- Saturday, 13 June 2026
Kathmandu, June 13: The government aims to increase the country’s total installed electricity production capacity to 5,335 megawatts within the upcoming fiscal year.
The annual development programme unveiled by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation states that the capacity of hydroelectricity generation will be added by 1,040 megawatts by next year.
The Ministry pledges that special efforts will be made to conclude the under-construction projects and those nearing the final phase of completion.
Likewise, the Ministry has set a target of facilitating the construction of projects being developed by the private sector, aiming to conclude within the time.
The expansion of electricity transmission infrastructure has been highly prioritised. As per the annual target, the 66 kV capacity of transmission line has been increased from 7,048 circuit kilometers to 7,808 circuit kilometers.
Furthermore, there is a target to increase the 33 kV transmission line from 8,325 circuit kilometers to 8,429 circuit kilometers.
In the upcoming fiscal year, the government will work for increasing per capita power consumption to 511 kilowatts and reducing the electricity leakage to 12.03 percent.
The annual programmes also include an additional 43 megawatts of electricity generation from small and micro hydropower projects, along with 99 megawatts from solar energy.
The government through the implementation of polices, programmes and budget announced for the upcoming fiscal year aims to reach the irrigation facility to additional 15,766 hectares of land. Likewise, 70 kilometers of embankments will be built along major and medium rivers.
According to the Ministry, the development of hydroelectricity sector is not only a national need, but also serves as a supporting factor to accelerate the economic development, industrialization, food control, environment conservation and employment creation.
In the upcoming fiscal year, the construction of 12 transmission lines will be concluded and the project to build a transmission line passing through a central part of the Kathmandu Valley will be implemented.
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14- Nepal to be developed as an international destination for wellness tourism: Minister Poudel
Rastriya Samchar Samiti (RSS)
Kathmandu, June 13: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadgaraj Poudel has announced plans to position Nepal as a premier international destination for wellness tourism.
This initiative coincides with the celebration of the ‘Arogya Dashak or Wellness Decade,’ a ten-year commitment to health tourism, spearheaded by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Spa Association of Nepal.
Minister Poudel emphasized the country’s natural attributes, such as its mountains and rivers, which contribute to spiritual peace and positive energy, making it an ideal location for wellness practices like yoga, meditation, and naturopathy.
President of the Spa Association Nepal, Suresh Puri, highlighted the global significance of wellness tourism, noting that approximately 700 million people are involved in this sector. He advocated for the establishment of clear procedures and international standards in spa services, alongside professional training programmes to enhance the industry’s credibility.
The importance of prioritizing wellness tourism at the national level was also underscored. International wellness expert Donald Cha remarked on Nepal’s inherent health symbolism, suggesting that its wellness practices should be transformed into economic assets to bolster the tourism sector.
The programme aims to integrate various wellness services, including yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, to establish Nepal as a world-class wellness destination. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and raising public awareness about wellness and disease prevention.
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15- President Thapa condoles demise of democratic fighter Bhandari
Kathmandu, June 13: President of Nepali Congress (NC) Gagan Kumar Thapa has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of democratic fighter Yam Bhandari.
In a press statement issued by NC Central Office on behalf of the party president, Thapa acknowledged the contribution of Bhandari to enhancing political awareness among students at Mechi Campus, Jhapa and across the district, during his time as a student leader.
Bhandari, the eldest member of the family of party Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma, passed away today at the age of 81. He had gone tough times in prison at multiple times and endured physical torture for his involvement in the anti-Panchayat movement, the party said.
Describing Bhandari as a tireless democratic fighter, the NC has extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
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16- Committee formed to investigate fatal road accident in Kavre
Kathmandu, June 13: Nepal Police has formed an investigation committee to find out the real cause of the road accident that occurred in Buchchakot, Namobuddha Municipality-2, Kavrepalanchok district on Friday.
