- Friday, 29 August 2025
Tanushri Gauchan
Kathmandu, July 13: Nepal has emerged as a vocal advocate for ambitious climate action, despite contributing only a minuscule share of global emissions. In May 2025, at the Sagarmatha Sambaad Nepal unveiled its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0, formally handing it over to the global community. This took place alongside the adoption of the 25-point “Sagarmatha Call for Action,” in which Nepal and other participants urged stronger international efforts to protect mountain ecosystems and fight climate change.
The updated NDC builds on the previous NDC 2.0 submitted in 2020, charting a pathway toward a low-carbon and climate resilient future.
Nepal’s NDC 3.0 represents a significant step up in ambition from NDC 2.0. In NDC 2.0 (2020), Nepal outlined plans that would lead to an estimated 28% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. NDC 3.0 advances this by aiming for a 17.1% net GHG emission reduction by 2030 and 26.8% by 2035. While the percentage for 2030 may appear lower, it reflects refined calculations and an expanded scope of sectors, followed by a substantial cut by 2035. Importantly, Nepal also brought forward its long-term goal of shifting from an aspirational net-zero emissions by 2050 in NDC 2.0 to a firm commitment of net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 in NDC 3.0.Clean energy development has always been a pillar of Nepal’s climate strategy. NDC 2.0 set a target of expanding electricity generation to 15,000 MW of clean energy capacity by 2030 (with 5-10% coming from solar, wind, microhydro, and bioenergy, and the rest mainly from large hydropower). NDC 3.0 not only reaffirms this push but ups the ante. It calls for 14,000+ MW by 2030 and a massive 28,500 MW by 2035. This would roughly double Nepal’s power capacity between 2030 and 2035, leveraging its vast hydropower potential. A portion of this scale up is pledged unconditionally, while the remainder is conditional on receiving international finance and technology. If achieved, this renewable boom could make Nepal a regional clean energy exporter, supporting both domestic development and lower emissions in South Asia.
The new NDC broadens the scope of Nepal’s electric mobility goals. The 2020 NDC had an aggressive target for electric vehicles aiming for 90% of private passenger vehicle sales and 60% of public passenger vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. By contrast, NDC 3.0 raises the ambition and extends it: by 2030, 90% of all private passenger vehicle and 70% of public transport sales are targeted to be electric, and by 2035 the goal rises to 95% of private and 90% of public vehicle sales electrified. Additionally, NDC 3.0 introduces targets for freight and public transit systems. It envisions at least 100 km of electric mass transit lines (electric buses, trolleybus or light rail) in the Kathmandu Valley, and 300 km of electric railway tracks nationally by 2035, a new commitment absent in the earlier NDC.
Both NDCs acknowledge the need to reduce reliance on traditional biomass and fossil fuels for cooking and industry. NDC 2.0 set a goal of 25% of households using electric stoves as primary cooking by 2030, along with promotion of biogas and improved cookstoves. NDC 3.0 builds on this: it aims to electrify cooking for 2.1 million households by 2035 and to distribute efficient improved cookstoves to an additional 1 million homes for those still using firewood. In industry, NDC 3.0 is more specific about cleaner technologies. It targets, for example, conversion of a significant share of brick kilns to cleaner modes, adoption of electric or alternate-fuel boilers in many industries by 2030-2035, and replacement of high GHG refrigerants and anesthetic gases in health facilities by 75% with low GHG alternatives by 2035.
One area of clear continuity, yet slight enhancement is forest conservation.NDC 2.0 pledged to maintain 45% of the country’s area under forest cover through 2030. By 2025, Nepal had already achieved around 46% forest cover, so NDC 3.0 commits to maintain at least 46% forest cover through 2035. It also continues earlier goals to implement sustainable forest management in at least half of the Terai forests and one-quarter of hill and mountain forests. Additionally, the new NDC places greater emphasis on community-based forest management: by 2035, 60% of Nepal’s forests should be under community management, with strong inclusion of women, Indigenous peoples, and marginalized groups in decision making.While mitigation targets often headline NDCs, Nepal’s climate plans devote significant attention to adaptation crucial for a country highly vulnerable to climate impacts. NDC 2.0 outlined broad adaptation priorities (in agriculture, water, forests, health, and disaster risk reduction), in line with Nepal’s 2019 National Climate Change Policy. NDC 3.0 goes further by specifying outcome-oriented goals, such as making a sizable portion of new infrastructure (schools, healthcare facilities) compliant with climate resilient design standards by 2030 and 2035. It also integrates the recently formulated National Adaptation Plan (NAP), ensuring that climate resilience building, from flood early warning systems to drought management is a central component of the national strategy.
