- Friday, 29 August 2025
Nepalgunj, May 25: More than four hundred domestic and foreign tourists have visited the Banke National Park in the past 10 months.
According to conservation officer at BNP, Mandip Pangeni, total 430 tourists (both domestic and foreign) visited and observed the wildlife in the park. They also enjoyed the homestay facilities run in the centre of the park in the last 10 months.
Among these tourists, the highest number was recorded in December with 82, while the least in July with 12 last year.
There were only 21 tourists from SAARC countries. The chief and senior conservation officer at BNP, Birendra Prasad Kandel, stated that although they achieved success in conserving tiger, more efforts were required for enhancing ecotourism.
He mentioned that the park had constructed a 200-km forest trail, managed grasslands and artificial water ponds for the convenience of tourists and wildlife. Kandel emphasized effective management of safaris along with homestay and hotels in the surrounding areas.
The latest survey recorded 25 adult tigers in BNP. The park chief Kandel informed many endangered species were protected in the park.
Of total 422 species of wildlife, 34 are mammal, 276 bird, 24 reptiles, 9 amphibians, and 55 fish.
Illegal poaching, human-wildlife conflict, forest fires, encroachment, and the spread of invasive species, rapid urbanization are some of the pressing challenges facing the BNP, it was shared.
UML to celebrate Republic Day as festival
Kathmandu, May 25: The ruling CPN UML has decided to celebrate the Republic Day as a festival. UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel informed that the secretariat meeting held at party’s central office in Lalitpur on Sunday decided to celebrate the Republic Day on Jestha 15 (May 29) as a festival.
He mentioned the day deserves festival-like celebration, as it marks the establishment of the federal democratic republic achieved after decades of sacrifice. The meeting also appealed to one and all for active participation in the celebration.
Similarly, the party committees outside the Kathmandu Valley are organizing special programmes at the municipal levels, for which the party has given a direction.
The party’s Kathmandu Valley committee will organize a cultural programme on the day, coordinating with Nepal People’s Cultural Federation. Necessary coordination for the cultural procession will be done by the party office.
General Secretary Pokhrel stated that the party would focus strengthening the republic citing that it was achieved after historical achievement to address people’s aspiration for change. He made it clear that UML would not accept any activities against the people’s sovereignty and the republic is a system of popular sovereignty established as a right of the people.
“The meeting has concluded that we must make the republic stronger and more resilient. The party’s focus is on protecting people’s rights, safeguarding the achievements, and celebrating the republic in a grand manner,” stated General Secretary Pokhrel.
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Ensure people with knowledge on mountain heritages: Chairperson Jha
Kathmandu, May 25: Executive Chairperson of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Dharmendra Jha, said the importance of mountain heritages should be shared among all Nepalis.
Executive Chairperson Jha reiterated that every Nepali should be aware of significance of mountains and mountain heritages. He said it during the inauguration of the third edition of the photo exhibition held under the theme of ‘Mountain Tourism: Our Pride, Our Identity’. It is organized by the RSS at its central office in Kathmandu today.
The photo exhibition is organized on the occasion of the Republic Day-2082 BS.
Acknowledging the pristine mountains as a ‘Deva Bhumi’ (Land of Gods), Jha pressed for protecting and promoting these natural heritages along with sensitization among the Nepalis. Knowledge on geographical and ecological characteristics of mountain regions is imperative to people.
The pictures displayed in the exhibition are invaluable treasures of the nation, he said, stressing the need for nationalize and internationalize those pictures. He suggested the government paying attention to environment where every Nepali could take pride in the invaluable treasures of Nepal-the mountains.
“People from Madhesh, hill and mountainous regions should be well-informed about our mountains. Only then the true essence of Republic would be reflected,” he argued.
Chairperson Jha maintained, “Our mountains are lifeline to many. They are our nation’s treasure. Our longevity and prosperity depended on how we can preserve them.” He cited that the spiritual literature has depicted mountains as an important treasure.
“It is imperative to protect and promote the mountain heritage and cultures that are associated with the beautiful and unique.” He underscored the need for the government to recognize and promote the creative initiatives such as photo exhibition organized by the RSS.
He reaffirmed that the RSS has been complying with the government’s policies and perspective through this initiative as well.
Likewise, RSS General Manager Siddaraj Rai said the exhibition was organized to support the government’s initiative to support country’s mountain tourism and raise awareness on climate change, aligning with the theme of recently held ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’, a flagship dialogue to deliberate on climate actions.
