MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA FULL TANK: Purna Devi Maharjan adjusts the rainwater harvesting system on her roof terrace in Bhotebahal after Wednesday's rain. Faced with shortages of fuel, electricity and water, urban Nepali households have been forced to adapt.

Despite reckless apathy and negligence of successive governments after 2008, Nepal's young entrepreneurs, the private sector, scientists and community groups are overcoming crippling shortages of electricity, fuel, food and water.

Nepal leads the world in biogas technology, community micro-hydro projects, and captive solar systems. Nepali companies are forging ahead with innovative alternative energy installations, rainwater harvesting, and organic farming.

Technology is available to make us less dependent on fossil fuel imports, polluting brick kilns and garbage disposal.
Nepali Times is organising the first-ever EcoFair 2012 this weekend to showcase examples of ecologically-sound and sustainable lifestyles. Visit Nepal Academy from11-12 February and learn to be self-sufficient and live with shortages of everything.

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