- Thursday, 16 January 2025
Kathmandu, March 18: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has asked the agencies and officials to effectively implement the programmes of food systems transformation.
At a high-level review meeting on food systems commitment held on Monday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the PM also urged the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and other development partners to effectively advance and mainstream the programmes of the food systems transformation.
During the meeting, Nepal’s commitment made in different international forums and dialogues were reviewed.
Stating that Nepal’s commitments to food systems transformation made in different forums and conferences were praised, the PM directed the government officials to include the plans of food systems transformation with priority in the upcoming fiscal year’s plans and budget.
On the occasion, the PM said an all-side cooperation was needed to make more progress by learning lessons from the achievements made by Nepal in the areas of food security and nutrition.
In his remarks, the PM emphasized that the impacts of the climate change on food systems should be reduced and called for marching ahead for production and productivity growth to achieve prosperity by strengthening competitive strength.
Stating that there is less than seven years to meet the target for Sustainable Development Goals 2030, the PM said the issue of food systems transformation should be implemented with top priority as the food systems transformation was more relevant agenda in the context of Nepal’s graduation to a developing country.
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24- Seven dead, 20 injured in Nisikhola bus accident
Baglung, March 18: Seven persons were killed and 20 others were injured in a bus accident occurred this evening along the Mid Hill Highway at Jaulepani of Nisikhola Rural Municipality-6 in Baglung district.
The bus (Bagmati Province 01-006 Kha 3879) was on its way to Kathmandu from Rukum Purba.
Police Inspector Raj Kumar BK, Chief of Area Police Office, Burtibang, said the bus fell some 300 metres off the road.
The rescue operations are ongoing, BK added. Details of the accident are awaited.
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25- Gold smuggling case: Court orders to release Gurung on bail
Kathmandu, March 18: The Kathmandu District Court has issued an order to release on bail Jeewan Gurung who was arrested for investigation into the gold scam.
A bench of district judge Madhab Prasad Adhikari today issued the order to release Gurung on bail amount of Rs 1.5 million, information officer at the Kathmandu District Court, Chandra Prasad Panthi shared.
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) had arrested Gurung on February 26.
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26- Gold smuggling case: Vice Chair Mahara remanded in judicial custody for four days
Kathmandu, March 18: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has been permitted to remand CPN (Maoist Centre) Vice-Chair and former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara in judicial custody for four days to proceed investigation on the gold scam. The Kathmandu District Court today remanded Mahara in custody for probe. He was produced before the district court today for extension of his remand.
Bureau spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Hobindra Bogati told RSS that further investigation has advanced with the extension of the remand.
Earlier, the CIB had released Mahara after recording his statement. Leader Mahara was arrested from Kapilvastu this morning and taken to custody in Kathmandu.
The high level probe commission on gold smuggling formed under the leadership of former high court chief judge Dilli Raj Acharya had recommended investigation on Mahara. Police arrested Maoist leader Mahara in line with the recommendation.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane on Sunday had directed the police to proceed with investigation process against all those involved in the gold smuggling case and those recommended for action by the high commission.
Mahara was allegedly linked to a Chinese national involved in smuggling 61 kg of gold concealed in ‘Brake Shoes’ on July 18 last year and nine kilogram gold concealed in electronic cigarette earlier.
Mahara’s son Rahul and former Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun’s son Dipesh Pun have already been arrested in the case.
Earlier, the then CIB chief, Additional Inspector General of Police Kiran Bajracharya has been transferred to the Police Headquarters after the commission pointed out flaws in the investigation of the case. Additional Inspector General of Police Shyam Lal Gyawali has been sent there. Superintendent of Police Sanjay Singh Thapa and Deputy Superintendents of Police Rugam Kunwar and Durga Dahal have been summoned to the headquarters.
A new police team of CIB is currently investigating into the case. The Council of Ministers had also decided to implement the report of the commission.
Based on this, the police have intensified the investigation. At the time, the CIB had released some people associated with the Chinese nationals involved in the gold scam. Mahara was one of them.