The leap in ambition from NDC 2.0 to NDC 3.0 is impressive on paper, but it raises the question: can Nepal actually deliver on these promises? Nepal faces capacity and resource constraints that could make implementation difficult. For instance, reaching 28,500 MW of clean energy by 2035 would require rapid construction of hydropower plants and renewable projects at an unprecedented pace. Nepal’s track record on big infrastructure projects has been mixed; delays due to complex terrain, environmental concerns, financing hurdles, and bureaucratic red tape are common. Similarly, transforming the transportation sector (from near-zero electric cars a few years ago to almost all new vehicles being electric by 2030) will require not just bold policies but also heavy investments in charging infrastructure, grid upgrades, and perhaps incentives to make EVs affordable.
The sheer scale of financing needed is perhaps the biggest hurdle. Nepal estimates it needs around $73.7 billion by 2035 to implement NDC 3.0’s mitigation targets. On top of that, the government projects another $18-20 billion will be required for adaptation initiatives over the next decade. Together, these sums far exceed Nepal’s annual GDP, illustrating the enormous scale of investment required. In the 2020 NDC, the price tag was around $28 billion through 2030, which was already daunting. Nepal has signalled it will invest some of its own funds (roughly $10-15 billion by 2035) a significant commitment, but the rest is expected from international climate finance.
In terms of technology and capacity building, Nepal will also rely on partnerships. For example, transitioning industries to cleaner tech or installing large-scale solar and wind will require know-how that may come through international cooperation. The success of NDC 3.0 is thus intertwined with global support: if the international community steps up with grants, concessional finance, and tech transfer, Nepal’s ambitious plans become more attainable. Ambition alone, as observers have noted, is not enough to sustain climate leadership. Implementation will be the true test. Nepal will need to strengthen its institutions for climate action ensuring that ministries, provincial and local governments, and various sectors coordinate effectively.
[Ms. Gauchan is a student from Dickinson College, Pennsylvania, USA. She has been working under Mr. Naresh Sharma for the Ministry of Forests and Environment]
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President Paudel extends best wishes on BhanuJayanti
Kathmandu, July 13: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that the pioneer poet of Nepali literature Bhanubhakta Acharya has played a vital role in uniting Nepalis via Nepali language.
On the occasion of the 212th birth anniversary of Aadikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya, President Paudel expressed his best wishes, wishing for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepali brothers and sisters residing both within the country and abroad.
The President’s message reads, “Bhanubhakta has made an unparalleled contribution to furthering the Nepali language, literature, and culture by bringing literature within the reach of the people, making the Nepali language the language of the people. Moreover, Bhanubhakta, as the pioneer poet of Nepali poetry and a promoter of the language, is recognized as a representative poet of the early period of Nepali literature.”
In the President’s message, it is mentioned that the Ramayana of Bhanubhakta Acharya, translated into Nepali in a very simple, polite, and interesting manner, has become a part of the everyday language of everyone connected with Nepali literature.
“It has played an important role in the development of public consciousness and the enhancement of emotional unity among all Nepalis across the Himalayas, hills, and plains.”
President Paudel has stated that Bhanubhakta’s Ramayana is a work that promotes the Nepali language script and helps in applying subjects like religion, duty, loyalty, and service to human life.
The head of the state further opined to develop Bhanubhakta’s birth place as a historic and cultural site. Born on 29 Asar 1871 BS in the village of Chundiramgha in Tanahun, , Bhanubhakta has many other creations including ‘Badhushiksha’, ‘Prashnottar’, ‘Bhaktamala’, ‘Ramgeeta’ etc.
The 212th birth anniversary of the pioneer poet of Nepali literature, Bhanubhakta, is being celebrated today by organizing a various programmes across the country and abroad.