Rai emphasized coordination and collaboration among all concerned stakeholders for branding of the mountains in Nepal and building eco-friendly infrastructures.
Similarly, Gorkhapatra Corporation’s General Manager Lal Bahadur Airi expressed his confidence that the photos in the exhibition would contribute to preserving and promoting mountains that are hardest hit by climate change.
A total of 100 pictures showcasing the Himalayan peaks, mountain life and major places of mountain tourism and touristic activities are on display. These were taken by RSS photo journalists over different period. It runs through June 13.
Editor Rosha Basnet honoured
Meanwhile, English news editor at RSS and Sagarmatha summiteer, Rosha Basnet, was honoured at the event.
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey feted journalist Basnet offering her a shawl.
Basnet had scaled the highest peak of the world, Sagarmatha, on May 23, 2018 as a part of the First Women Journalists Everest Expedition-2018. She had hoisted a banner carrying the RSS logo atop the Everest- now a photo one among the 100 images displayed in the exhibition.
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Intensify anti-mosquito drive to prevent dengue: Minister Paudel
Kathmandu, May 25: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has urged the ministry line to intensify preparedness against spread of disease including dengue in the wake of monsoon.
During a meeting of the chiefs of various departments and divisions under the ministry to discuss possible epidemic of disease in the rainy season, Minister Paudel reminded the officials to enhance the preparedness to keep populace away from diseases.
It is time to prepare anti-mosquito campaign along with necessary planning and tools, he said, asking the officials to prepare the works from their sides. The Minister urged not to repeat the past mistakes. He also asked to beef up border management in view of the spread of coronavirus in the neighbouring country, India. Cooperation and coordination among three layers of government is imperative to this end, according to Minister Paudel.
Ministry spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki informed that the ministry would hold a meeting for coordination among three-tiers of government on prevention of dengue and other diseases.
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Local level representatives speak for empowerment
Hetauda, May 25: The mayors, deputy mayors and chairs and vice chairs of local levels from Bagmati Province have demanded empowerment for strengthening federalism.
The people’s representatives viewed it at an interaction with members of the National Assembly here on Sunday. The interaction was organized by the federal parliament secretariat.
Chairperson of Khani Khola rural municipality, Indra Bahadur Thing, mentioned that if local levels were made efficient in utilizing resources and revenue, there would not depend on grants from the federal and provincial governments.
“We have been forced to demand. Its example can be seen currently in the ministries of the federal and provincial governments,” he shared the plight, adding that they want to develop programmes based on the needs and identity of their geography, but constitutional hurdles must be removed.
Chairperson of Bhimphedi rural municipality in Makwanpur, Hidam Lama, wanted the appointment of a deputy secretary or an equivalent chief administrative officer in the municipality. He stated, “To make a municipality capable, role of administrative staff is equally important as that of elected representatives. We want capable chief administrative officer at local level.”
Moreover, Vice Chairperson of Bidur municipality, Prabha Bogati, mentioned it is necessary to take initiatives to remove numerous complexities so that it would be easy for local levels to prepare and implement budget.
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Leverage employment opportunities within country: Minister Bhandari
Lalitpur, May 25: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, called for leveraging the employment opportunities within country.
At a discussion on ‘Promotion of internal employment and reintegration of returnee workers’ organized by his ministry here Sunday, Minister Bhandari spoke of the need to dispel the despair regarding bleak prospects of employment in the country.
Stating that there were many opportunities in the country, the Minister claimed the employers here were struggling to find locally suitable employees, often resorting to hiring workers from abroad.
On the occasion, Bhandari shared the government was working to create a labour market where aspiring employees could land up a job based on their qualification and skills. “This effort will be linked with the Nagarik App for greater accessibility,” he informed, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to reintegrate the returnee workers and engage those looking for job.
Furthermore, he mentioned that his ministry was working towards job creation by identifying the opportunities at home in addition to facilitating foreign employment.
Also speaking at the event, National Planning Commission’s Vice-Chairperson Prof Dr Shivaraj Adhikari underscored the need to create jobs in a productive sector. He called for investment in the potential sectors such as agriculture, construction and tourism.
According to him, it would take more than Rs 323 billion of investment to obtain the objectives outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.