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27- EC allocates election symbols to political parties in view of by-election
Kathmandu, March 18: The Election Commission (EC) has allotted election symbols to the registered political parties to participate in the by-elections to be held in the Ilam House of Representatives constituency-2 and Bajhang Province Assembly constituency-1 on coming April 27.
As many as 20 political parties have been registered in Ilam while 19 political parties got registered in Bajhang as per the legal provisions specified in Rule 15 of the Political Parties Regulations, 2074 BS.
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28- NCC asks govt. to increase capital expenditure
Kathmandu, March 18: The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has urged Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun to ensure policy provisions to create employment and increase production by making higher capital expenditure.
A team of the NCC led by its President Rajendra Malla met Finance Minister Pun on Monday and called for policy provisions to increase production and create more employment by improving the state of capital expenditure to bring back the country’s economy on right track.
The NCC has asked the Finance Minister to scrap the reference pricing in the customs for the import of goods and give recognition to the transaction pricing and also establish a high quality quarantine lab at customs point.
Issuing a press statement, the NCC has said the new fiscal year’s budget should prioritize on making the economy more dynamic and expand the economic activities.
During the meeting, President Malla argued that youth would get employment at home if multinational companies were attracted in the field of information technology.
In response, Finance Minister Pun said the government has taken the policy to keep the private sector’s morale high and take the private sector in confidence.
On the occasion, Minister Pun said there will be no act from the government to terrorize the private sector and shared that fiscal crimes would be addressed by making separate laws.
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29- Joint Commission between Nepal, EU taking place on Tuesday
Kathmandu, March 18: The 15th meeting of the Joint Commission between Nepal and the European Union (EU) is scheduled to be held here on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press statement.
The Ministry said the meeting will delve into overall aspects of the bilateral relations between Nepal and the EU, including cooperation in the regional and multilateral issues of common interests.
Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal will lead the Nepali delegation while Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific of the European External Action Service of the EU, Paola Pampaloni, will lead the European delegation.
Earlier on March 6, the meeting of the Sub-Commission on Development Cooperation between Nepal and the EU was held at the Ministry of Finance that exchanged views on the ongoing development cooperation between Nepal and the EU.
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30- Nisikhola bus accident update: Death toll reaches eight
Dhorpatan (Baglung), March 18: As many as 25 persons injured in a bus accident occurred at Nisikhola of Baglung this evening were taken to the Burtibang primary health facility. The death toll has so far reached eight in the accident.
According to In-charge of Area Police Office, Burtibang, Rajkumar BK, the bodies of seven persons killed in the accident are being recovered now.
Among the deceased are four men and four women, it is said. The deceased however are yet to be identified, he informed.
The bus (Bagmati Province 01-006 Kha 3879) was on its way to Kathmandu from Rukum Purba met with accident this evening along the Mid Hill Highway at Jaulepani of Nisikhola Rural Municipality-6 in Baglung district. The bus fell some 300 metres off the road.
According to Police Inspector BK, 23 among the injured are said to be in critical condition while two are in normal condition.
“The injured and decreased have not yet been identified. The injured were taken to hospitals after recovery. Now we are in accident site. Most of the injured are critical”, he shared.
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31- Former Speaker Mahara to be kept at hospital
Kathmandu, March 18: The Kathmandu District Court has decided to keep Nepal CPN (Maoist Centre) Vice-chair and former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara at a hospital for investigation.
Spokesperson of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police, Superintendent of Police Hobindra Bogati told RSS that the hospital has been managed accordingly as the court has ordered to keep him there citing his health reasons. According to him, leader Mahara will be kept at Norvic Hospital.
Mahara had demanded allowing him to stay at the hospital since he was taking different eight types of medicines.
Earlier today, the court had extended four-day remand to investigate leader Mahara in connection with the gold scam. Mahara will now be able to stay at the hospital for all four days. He was arrested from Kapilvastu today and brought to Kathmandu for investigation purpose.
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32- PM expresses grief over Nisikhola bus accident
Kathmandu, March 18: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed grief to the demise of seven persons in a road accident happened on Monday evening at Nisikhola in Baglung district.
Seven persons were killed and 25 passengers were injured in a bus accident at Jaulepani of Nisikhola Rural Municipality-6 in Baglung district along the Mid Hill Highway. The bus (Bagmati Province 01-006 Kha 3879) was on its way to Kathmandu from Rukum Purba.