The Police Headquarters today formed a six-member investigation committee under the coordination of Senior Superintendent of Police Kamal Thapa of Province Office, Kavre. In the accident, a passenger bus (Ba. 3 Kha. 8398) heading from Banepa to Kharpachok in Roshi lost control and fell about 300 meters off the road, killing eight passengers on board. Another, 16 passengers were injured in the accident.
The committee has been asked to investigate and submit a report within seven days, the Police Headquarters has stated.
Meanwhile, all eight people who died in the road accident that have been revealed.
The deceased are Megh Bahadur Tamang, 73, Raju Tamang, 55, and Indra Bahadur Tamang, 75, of the of Roshi Rural Municipality-6, Phulmaya Tamang, 34, and Maya Tamang, 60, of Roshi-7, Pyarimaya Tamang, 60, of Roshi-8, Bam Bahadur Bhandari, 30, of the Nepal Army, serving in the Trinetra Battalion Bhakundebeshi, and Sumi Tamang, 22, of Ghyanglek Rural Municipality-4, Sindhuli. They died on the spot, shared Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabin Bista, Information Officer of the District Police Office.
According to him, 16 people injured in the accident are undergoing treatment at Dhulikhel Hospital. The bus, which was heading from Banepa to Roshi Rural Municipality, fell down from Selfiedanda. The bodies of all eight people have been recovered from the accident site, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Bista.
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17- Dialysis machines remain unused in absence of required infrastructure, workforce
Palhinandan (Nawalparasi-Bardghat Susta East), June 13: Hemodialysis machines worth millions of rupees have become unusable at Bardghat municipality-14 in Nawalparasai-Bardghat Susta East.
Such equipment, valued at around Rs 120 million, were provided by the Rotari Club Dhulikhel in coordination with the government for use at the Martyrs Memorial Hospital in the area.
However, the facility lacks the necessary physical infrastructure to install the machines and the technical workforce required to operate them. As a result, the devices have remained unused
As a result, the services have not been available to patients in need, said hospital management committee Chair DB Bahadur Thapa.
Similarly, five dialysis machines provided by the Butwal-based Heart Hospital to the Sunawal municipality some months ago are also not in operation. It is said the local government’s hospital is under-construction, and the machines have remained unused. A 15-bed health facility is being built here by the local government.
Meanwhile, 17 kidney patients are presently receiving hemodialysis services with the help of five machines at the Ramgram –based Prithvichandra District Hospital. Due to the increasing number of patients, many are unable to get treatment because of limited capacity and are forced to travel outside the district for services, it is said.
Hospital manager Seema Kafle said if the unused machines were brought into operation, it would greatly ease access to treatment for such patients.
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18- Save mountains to save future of humanity, says Tourism Minister Paudel
Kathmandu, June 13: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Paudel, has called on all concerned to work to save the great mountains in order to save human life and future of humanity.
He made this call during a video message sent to “Nepal China Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) Adventure Festival today to celebrate 73rd Sagarmatha Day in Beijing, China on Friday. The event was hosted by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing.
The event aimed to promote Nepal’s mountain tourism and enhance cooperation between Nepali and Chinese mountaineering entrepreneurs, according to a statement shared by the Embassy today.
On the occasion, while reflecting on the importance of the Sagarmatha Day, Charge D’affaires Roshan Khanal highlighted the significance of Mount Everest, the spirit of adventure, and Nepal’s position as the heart of the Himalayan climbing community. She also emphasized that the event will eventually contribute to fostering people-to-people relations between Nepal and China.
Member of House of Representatives and Everest Summitter Mr Mingma Gyabu Sherpa shed light on Nepal’s tremendous potential and encouraged deeper cooperation between Nepal and China for bilateral tourism exchanges.
Similarly, President of Nepal Mountaineering Association, Fur Gelje Sherpa, called for joint cross-border initiatives to promote mountaineering tourism of Nepal.
The programme also featured presentation on tourism promotion along with cultural performances and experience sharing from Nepali and Chinese Everest Summiteers.
At the eventmore than 50 Sagarmatha Summiteers from Nepal and China were felicitated. A delegation of Nepali expedition and travel companies also participated in the event.
