October 17, 2015
Razzu and I had hoped to have a positive update for you by now on how best to use the funds you so generously donated. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, this has been delayed.
Nepal passed a long overdue constitution on Sept. 20 followed almost immediately by an embargo by India on fuel deliveries to Nepal. There has been very little international reporting on the crisis but it is very real in Nepal, a country that had barely started to rebuild after the devastating earthquake in April. Airlines have stopped flying in and out of Kathmandu and those that still fly are constrained with loads as they cannot refuel in Nepal. Tourism was already decimated but is now virtually at a standstill.
As the situation worsened while we were in Bhutan and then India, Razzu and I still hoped that he and Dick and the others would still be able to trek into Bhakanjee to as assess the need. However the day before he and Dick were to fly back to Kathmandu from Delhi, Shyam let us know that travel by road had become impossible with no fuel for private vehicles permitted. Thus there was no way to travel the many hours to the trailhead.
When Dick and Razzu did arrive in Kathmandu, they said the airport was chaotic with passengers arriving not knowing there was even a problem, baggage missing or delayed and they too were affected. Dick said they were lucky as their bags arrived the next day though it is likely that Razzu had a part in that, being able to weave his way through the mess with his usual wizardry.
We all hope that this crisis will end sooner than later and as soon as possible, Razzu and Shyam and Kailash will head for Bhakanjee. The donations of winter clothing will go with porters at that time and Razzu will come back with a report on what can be done with our funds.
As always, patience is required in Nepal but we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity.
Namaste,
Marian