Writing in his social networking sites, the PM has expressed heartfelt condolences to the passengers who lost their life in the road accident, and deep sympathies to bereaved families.
Wishing for speedy recovery to those injured ones, the PM has directed the administration to ensure effective rescue and treatment facility.
Likewise, the PM has called for making plans to reduce such accidents by taking lessons from the recurring road accidents.
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08 – Weekly three flights to be started from Resunga airport
Gulmi, March 18: Weekly three flights are to be operated from Resunga airport from today. Before this, Nepal Airlines had been operating flights twice a week on Wednesday and Friday. The same airline is operating one more flight on Monday, said Suman Thapa, the Station Manager of Resunga Airport.
“One more flight has been started with the growing number of air passengers. Necessary coordination would be done with the Nepal Airlines for starting additional flights depending on the number of passengers,” he said.
An 18-seater plane of Nepal Airlines has been operating flights on Kathmandu-Resunga-Kathmandu route in the morning every Wednesday and Friday. The airfare on Kathmandu-Resunga is Rs 7,280 while it is Rs 7,080 on Resunga-Kathmandu route.Resunga airport is at a distance of five kilometres from Tamghas, the headquarters of Gulmi district.
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09- Two killed in jeep accident
Myagdi, March 18: Two persons were killed in a jeep accident at Nepane of Annapurna rural municipality-5 in Myagdi district.
The accident took place when a jeep (Ga 1 Ja 7653) heading towards Paudwar from Pokharebagar on Sunday night fell some 200 meters off the road.
The bodies of jeep owner and driver Ganesh Shrestha, 37, and Lal Bahadur Tilija, 27, of Paudwar, were found at the incident site, said ward member of Annapurna rural municipality-5, Purna Paija.
The jeep was found stuck in a cliff around 8:00 am today in course of searching for the vehicle after getting the information that the jeep heading towards Pokharebagar on Sunday night did not reach the destination, he added.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan Kunwar shared that police teams from Ghara and Bhurung Tatopani have reached the incident site and started collecting bodies and investigating into the incident.
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10- Maoist Centre Vice Chair Mahara under arrest
Kathmandu, March 18: Police have arrested Vice Chair of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara. He has been taken under police control for investigation as he was implicated in the gold smuggling scam.
Central Spokesperson of Nepal Police, Deputy Inspector General Bhim Prasad Dhakal said that the former Speaker was taken under police control from Kapilbastu today morning. He said Mahara has now been brought to Kathmandu from Kapilbastu.
Before this, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police had released him after recording his statement in the same case before this. Police took Mahara under control this time after the investigation commission formed to probe the gold smuggling scandal recommended for initiating investigation on the former Speaker. Former judge at the Supreme Court Dilli Ram Acharya is the coordinator of the investigation commission.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane had directed the police leadership to forward investigation process against all involved in the gold smuggling scam and recommended action by probe commission.
The name of former Speaker and Vice-Chairperson of CPN (Maoist Centre), Krishna Bahadur Mahara, was connected along with a Chinese national in 61-kg gold brought by hiding in brake shoe on July 18, 2023 and smuggling of nine-kg gold in e-cigarettes in January, 2023.
Mahara’s son Rahul and Dipesh Pun, son of former Vice-President, Nanda Bahadur Pun, are also found involved in the gold scam. Police have already arrested Rahul on August 30, 2023 and Dipesh few days ago.
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11- HoR session: NC demands fair investigation into cooperatives fraud
Kathmandu, March 18: In today’s session of the House of Representatives (HoR), the major opposition party Nepali Congress called for an impartial investigation into cases of cooperative fraud.
When the meeting commenced, NC lawmakers stood up from their seats, prompting Speaker Devraj Ghimire to grant time to NC general secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa to express his views. Thapa highlighted allegations against incumbent Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Rabi Lamichhane, in cooperative disputes, questioning his suitability to remain in office amid these controversies.
