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Nestled in the heart of Nepal’s lush southern landscape, Chitwan National Park has held the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site designation since 1994. This 953-square-kilometer sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity, renowned as one of Nepal’s most extensively researched protected areas. With its rich tropical and subtropical habitats, CNP provides a haven for numerous endangered wildlife species. It beckons to wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, promising a captivating tapestry of landscapes, fauna, and ecosystems. A jungle safari in CNP is an exhilarating adventure, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's diverse wildlife and luxuriant vegetation.

Embrace the moment, rekindle your passion

Nature and wildlife possess the power to soothe the restless soul, igniting a sense of euphoria that emanates from within. The diverse wonders of CNP envelop visitors in a world of breathtaking diversity. You'll embark on an incredible journey of introspection as you become one with nature. The irresistible urge to capture the park’s captivating beauty and majestic wildlife will surge through your veins, igniting a fervor for wildlife photography that refuses to wane.

Respect and responsibility go hand in hand

“Respect nature, and nature will respect you.” This profound sentiment encapsulates our duty to protect the environment and its resources. Entry into CNP is strictly regulated, requiring permits from the appropriate authorities. Engage the services of experienced guides well-versed in the park’s wildlife and safety protocols. Ethical wildlife viewing practices are paramount, including maintaining a safe distance from animals and refraining from loud noises. Always prioritize the welfare of the wildlife. Through responsible tourism and adherence to park regulations, we ensure the preservation of this remarkable natural treasure for future generations.

Witness the enchanting beauty of lush foliage and charismatic wildlife

CNP's landscape is a mesmerizing canvas of lush, subtropical forests, including Sal forests, succession forests, and mixed hardwood forests. In this untouched haven, you’ll encounter endangered species such as the One-horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Wild Elephant, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Gaur, Sambar deer, and Mugger crocodile. The park boasts an astonishing diversity of birdlife and reptiles. A jungle safari in CNP offers a spectacular opportunity to spot these creatures and explore the unique landscapes and vibrant ecosystems. As you venture into the extensive grasslands and savannahs, you'll feel privileged to unravel the cryptic secrets of nature.

Capture mesmerizing shots of soaring birds

Jungle safari in CNP is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a chance to observe a myriad of bird species in their natural habitat. CNP is home to a staggering 650 bird species, a paradise for birdwatchers. Among them, you may glimpse endangered and rare birds such as the Bengal Florican, Great Hornbill, Lesser Adjutant, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture. Armed with binoculars and DSLR cameras, you’ll capture vibrant images of these majestic birds, a testament to the richness of reality. As you traverse the tranquil paths of nature, striving to immortalize the beauty of flying birds, you'll rediscover the magic of life. Embark on this journey through CNP and allow the breathtaking scenery to breathe life back into your spirit.

Escape the chaos, find spiritual awakening

If the monotony of everyday life has left you yearning for a change, CNP’s jungle safari is your ticket to escape the hustle and bustle. Investing in experiences rather than material possessions can unlock your true self. CNP offers a sanctuary where you can disconnect from the world’s demands and reconnect with nature. This communion with nature is a deeply enriching and rejuvenating experience. In the relentless pursuit of ambition, we often lose touch with our inner selves. However, a jungle safari in CNP promises to exceed your wildest expectations. It’s a journey of tranquility, a chance to savor the serene beauty of nature. Discover the euphoria and vitality within you. Make nature and wildlife a top priority and experience the profound transformation and spiritual awakening that awaits.

The law regulates the relationship between community members. It’s often said that a law works as a tool to provide solutions for the problems of human beings.  The legal mandates can never be a combination of meaningless and purposeless words.

In fact, laws are tailored in pursuance of social reality.  The words, like help, support or social relations have been the hallmarks of Nepali society. The competent Parliament of Nepal has enacted a fair corpus of laws that recognize the prevailing culture of helping and extending support to fellow community members. Of many, there is a law on usufruct which has a robust base on supporting and helping others in good faith. 

