
Winds of Change: A Shifting Political Landscape
Every 15 to 20 years, history shows that Nepal rises through cycles of protest. With the current injustices piling up, there is growing support for a directly elected prime minister, as people are fed up with the current system, where the same political parties swap power like a game—sometimes A+B, other times C+A, or B+C—creating the illusion of change but delivering none.
The Next Generation vs The Old Guard
People are tired of seeing the same old faces in politics, which often leaves little room for the younger generation. The so-called "young leaders" are often over 50 years old, and it is disheartening to hear some boast about their 30 years in politics or participation in rallies decades ago, all while expecting lifelong rewards—especially given that Nepal's economic decline largely began during those times. Their refusal to change, despite clear warning signs, leaves them vulnerable to being swept away in the upcoming elections of 2084—much like the Sukumbashi settlements. As unlikely as it may seem, nothing is impossible for Nepal, a country that has even dethroned its monarchy.
A New Political Dawn: Rising Parties and the Fight Against Corruption
Frustration is evident as powerful parties gradually lose their strongholds while new political groups gain influence in Nepal. There is some optimism surrounding these new parties, especially considering their potential demonstrated during their short-term role in the education ministry. Moreover, these parties should expand their focus beyond limited issues, like their leader’s release or justice for cooperative victims, and use a broader theme of combating corruption. Their demand to investigate issues such as the Wide-body scandal, Lalita Niwas, gold smuggling, and Giri Bandhu could help them challenge the existing government and garner wider support.