According to Thapa, Minister Lamichhane is allegedly embroiled in disputes related to Surya Darshan and Suprim Cooperatives, casting doubt on his eligibility for the ministerial position until these issues are resolved. Thapa underlined the need for an impartial investigation, stating, “It is uncertain whether he is guilty or not. He will undergo investigation. However, he faces allegations of cooperative misappropriation. The question arises whether the accused individual can ensure an impartial investigation.”
Thapa stressed on the need of creating an environment for cooperative victims to reclaim their deposits, calling on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to make efforts towards establishing such an atmosphere.
He said while the NC wished for a smooth operation of the House, they awaited a prompt response from the Prime Minister regarding its concerns.After listening to Thapa, the Speaker expressed hope that the government would pay attention to the matter, acknowledging its significance.
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12- Manakamana cable car service to remain closed for a day
Muglin (Chitwan), March 18: Manakamana cable car service is to remain closed for a day. According to Manakamana Darshan Pvt Ltd, the cable car service will remain closed on March 20 for its regular maintenance.
The service would come into regular operation from March 21, said Deputy General Manager of the Pvt Ltd, Ujjwal Sherchan.
The Manakamana cable car service was brought into operation from 2055 BS. One can reach the Manakamana Temple of Gorkha district from Kurintar of Ichchhakamana-4 in Chitwan district within 10 minutes by cable car. Manakamana cable car is the first cable car service in Nepal.
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13- 25th Flora Expo records transactions worth over Rs 10 million
Kathmandu, March 18: The 25th Flora Expo organized in the federal capital from March 14-17 recorded transactions exceeding Rs 10.05 million, surpassing the target of Rs 10 million. The festival, jointly organized by the Floriculture Association Nepal and Floriculture Development Centre, attracted 49,100 visitors, according to Association Chair Min Bahadur Tamang.
The festival featured varied stalls: 60 commercial, three landscaping, eight official, one competitive, and one eatery store. Entrance fees were set at Rs 150 per head for general attendees and Rs 100 for students. The event’s theme was “Flora business for a clean environment and economic prosperity.”
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Jwala Kumari Shah, visited the Expo last Saturday, pledging to address policy issues related to the flora business.
Despite increasing domestic demand for flowers in Nepal, particularly during the Tihar festival, the country still imports from India to meet its needs.Currently, floriculture is practiced in 43 districts across the country, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Kaski, Chitwan, Makwanpur, Kavrepalanchowk, Gulmi, Palpa, Dhadhing, and Morang.
Commercial production encompasses 450 varieties of flowers, cultivated on around 157 hectares of land. The initiation of the floriculture business in Nepal dates back to 2007 BS.Nepal reportedly records annual floriculture transactions of around Rs 3.07 billion.
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14 – Sherpa elected president of upper house committee
Kathmandu, March 18: Lawmaker Sonam Gyaljen Sherpa of the CPN (UML) has been today unanimously elected the President of the Federation Strengthening and National Concern Committee under the National Assembly.
The National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sherpa.
Committee president Sherpa has assumed office immediately after taking the oath. On the occasion, he expressed the commitment to carry out works under his responsibility remaining within the parameters of the constitution.
Sherpa vowed to work towards formulation of the required laws and facilitating the same while in the committee which is taken as the ‘mini parliament’. The term of the Committee president is two years.
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15- Panta elected Chair of Development, Economic Affairs and Good
Governance Committee
Kathmandu, March 18: Lawmaker of the Nepali Congress, Kamala Devi Panta, has been elected unopposed as Chairperson of Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the National Assembly.
A meeting of the committee held today in Singha Durbar elected Panta as the Chairperson. Chairperson of the NA, Narayan Prasad Dahal, administered oath of office and secrecy to newly elected Chairperson Panta.
On the occasion, NA Chair Dahal congratulated and extended best wishes to Panta. There is a provision in the National assembly Regulations that NA member elected as Chairperson of the committee has to take oath of office and secrecy before NA Chairperson.
Soon after taking oath of office and secrecy, Chairperson Panta assumed office. The term of the Committee Chairperson is of two years.
On the occasion, Chairperson Panta expressed belief that she would play active role to maintain good governance and effectively raise important issues including economic empowerment to achieve sustainable development goals and to reduce risks of climate change.