The usufruct law aims to promote social relations. After all, we have seen a large chunk of people showing social solidarity with the people and the government at the time of their need. On a societal level, many rural folks stay at the flats of their known ones in urban areas for education and employment purposes. This way, our society has been caring and acting in a socially acceptable manner since time immemorial.

This respect, the law on usufruct envisaged under the National Civil Code, 2017 endeavors to protect social relationships and promote fraternity among community members. A usufruct is the combination of two property rights, “usus” (i.e., right to use something without damaging something) and “fructus” (i.e., right to enjoy the fruits of the property being used).  

Taking care of other’s property     

Section 352 of the Civil Code envisages that the owner of the property—be it movable or immovable—may allow others to use or enjoy his property free of cost. In fact, usufruct is an opportunity created by the owner of a property for his un/known ones to avail the benefits, use or enjoy his property for certain duration in good faith. However, it’s neither the transfer of title, nor is it the transfer of ownership.

It’s like a contract whereby the owner allows the possessor to use or enjoy his property for a stipulated period and return him the same in the same manner and in the same position without causing any damage to it. This respect, it’s a matter of trust excelled by the owner of the possessor.

The consent of other coparceners is necessary while giving any immovable property—like land or trees bearing fruits—in usufruct (Section 354). The usufructuary, the person who uses the property obtained by way of usufruct,  shall use or enjoy the property in good faith and adopt due diligence and care of the same (Section 355). The possessor of usufruct is entitled to file a lawsuit for the protection or enjoyment of the property (Section 355(4)).

Conditions

As the usufruct does not confer ultimate ownership, the possessor is not entitled to make alteration in the substance and form of the property without the consent of the owner. The usufructuary may lend the property on rent, lease or mortgage but with the consent of the owner. There shall be no requirement of written deed in case where the rent amount does not exceed 20,000/- per month (Section 358).

Sections 359 and 360 again remind that the possessor would have a duty to maintain and adopt reasonable care of the owner’s property. Section 361 casts a duty on the usufructuary to clear the bills, like electricity bills or water bills and other taxes. Section 362 provides for the duty of the usufructuary to inform the owner about any encroachment or damage caused to his property.

Limitations

Above all this, the usufruct cannot be everlasting. In case of natural person, the contract of usufruct would cease at the instance of the death of the usufructuary, i.e., the legal person holding the property by usufruct; or at the completion of 49 years of usufruct contract or whichever is earlier (Section 363).

The usufruct contract comes to an end at the dissolution of any institution; or at the completion of 29 years; or whichever is earlier—in the case of an artificial person.  If the usufructure is more than one, the usufruct would deem to be terminated on the date on which the last survivor usufructuary dies. The usufruct would also come to an end at the accomplishment of a purpose.. 

The owner could terminate or cancel the contract at the instance when it is found that the property in usufruct is not safe or wrongly used, abused or damaged (Section 364). The owner has the power to take his property back in possession at any given time. But, if the usufructuary does not wish to enjoy the property obtained under provision of usufruct, he may return such a property to the owner at any time by giving a notice of at least 45 days (Section 365).

Section 367 is the statute of limitation which prescribes that an aggrieved party (in usufruct) could file a lawsuit within six months from the date of commission of an alleged act.

Social support

The usufruct may be established over every kind of property, like movable and immovable property. In Nepal’s case, the general implementation of usufruct law could be seen in case of farmhouses, houses, farming lands, among others. The owner of a property could yield income from his property with the help of usufructuary.

Of late, it’s hard to trust someone. Our society is witnessing cases of criminal breach of trust, cheating, fraud and cases of illegal occupation of property on a daily basis. These incidents have led people to think twice before allowing someone to step into their property as a usufructuary. Nevertheless, our substantive and procedural laws are there to punish the outliers.