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Nepal receives cancer drugs from Direct Relief, the assistance believed to be significant in cancer care
Kathmandu, July 13: Kathmandu, July 13: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has said that essential medicines for cancer treatment will be provided free of cost.
According to the Minister, the first shipment of 37 types of medicines provided by Direct Relief, an international humanitarian organization has already arrived in Nepal. The organization had pledged to supply Nepal with these medicines, including those used in cancer treatment, in order to eliminate the need for patients to travel abroad due to unavailability of such drugs in the country.
Previously, Minister Paudel had decided that these medicines would be distributed free of charge at government hospitals.
Speaking at an event held to hand over the medicines dispatched by Direct Relief to the Government of Nepal through One Heart Worldwide today, the Minister stated that the aid will be a significant support for cancer patients, making treatment more accessible within the country.
The shipment includes medicines for treating breast cancer, skin cancer, and various other types of cancer. This assistance will continue for the next five years, based on Nepal’s needs.
Minister Paudel highlighted that cancer treatment is often very costly due to the high price of medications, creating a major barrier for underprivileged citizens. He also shared that arrangements have already been made to immediately dispatch the medicines to government cancer hospitals.
Stating that many citizens are unaware of government health services and insurance options, the Minister called on the media to help raise public awareness.
Dr. Bhim Sapkota, Head of the Ministry’s Coordination Division, said as per the agreement, Nepal will continue to receive the medicines under this arrangement for the next five years.
Surya Bhatta, Nepal Representative of One Heart Worldwide, said the obtainment of these medicines was made possible through Minister Paudel’s efforts, calling it a significant achievement for the country.
According to Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the medicines will be distributed through BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Sushil Koirala Prakhar Cancer Hospital in Banke, and Bir Hospital in Kathmandu.
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PM Oli inaugurates Madandangi – Tarabari – Dipu Road project
Kathmandu, July 13: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has inaugurated the Madandangi – Tarabari – Dipu road upgrade project located in Damak Municipality, Jhapa today. The road is one of 17 selected from across the country as a pride project of the municipality, supported by the World Bank.
Built at a cost of 442 million rupees, the 4.86 kilometers long road is considered a model project completed on time.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli said that this road is also a model of development work in the country, mentioning that the government is engaged in the campaign to complete projects from Mechi to Mahakali.
He also announced the construction of a stadium in Beldangi, Damak. According to the Prime Minister’s private secretariat, the PM mentioned that after conducting free ‘online’ classes on important subjects with the spirit of volunteerism as part of plans to bring about improvements in every sector, this year’s SEE results improved by 13 percent.
He commented that it was unnecessary to respond to some opponents who falsely propagated that he returned from Spain leaving people behind, overshadowing the success of his visit.
The Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, former Chief Ministers Sherdhan Rai and Uddhav Thapa, among others, were present on the occasion.
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President expresses sorrow over Sharma’s demise
Kathmandu, July 13: President Ramchandra Paudel has expressed sorrow over the passing of former election commissioner Ila Sharma who died due to a heart attack on Saturday.
In his condolence message today, President Paudel has appreciated the role Sharma played as a journalist, stating that it will always be memorable.
He recalled that Sharma successfully led the high-level law drafting committee for preparing the draft of the election law, rules, and directives as the election commissioner.
President Paudel has expressed condolences to the bereaved family while paying tribute to the late Sharma.
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Adikavi binds Nepali language, literature and culture together: Speaker Ghimire
Kathmandu, July 13: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has said that Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya played a significant role in uniting the Nepali language, literature, and culture.
In his address to a joint programme organized today by the Nepal Academy and the Bhanu Pratishthan on the occasion of the 212th birth anniversary of the pioneer poet of Nepali literature, the Speaker said that the Nepali-speaking community across the world remembers and respects the poet for his significant contributions to the Nepali language, literature, and culture.
He also spoke the need to further promote the Nepali language at an international level.Also speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Raghuji Panta, said that Bhanubhakta significantly contributed to promoting the Nepali language through his historic creation, the Ramayana. According to him, the poet played a major role in bringing the Nepali language to its present status.