Saying good governance would not be promoted until corruption is reduced, she shared that the committee would be active for the same.
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16- NA passes condolence motion over Ansari’s demise
Kathmandu, March 17: A meeting of the National Assembly (NA) today endorsed a condolence motion over the demise of House of Representatives (HoR) member Manju Sharma Ansari.
NA Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal proposed the session to endorse the condolence and it was passed unanimously. Presenting the proposal, the NA Chair paid tributes to the departed soul and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
The meeting also observed one-minute silence over the passing away of Ansari. The 60-year-old Ansari, the lawmaker from the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal under the proportional representation system, died amidst the treatment on Sunday.
The upper house of the Federal Parliament shall meet again at 11:15 am on March 20, Wednesday.
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17 – Rescue of Nepalis enlisted in Russian Army, held captive in Ukraine
intop priority: DPM Shrestha
Kathmandu, March 18 (RSS): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has said the Foreign Ministry has adopted all possible measures keeping the issue of rescue and safety of Nepalis, who are in Russian Army and those held captive in Ukraine, in top priority.
Clarifying on the issues raised in the parliament in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Deputy Prime Minister shared that none of the Nepalis has been officially sent to be recruited in Russian Army.
He mentioned that he held talks with his counterpart for the rescue of the Nepali citizens who are held captive in Ukraine in course of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Sharing that the Russian government has started a process to provide compensation to the families of the Nepalis, killed in the Russia-Ukraine war, the DPM added positive initiatives are underway to return those Nepalis, who have joined Russian Army, to Nepal by cancelling their contract.
The Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha stressed the need of effectively implementing the diplomatic code of conduct, urging to be serious and adopt restraint on the issues of national welfare and foreign relations.
He requested top leaders of federation, province assembly and lawmakers to express views regarding country’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations based on national interest and consensus.
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18– Industry Minister Bhandari and USPTO director meet, exchange MoU
Kathmandu, March 18: Under Secretary of US Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark (USPTO), Kathi Vidal, called on Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, today.
During the meeting at the Ministry of Commerce, they exchanged a memorandum of understanding aimed at bilateral cooperation to promote intellectual property.
The Minister highlighted the need of creating and promoting intellectual property in Nepal to leverage its benefits in trade and investments. “We anticipate continuous support from the US government to leverage the advantages provided by Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing,” stated the Minister.
Nepal has prepared a policy on intellectual property to harness potential opportunities in this sector, he said on the occasion, adding that it is working on the formulation of Industrial Property Law to replace the Patent, Design and Trademark Act.
The Minister expressed his hope that Nepal could reap benefits in various aspects of intellectual property through sound practices and cooperation with the USPTO. The memorandum of understanding is expected to contribute to the development of Nepal’s Intellectual Property Protection Bureau and enhance the capacity of its workforce, thus creating environment conducive for investment, he added.
Furthermore, the Minister urged US investors to confidently consider Nepal as an investment destination. In response, Vidal affirmed the USPTO’s readiness to collaborate with Nepal, expressing the US government’s positive stance towards scaling-up investment in Nepal.
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19 – Man arrested with arms from the Supreme Court premises
Kathmandu, March 18: Police have arrested a person in possession of automatic weapon from the Supreme Court premises here today.
He is Deepak Khadka of Buddhashanti Rural Municipality-3, Jhapa district, said Superintendent of Police Nawaraj Adhikari, the spokesperson for the District Police Range Kathmandu.
“Police personnel on security duty at the Supreme Court took Khadka under control as he entered the court carrying the automatic weapon and handed him over to us. Investigation is on in this connection,” Adhikari said.
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20 – Lawmakers advise government to utilise BIMSTEC for economic
development
Kathmandu, March 18: In a session of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, lawmakers discussed on the Charter of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), urging the government to utilise this regional forum for the cause of economic development of Nepal.
Prior to this, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, proposed the meeting to commence general discussions on the BIMSTEC Charter.
Taking part in the discussions, the lower house members stressed that Nepal should utilise this Forum for poverty alleviation, the promotion of energy development, tourism, transport connectivity and infrastructure development, and for the mitigation of impact of climate change.
