The three-day Nepali Times EcoFair 2014 ended Saturday with overwhelming number of people visiting the 70 stalls exhibiting environmental friendly technologies.

Nepali Times EcoFair Nepali Times EcoFair

An estimated 90,000 visited the exhibition since it opened on Friday, and learnt about everything from solar power to organic agriculture, from rain water harvesting to creating a bicycle-friendly city.

Tara Khatri of Sabah Nepal said she found the visitors very interested, and was happy with the response. “They were really interested in dhaka and bamboo shawls, and we sold quite a few.”

A popular stall was the Smart Paani's rain water harvesting model which drew a lot of young visitors with lots of questions. The company’s Bijen Shakya was happy that he could spread awareness about rainwater harvesting to tens of thousands of people. “They may not install our system, but at least they know it can be done,” he added.

There was similar satisfaction from Hira Maharjan of Maharjan Metal Industries who said he found visitors very interested in his products, especially solar panels.

Another company doing brisk sales was Future Green Energy (FGE) which sold its outdoor lights with motion detectors that powered by use lithium iron batteries. “The response from visitors was great, and even if people did not buy the lights they were very interested in it,” said Madhur Guragain of FGE.


Terra, which makes electric-powered scooters, may not have converted visitors to sales but it got many enquiries from potential buyers. Agni, which was exhibiting its Mahindra Reva e20 electric vehicle, was another popular stall with many interested visitors asking questions about price, range and performance of the car.

Mahindra Reva e20 electric vehicles being displayed. Mahindra Reva e20 electric vehicles being displayed.


Srijana Shrestha who works for a local NGO said she was glad she visited the EcoFair and said she was mainly interested in the organic products. “This is a perfect platform to spread environmental awareness,” she said.

Mischa Lee Mischa Lee


Mischa Lee, a Korean American student said she was most impressed with the Smart Paani stall with its rainwater harvesting, and also the Nerolac lead-free paint exhibition. 

Office worker, Lila Bajracharya, said she felt solidarity with exhibitors, visitors and organisers who all seemed to care about the environment. “I was really impressed with rainwater harvesting and by the vision-impaired weaver,” she said.

Architect Sabina Tandukar said everything displayed in the EcoFair are much needed in life but it was the model of rain water harvesting and handicrafts that captivated her. Padma Sundar Maharjan, also an architect, said he learnt a lot from the stalls on alternate energy system, especially solar panels.

Sabina Tandukar and Padma Sundar Maharjan Sabina Tandukar and Padma Sundar Maharjan

Upama Gautam, college student, said the EcoFair opened her eyes. “I always thought of rain water as waste, but now I know you can collect and use it,” she said. Prakash Rawl, a college student felt very proud of Nepali products showcased.

Nepali Times Editor, Kunda Dixit said he was happy with the response. "It wasn't just the number of visitors that was encouraging, but the interest and curiosity they showed for enviriopment-friendly products on display. We hope to do evenbetter next year."

Sonia Awale