Likewise, Ministry’s Secretary Krishna Hhari Puskar identified that the shortage of skilled human resources to be the major hurdle in employment sector. He wondered over the attitude of shunning or feeling ashamed of working within the country while not hesitating to do the same or similar work abroad. Such attitude has led to unemployment in the country, he argued.
Similarly, Social Security Fund’s Executive Director Kabiraj Adhikari shed light on the Fund’s role in providing health security and financial support after retirement of the contributors.
Domestic Employment Promotion Division Chief, Krishna Prasad Sapkota, expressed his confidence that the suggestions sought from the participants on the issues relating to labour market management, creation of industrial environment, management of labour market information system and social security would be very useful for the ministry.
Returnee Network Nepal’s President Uttam Adhikari urged effective implementation of the ‘start-up’ project to engage and empower the foreign employment returnees and ensure that their skills are utilized at scale.
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PM Oli urges celebration of Republic Day at people’s level
Kathmandu, May 25: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged all concerned to celebrate the Republic Day at people’s level on Jestha 15 (May 29).
During a meeting with office bearers of the Press Chautari Nepal and secretariat members at his residence, Baluwatar on Sunday, PM Oli, who is also the Chairman of the CPN UML, viewed the Republic Day should not only be observed from the government level but also at people’s level, because the Republic system is achieved after decades of struggle people waged.
“Republic Day is people’s day. It deserves celebration and fanfare along with pageant and ethnic performances,” PM Oli reminded, adding that we are working for strengthening the federal democratic republic gained through long struggles and sacrifice.
He underlined the publicity of the Day with right information from media. He suggested that Press Chautari Nepal taking a lead in digital publicity of the day. The Chairman urged the Chatari leadership and cadres not to compromise on truth and change.
Meanwhile, the government has formed the Republic Day main celebration committee under the PM Oli’s chairmanship.
On the occasion, Press Chautari’s Chairman Ganesh Pande shared information about the orientation his organization was convening for this year.
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Former President Bhandari in Beijing
Kathmandu, May 25: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari reached Beijing via Guangzhou as part of a nine-day visit to China on Sunday. The Nepali Ambassador to China, Krishna Prasad Oli, warmly welcomed former President Bhandari along with officials from the International Department of the Communist Party of China.
Former President Bhandari participated in a dinner organized in her honor by the International Department of the CPC this evening, where she was welcomed by Minister Liu JInchao of the International Department.
The high-level Nepali delegation led by former President Bhandari included former Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of the Nepal Communist Party (UML) and Head of the Foreign Affairs Department Raghubir Mahaseth, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari, UML leader Karna Bahadur Thapa, lawmaker Devi Bhattachan, former lawmaker Goma Devkota, Executive Chairperson of Public Service Broadcasting Nepal Dr Mahendra Bista, and Dr Kailash Kumar Bhattarai, Dr Bhes Raj Adhikari, and Binay KC, among others. There are 15 participants from various sectors including from her personal secretariat.
Former President Bhandari’s delegation and Chinese officials, along with representatives from various other countries participated in the dinner. During the visit, Bhandari will address the inaugural session of the ‘Dialogue with Political Parties of Neighboring Countries by the Chinese Communist Party’ as the chief guest on Monday.
There was a brief discussion about the mutual relations between Nepal and China, it is learnt.
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Chair Nepal stresses leftist unity
Kathmandu, May 25: Chairman of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal, has said the communist movement must be united to resolve the political and economic crisis facing the country.
Speaking at a programme organized to unify the Jana Sewa Nepal with his party at party central office, Alok Nagar on Sunday, Chairman Nepal mentioned that his party prioritizes cooperation and unity with parties and leftist forces that adhere to communist ideals and values.
Ideological deviations have occurred in the communist party at various times, hindering social justice and economic transformation, Chairman Nepal reminded, urging the communist parties to correct past weaknesses and focus on the development of the country and the protection of people’s rights.
Expressing the view that the Unified Socialist Party adheres to the mainstream communist principles, Nepal stated that it was necessary to unite the leftist forces based on principles, policies and programmes.
The People’s Service Nepal Front led by Savin Pulami has been unified with the Unified Socialist Party. In the event, senior leader Pramesh Hamal, senior vice-president Rajendra Pandey, Vice-president Jagannath Khatiwada, deputy general secretary Ram Kumar Bhattarai, and secretary Methamani Chaudhary were present.
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