They also urged the government to strengthen the effectiveness of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The lawmakers called for accelerating the presence of BIMSTEC and SAARC simultaneously, advising to keep Nepal free from the clutches of geopolitics.
Raghuji Panta, Yogesh Kumar Bhattarai, Shishir Khanal, Metmani Chaudhary, Manish Jha, Abdul Khan, Amar Bahadur Thapa, Ranju Kumari Jha, Chitra Bahadur KC, Prem Suwal, Pradeep Poudel, Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan, Binita Kathayat and Sanjay Kumar Gautam took part in the deliberations.
Responding to concerns raised during the discussions, the Deputy Prime Minister pledged to consider them seriously, reminding of the goals of the establishment of these regional forums for promoting mutual collaboration among the South Asian nations, expanding economic growth and cooperation.
With becoming an active member of the BIMSTEC, Nepal has been undertaking planned efforts to leverage benefits in the areas of development by identifying its priorities, the Minister apprised the House.
DPM Shrestha shared that Nepal has also made preparation for active participation in the Summit to be organised in Thailand by approving the Charter as most of the member countries have already approved it.
Saying the government was clear that SAARC should also be taken ahead equally along with BIMSTEC, he added BIMSTEC could not replace SAARC as SAARC has its own importance. The Deputy Prime Minister informed about the initiative he has been taking in the issue of giving momentum to SAARC.
BIMSTEC was established in 1997 and Nepal had joined BIMSTEC in 2004. There are seven member countries in BIMSTEC and Nepal is current chair of BIMSTEC.
In the meeting, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, presented an agreement related to establishment of ‘International Solar Alliance’ while Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Padam Giri, presented a proposal seeking consideration on amendment received from the National Assembly on ‘Bill designed to amend some Nepal Acts related to Prevention of Money Laundering and Promotion of Business Environment-2080’.
Similarly, Speaker Devraj Ghimire informed the House about one vacant post under proportional category of Janata Samajbadi Party as HoR member Manju Sharma Ansari passed away on March 17. The House agreed on the proposal presented by Deputy-Speaker Indira Rana about reshuffle of members at different committees of HoR.
Rana directed Secretary-General of the Parliament Secretariat Padma Prasad Pandey to publish a notice in order to conduct election to the vacant post of President of Education, Health and Information Technology Committee at 1:00 pm on March 20.
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21- Minister Basnet stresses on rainwater harvesting to manage water
needs
Kathmandu, March 18: Minister for Energy, Irrigation and Water Resources, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has pressed the need for promoting the practice of rainwater harvesting, its management and use to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In his address to a Regional Conference on Rainfall Harvest and Management kicked off in Lalitpur today, the Minister said, “Traditional sources of water are drying up due to impact of climate change. The rainfall harvesting and its management are needed to address the crisis of water ahead.”
Warning of the massive drying of water resources due to growing consequences of climate change, he said it is urgent to protect water resources for a safe future. “The SDGs focuses on the easy availability of water. Rainfall harvesting and its management should be stressed to increase availability of water.”
The two-day conference jointly organised by the Smart Wash Solution Pvt LTD and the SNV Netherlands Development Cooperation Organisation aimed to seek solutions to increasing water crisis and damages due to excessive rainfall. The event is supported by the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management and Nepal Rainwater Harvesting Alliance.
Among the co-organisers of the Conference are the International Rainwater Harvesting Alliance, Water Aid Nepal, Nepal Water for Health and WWF. Similarly, various organisations as UNICEF, World Health Organization,
the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), the Town Development Fund, the Biogas Support Programme, Helvetas Nepal, Nepal Open University, Global Peace Foundation, Diyalo Technologies, Youth Alliance Environment and Best Pani have supported the event.
Minister Basnet stressed on the need of timely identifying the challenges and finding the solutions to them, pointing out that the climate change impact might lead to shortage of water. He also emphasized on conservation of the water sources.
“There is good possibility of rainwater harvesting and its management in Nepal. An impending water crisis will have huge impact on the human race, agriculture and biodiversity conservation. The initiative of all is needed to protect from the risk and impact that might result from water shortage,” he reminded.
Former Minister Ganesh Shah spoke on the need of conservation of sources of water, their management and of promoting rainwater harvesting to tide over the water crisis.