Nepal Academy Chancellor Bhupal Rai expressed his appreciation for President Ramchandra Paudel’s initiative to honour poets from various languages, including Adikavi, by constructing their statues in Tanahu.
Literary figure Tulasi Diwasa, who was honoured on the occasion, along with literary scholar Dr Nawaraj Lamsal and Academy Member Secretary Dr Dhan Prasad Subedi, highlighted the poet’s contribution to the unification of the Nepalis through language, literature, and culture.
Bhanubhakta is best known for his translation of the Ramayana, originally written in Sanskrit, into the Nepali language. He was born on Asar 29, 1871 BS in Tanahu and passed away on Asoj 6, 1925 BS.
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PM inaugurates bridge along the Postal Highway
Kathmandu, July 13: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the Ratuwa Bridge along the Postal Highway today. The structure connecting Morang and Jhapa via the Gaurigunj-Ambari road section was inaugurated by the Prime Minister amidst a programme organised by the Directorate of Postal Highway, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
On the occasion, he pledged to take measures to address the lack of irrigation facilities, accelerate the development endevours and end poverty from the country within the next 15 years.
He also urged the local levels to implement model initiations of agricultural modernization and commercialization as well, according to the PM’ Secretariat.
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Chinese authorities release water from Kerung blocked by Lhende Stream flood
Rasuwa, July 13: Work has begun on the Chinese side to release water that accumulated in the Kerung Stream after a flood in the Lhende Stream on Tuesday morning.
Chinese authorities are using heavy machinery to release the blocked water toward Chinese territory.
According to local border security officials, large rocks, uprooted trees and logs had piled up at the confluence of the Lhende and Kerung stream, blocking the flow of Kerung and causing inundation towards China as well.
The flooding submerged over 30 Nepali containers and some houses in Kerung, China.
On the Nepali side, 70 electric cars, six large Sino Company trucks, and 24 operational Nepali container trucks were swept away, according to Tulsi Prasad Bhattarai, Chief Customs Officer at Rasuwa Customs Office.
Wang, a senior Chinese technician in Rasuwagadhi, reported that the sudden flood on July 8 swept away six Chinese nationals, three Nepal Police personnel, and five Nepali workers.
Similarly, Dhruba Prasad Adhikari, Assistant Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, confirmed that a total of 20 people were swept away by the flood, including six Nepali drivers employed by a Chinese company.
Similarly, the flood has swept away one tipper of Tibet Fuli Construction Group used in the construction of the dry port at Rasuwagadhi, along with one cement mixer, one excavator, one roller, and one Hilux jeep were swept away. He said, ‘Suddenly, a flood came in the river, and the security personnel nearby began shouting to move to a safe place, we panicked and ran away; the flood swept away some friends who couldn’t escape, but we managed to slip away to the Ghattekhola to save our lives.’
Likewise, Kami Chiring Tamang, the chairperson of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality ward No. 2 chair, stated, ‘As soon as we received the news of the flood, I remembered the people in the customs yard. We alerted them to flee while sitting on the hill. Then we asked our villagers at risk to stay alert; nevertheless, due to the unimaginable flood, there has been significant loss of lives and property, and we are currently in a state of grief here.’
Chairperson Tamang urged the government to pay attention to prepare a comprehensive damage report for providing relief to the flood victims and to create an environment for Nepali brothers currently in Kerung to return home safely.
Likewise, another local Purushottam Paudel informed that arrangements have been made for travelers returning from ‘Manasarovar-Kailash’ to come towards Nepal via the Tatopani border after the Miteri Bridge in Rasuwagadhi was washed away.
Similarly, Chief District Officer Arjun Paudel mentioned that travelers who have completed the Manasarovar Kailash journey and have already entered Nepal were airlifted to their destinations by helicopter on the July 8 and 9.
According to him, security personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force are currently engaged in search and rescue operations and are stationed to assist the incapacitated and helpless.
Due to the floods, most of the road sections from Syaphrubesi to Rasuwagadhi have been destroyed, completely blocking the road and leaving the lives of people in that area desolate.
According to Ward Chairperson Tamang, the work of assessing the damage caused by the flood in the Rasuwagadhi area has started, and local residents and employees are still in a state of fear.
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