“The earth belongs in usufruct to the living,” said Thomas Jefferson. We can think of Jefferson’s earth as a place where a disadvantaged group or possessor (in general) is allowed to use and enjoy the fruits of the owner’s property without causing any damage to it. The mechanism of usufruct provides opportunity for a large chunk of people to reside at other’s place, cultivate other’s farmland, or yield income from other’s property or generate income and benefit for and from the owner of a property.

Way forward

As a matter of fact, it’s beneficial to the possessor as well as the owner for a number of reasons.

In usufruct, the owner’s property remains safely managed by usufruct and the latter finds it an opportunity to use and enjoy the property of others for a certain period. Secondly, the usufructuary could generate income for the owner by way of lease or other mechanisms but with the consent of the owner.  This way, our law endeavors to tighten the bond of social solidarity. It aims to bridge the gap between haves and have nots and attempts to promote fraternity. It’s high time to rejoice the social solidarity among the community members and to promote the message of usufruct, for our society deserves to support each other to survive and thrive in a bond of trust.  

Barely a heartbeat after seizing his third term as Prime Minister, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal swore to buckle down, vowing to steer clear of the glitzy public spectacles that so often distract our leaders. He promised nothing short of groundbreaking achievements during this tenure.

Yet, in less than a fortnight, he quietly confessed to a select group of news editors that resisting the siren call of public events was a battle he couldn’t win. “Yes, I understand these functions take up precious hours, but there's an undeniable obligation that makes it agonizingly difficult to decline,” he admitted, betraying the fragility of his resolve.

Fast forward to January, he unleashed a 30-point ultimatum upon government secretaries, demanding immediate service delivery enhancements. He even brandished the sword of accountability, threatening bureaucrats with consequences if they failed to step up within 30 days. However, nine months have passed, and the service delivery landscape remains as desolate as a barren field. Promised improvements in the nation's economy and resolution of its financial woes have evaporated like a mirage in the desert.

Consider these recent months, and it becomes alarmingly apparent that the needle has not budged an inch—in any direction. The economy languishes, public service quality nosedives further, and inflation rears its ugly head. Meanwhile, the exodus of young talents to foreign shores swells unabated, stoking the ire of the populace. Anger simmers against the ineffectual government and ruling factions, thanks to their failure to deliver and the skyrocketing cost of daily essentials.

Yet, the prime minister’s daily itinerary paints a picture of blissful oblivion. He appears perennially ensnared in public galas or political conclaves, leaving Parliament in the lurch. He’s even been known to dedicate five leisurely hours to a reality TV show in Godavari while his coalition partners grappled with the opposition’s House obstruction. Sadly, the lure of gratifying speeches and social gatherings seems to have become an inescapable hallmark of our political elite.

An executive prime minister shoulders the pivotal responsibility of overseeing government entities and chairing vital committees. Experts insist that a monthly tête-à-tête with these agencies could work wonders. Yet, when the prime minister squanders time on unproductive pursuits like event-hopping and oratory displays, it's the people who bear the brunt as state agencies falter.

Throughout these nine months, Dahal’s calendar appears chock-full of events, petty coalition skirmishes, and meddling in provincial governance, as exemplified by the Koshi Province Assembly fracas. To add to his agenda, he’s swamped with events hosted by the Socialist Front across all seven provinces. Now, he’s suddenly fixated on projecting himself as a transitional justice champion.

Alongside this political maelstrom, he dabbles in sundry pursuits like inaugurating schools, hospitals, and administrative buildings at the grassroots, presiding over book launches, cutting ribbons at road openings, and even gracing sporting occasions. Dahal himself begrudgingly confessed that the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers currently resemble mere specters of effectiveness. During an Aug 4 meeting, he admitted: “We’ve fallen short in a multitude of matters, inviting public scrutiny.” The experts concur; small-scale events should be promptly discarded from his agenda