Chairperson of Smart Wash Solution and Organising Committee, Engineer Ramdeep Sah shed light about importance of protecting water sources, saying water is essential for life.
He mentioned, “Where there is enough availability of water, human civilization is developing there. Physical and industrial development is increasing. The places facing scarcity of water are behind humanitarian development index.”
There is negative impact on traditional water resources and water sources are drying up due to irregular rainfall following climate change, Sah stressed, expressing worry over rapid melting of snow.
A study shows that around Rs 5.70 billion people have to face scarcity of drinking water for a month in a year by 2050, he added. International and national experts would present 31 working papers related to policy, regulation and organisational model for rainwater harvesting and management sustainable development goal of supplying clean drinking water to all by 2030 in the conference, Sah said.
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22- President Paudel performs consecration at Swoyambhu Mahachaitya
Kathmandu, March 18: President Ramchandra Paudel performed the consecration ritual of the pinnacle of the Swoyambhu Mahachaitya temple today.
The Head-of-State performed worship of the Chaitya as per the religious tradition amid a programme organised today by the Swoyambhu Management and Conservation General Committee.
Committee office-bearers and employees welcomed the President at the site on the occasion.The pinnacle of the Chaitya temple was damaged by a storm on March 14, 2023. Situated at Kathmandu Metropolitan City-15, the Swoyambhunath Stupa complex is enlisted as a World Heritage Site.
The Mahachaitya has been renovated at a cost of approximately Rs 5 million. The Chaitya that has been restored is about 106 metres tall. The renovation was carried out after a technical team comprising of the Department of Archaeology and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the District Administration Office and the Guthi Sansthan made a detailed study of the structure.
Committee Chair Bhikkhu Dharmamurti Mahasthaveer gave a briefing on the conservation activities carried out in the Swoyambhunath world heritage site.
On the occasion, President Paudel honoured General Committee Chair Bhikkhu Dharmamurti, General Secretary Ashok Bajracharya, among others.
General Committee administrative officer Deependra Vaidya informed that Swoyambhunath Chaitya is a sacred site for the Buddhists of all sects including Hinayana and Mahayana. They perform various religious activities at the site.
Both domestic and foreign tourists come for a visit to this pace. The Anantapur and Pratappur temples close to the Chaitya we also renovated some years back.In Sanskrit, the word Swoyambhu means the land that came into being by itself. The faithful believe that the Vipassvi Buddha had visited the place and performed certain rituals. Several religious activities are organized at the site wishing for world peace and human wellbeing.
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01- Para Taekwondo athlete Palesha selected for Para Olympics
Kathmandu, March 18: Para Taekwondo athlete Palesha Govardhan has been selected for Paris 2024 Paralympics Games. The Olympics for para athletes is being held in Paris, the capital of France from 28 August to 8 September later this year.
Palesha booked a ticket to Paris after winning gold medal in the final match of the Asian Qualifiers held in Taiyang, China. In the final, she defeated Iran’s Lella Mirzai in Taekwondo women’s 57 kg, K-44 category.
Earlier in the semi-final, she had defeated Karima Melikujieva of Uzbekistan by 18-2 points.
Palesha is now the first para athlete of Nepal to participate in the Para Olympics. She was also the first to win a historic bronze medal in the 4th Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province of China in 2022.
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02- Sign language training for employees
Bheriganga (Surkhet), March 18: An initiative has been started to make the services provided by various government offices of Karnali accessible to people with hearing difficulties.
Accordingly, training on sign language has been started for employees working in various government offices of the province. A three-month sign language interpreter training began here on Sunday at the joint initiative of Karnali Province Ministry of Social Development and Birendranagar Municipality, with support from Bheri Deaf Association Surkhet.
A total of 16 employees from different wards of Birendranagar municipality, District Court Surkhet, Karnali Province Police Office and other offices are participating in the training.
President of Bheri Deaf Association, Namrata Bharati, stated that people with hearing impairment had difficulty in accessing government services due to non-availability of sign language communications. She pointed out that it is necessary to provide services through sign language from every public office of the country.
