In Nepal, the main disasters are floods, lightning, fire, epidemics, and landslides. Among the several disasters in the Himalayan region, lightning is an important one. Because of the short distance (about 160 km) between the low land and peak Mount Everest from South to North, there is a variation of about 950C temperature in these regions. The topographical features of the southern slopes and variation of temperature within this short distance influences the features of lightning and in this scenario, we get the positive cloud to ground lightning frequently which is more dangerous for human beings, animals, and property. In the Himalayan region, thunderstorms occur near the mountains due to which more positive charge can easily transfer from cloud to ground. Hence positive lightning occurs in the Himalayan region. The majority of the lightning-affected people are unaware of lightning safety and they should know the measures to protect life and property from lightning hazards. Hence by conducting awareness programs for the people of potential hazard areas, the number of injured people can be reduced as well as electrical, medical, military equipment can be somewhat protected from lightning. BIBECHANA 18 (2) (2021) 116-128

This paper aims to design and test a foldable, lightweight wheelchair propelled by a pair of electric motors. Starting from literature review, the research team carried out the design and solid modeling of proposed wheelchair. Solidworks software was used to make the computer model. The wheelchair frame comprised of a chair like frame with two pairs of wheels on front and back. The defined electric wheelchair is completed with the coordination of manual and electric system. A pair of electric motor is fitted on wheels at backside which are controlled by the electronic controller powered by the battery. The folding mechanism developed on the wheelchair was aimed for ease of transport and storage. The frame material was selected to be aluminum alloy. Lithium ion battery and geared electric motors were used in the prototype and motion control was done by joystick. Locking mechanism was used for frame locking during operation. The prototype was subjected to different tests. The unfolded dimensions of wheelchair were 850mm × 620mm × 1400mm (0.738m3) and whereas the folded dimensions were 1100mm × 620mm × 520mm (0.354m3) that resulted 52.03% reduction in volume. The mass of wheelchair was measured to be 22kg. The tested data of wheelchair was found to be 10 km approximately.