While his administration earns accolades for unearthing corruption scandals involving the fake refugee haven at Lalita Niwas and gold smuggling, Dahal faces allegations of shielding politicians and micro-managing minor government officials. Several vital bills languish in Parliament, yet the prime minister struggles to secure the approval of both coalition allies and opposition forces. To make matters worse, he hasn’t even assembled a cohesive team, despite deploying Maoist loyalists in various roles. His passport might be stamped with visits to India, and preparations underway for trips to China and the United Nations, but foreign affairs advisors remain conspicuously absent. Furthermore, his rapport with the Nepali Congress, a crucial coalition partner, teeters on the brink, marred by corruption disputes and discord with party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Khem Raj Nepal, former secretary:  The prime minister has to engage a lot on policy issues in coordination with vital state institutions such as National Planning Commission and other agencies under him.  He has to monitor the functioning of all ministries. Now, it appears that he is misusing and abusing his position because he is attending to very small and trivial functions and issues. Actually, a code of conduct should be formulated which identifies the dos and don’ts of the prime minister and other ministers. 

Gopi Nath Mainali, former Secretary: The prime minister has a lot of tasks on his plate, mainly to coordinate with the government institutions from center to local office .The main tasks of the prime minister’s office are maintaining governance and preparing the draft of laws. There are some divisions in the prime minister’s office to conduct the sectoral tasks, but the prime minister has to oversee the overall tasks. 

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song has come under fire for making ‘undiplomatic remarks’ regarding the Nepal-India ties. 

Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Saturday, Chen had made contentious comments regarding economic matters between Nepal and India, terming it as ‘not mutually beneficial’. He also claimed that Nepal can achieve economic prosperity from China rather than India.

Sundarmani Dixit, a civil society leader, has called on the government to promptly seek an explanation from Ambassador Chen and request the Chinese government for his recall.

Speaking at a function on Tuesday, Dixit remarked that the comments made by the Chinese ambassador had the potential to negatively impact Nepal’s long standing relationship with India. 

“The foreign minister should promptly seek clarification from the Chinese ambassador,” he said.

Chen had pointed out that in the last fiscal year, Nepal exported electricity worth Rs 10bn to India, while simultaneously importing electricity worth Rs 19bn from India.

 “How can Nepal achieve self-sufficiency in the sector it takes pride in under such circumstances,” the Chinese envoy remarked at the program, which was also attended by Speaker Devraj Ghimire and CPN-UML leader Aanandaraj Pokharel.

Chen went on to highlight that in the first month of the current fiscal year alone, Nepal had imported agricultural products worth Rs 7bn from India. “In this ratio, Nepal imports agricultural products worth Rs 100bn from India in a year,” he said, underscoring Nepal’s heavy reliance on India for agricultural products.

Vijay Kant Karna, a former Nepali ambassador to India, expressed his concern, labeling Chen’s comments as highly undiplomatic and unprecedented.

“This is the first time in Nepal that an ambassador of any country has given such an undiplomatic comment,” he said. “China had previously commented on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the US and now is making remarks about India.”  

Karna said Nepal was capable of establishing relationships with other countries and it didn't need any suggestions from other countries on how to conduct its foreign affairs.

“The Chinese ambassador should have spoken about China being reluctant to open its border for trade with Nepal and the stalled BRI projects,” said Karna. 

Meanwhile, the International Relations Committee of Parliament has summoned Foreign Minister NP Saud to address various diplomatic matters, including the controversial remarks made by the Chinese ambassador.

Committee chair Raj Kishor Yadav said the meeting’s agenda will also encompass a discussion on establishing a code of conduct for foreign diplomats in Nepal. 

“The meeting will explore strategies to ensure that ambassadors adhere to diplomatic code of conduct,” he said.

Former ambassador Dinesh Bhattarai said the Chinese ambassador should not have gone to that extent in his speech. “It’s not his responsibility to teach us the kind of economic and political system we follow,” he said. 

Spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sewa Lamsal said the ministry was unaware of the remarks made by the Chinese ambassador.