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03- Jogbuda Hospital to provide better service from new building
Godavari (Kailali), March 18: The new building of Jogbuda Hospital building in Parashuram municipality has reached its final stage of construction. As a result, the hospital administration has started preparations for service delivery from the new building.
With the new building in place, preparations are also being made to upgrade the hospital to a 15-bed hospital.
Parashuram, Bhageswar and Alitalgaon Municipalities of Jogbuda as well as the general public of surrounding areas are expected to benefit from the new hospital building.
Meanwhile, the construction of Mahakali Hospital building is also going on at a fast pace. The contract has signed an agreement to complete the building in the next two years.
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04- Holi festival begins formally in Mithilanchal
Jaleshwar (Mahottari), March 18: The Holi festival has formally started in the Mithila region from today. Holi begins officially in the region with Lord Ram and Mata Janaki symbolically playing Holi in Kanchanavan of Bhangaha Municipality-9.
Holi officially starts in the Mithila region after sadhus, saints and Mahatmas paint the idols of Lord Ram and Mother Sita red, as part of the 15-day Madhyamik Parikrama at Kanchanavan of Mahottari.
All the pilgrims of the Madhyamil Praikrama including monks, saints and mahatmas who arrived at Bhangaha Municipality-9 Kanchanavan on the seventh day painted the idols of Lord Ram and Mother Sita this morning with red colour.
With the start of Holi festival now Holi songs will be sung, satirical poems recited and plays will be shown, especially during the evenings in villages across the region.
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05- LDT against using monasteries for commercial purpose
Lumbini, March 18: The Lumbini Development Trust has instructed all concerned not to carry out commercial activities in the monasteries and vihars inside Lumbini area.
Reminding that the vihar area under the jurisdiction of Lumbini Development Trust is a place to fully promote and protect the teachings of Lord Buddha, the LDT has sent a letter to all monasteries and vihars requesting them to establish the vihar area as a Buddhist religious, spiritual and peaceful area.
Likewise, the Trust has also directed the Vihars in Lumbini to submit details of foreign nationals residing as required by Vihar Region Regulation, 2058. It has also warned of action if commercial activities are found being carried out in the Vihar premises.
As per the Lumbini master plan, land has been provided to various countries and Buddhist sects for the construction of vihars.
It may be noted that the Lumbini Hotel Association had submitted a memorandum to the LDT objecting to the fact that instead of promoting Buddhist ideology and spirituality, vihars and monasteries were being used as hotels for guests.
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06- Terhakune wetlands becoming popular destination for domestic tourists
Fikkal (Ilam), March 18: The Terhakune Wetlands area localted at the confluence of ward nos. 1 and 3 of Mai Municipality is gaining popularity as a destination for domestic tourists.
The number of tourists from Ilam, Jhapa, Morang and other districts is increasing following the development of infrastructure in Terhakune wetlands area, said Karsingh Rai, Chair of the Wetland Protection Committee.
The committee has arranged for two boats in the Terhakune pond, which is also becoming a source of attraction for the visiting guests.
Local resident Parbat Rai said that hundreds of domestic tourists come daily to see the Tehrakune wetlands including pond and natural scenery. “On Saturdays and other public holidays, there is a crowd of tourists, including those coming for a picnic,” said Rai.
Transportation has become easier with the expansion of the road leading to Terhakune wetlands, located 34 kms south of Ilam headquarters.
The wetland area is spread over an around of 300 ropani including the pond area that around 100 ropani. The surrounding greenery, hills and forests have added to the beauty of the pond.
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07- Karnali bridge opens for traffic
Lamki (Kailali), March 18: The Karnali bridge that was closed since an incident of fire has been opened for traffic today. The bridge was opened for traffic after an assessment was made of the damage caused by the incident of fire, that originated from a truck loaded with gas lighters.
The bridge has been opened for traffic after an on-site assessment and in consultation with experts who said that travelling across the bridge was not a problem, said Engineer Niraj Shakya of Road Division Office, Nepalgunj.
The wire ropes holding the signature bridge had caught fire in the incident that took place last Monday. The bridge was subsequently closed for traffic, before an expert team from the road division office came to inspect the damage.
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(Time: 11:00)
(Editor: Manoj Karki)
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