A business-to-business networking event was organised at the embassy premises in the evening of 11 June to enhance cooperation between tourism enterprises of Nepal and China.
The programme was attended by former Deputy Speaker and Member of House of Representative, Indira Rana Magar as a guest of honour. Approximately 200 participants including representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, International Mountain Tourism Alliance, Ambassadors and diplomats from different embassies based in Beijing, representatives from different Chinese tourism businesses and Nepali community.
The event was organised in collaboration with Kailas, Guangzhou Kailas Sports Technology Co. Ltd., adds the Embassy.
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19- Kankre Bihar Half Marathon on Olympic Day
Karnali, June 13: The third edition of the Kankre Bihar National Half Marathon is set to be held in Surkhet on the occasion of Olympic Day on coming June 22.
The competition is being organized with the aim of promoting and publicizing the tourist spots of Karnali Province while providing an opportunity for athletes to compete, said Director of the marathon, Ram Wali. The competition includes a 21-kilometer half marathon for men, a 10-kilometer marathon for women and a five-kilometer one for students.
The event is hosted by the Mid-West Fitness Center. The first place winner in the 21-kilometer half marathon for men will receive Rs 125,000, the second place winner Rs 50,000 and the third place winner will received Rs 25,000, while the fourth and fifth place winners will receive Rs 10,000 each.
Similarly, the first, second and third place winners in the 10 km race for women will receive Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively, and the fourth and fifth place winners will receive Rs 5,000 each.
The first, second and third place winners in the 5 km race for students will receive Rs 15,000 Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively, and the fourth and fifth place winners will receive Rs 2,000 each.
According to the organizers, the competition is expected to provide an opportunity for emerging athletes from Karnali Province to compete at the national level and also make a significant contribution to promoting tourism in the province.
The Karnali Province Sports Development Council, Surkhet, has provided financial support of Rs 1 million for the competition.
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20- Economic Survey for FY 2082/83BS presented in Koshi Province Assembly
Biratnagar, June 13: The Economic Survey for ongoing fiscal year 2082/83 BS has been tabled today in the meeting of Koshi Province Assembly.
Provincial Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Bidur Kumar Lingthep presented the survey document.
According to the survey, Koshi Province is expected to contribute 15.8 percent to the country’s total GDP.
The survey further estimates that agriculture will account for 32.5 percent of the Province’s GDP, while the non-agricultural sector will contribute 67.5 percent during the current fiscal year.
The report states that the Province’s economic growth rate, which stood at 2.72 percent in the fiscal year 2081/82 BS, is expected to rise to 3.13 percent in the current fiscal year.
Unveiling the survey, Minister Lingthep informed the Assembly that Nepal’s per capita GDP is projected to reach USD 1,513 within the current fiscal year while Koshi Province’s per capita GDP is estimated at USD 1,410.
Meanwhile, speaking in the Special Hour of the Assembly, Til Kumar Menyangbo Deputy Leader of the Parliamentary Party of CPN (UML) Koshi Province, praised residents of Susta in Nawalparashi for reportedly driving away Indian security personnel who allegedly entered the area carrying weapons.
Similarly, Ganesh Prasad Upreti, representing the Party Parliamentary of Nepali Communist Party, Koshi Province, called for an inclusive and transparent provincial budget.
Also, speaking in the Emergency Hour of the Assembly, former Chief Minister Kedar Karki expressed disagreement over concerns raised regarding the ‘Sampatra Settlement’ in Bakhari in Biratnagar Metropolitan City.
He ruled out any financial irregularities that had occurred in the settlement project that was implemented for the Krishidev community. He also apprised the Assembly that the residents there have now become legal landowners.
Likewise, during the Zero Hour of the Assembly, Province Assembly members Jeevan Acharya, Geeta Devi Regmi, Gombu Sherpa, and Sheela Dixit Karki drew the attention of the provincial government to various contemporary issues affecting the Province.
The Province Assembly is meeting again on June 15 at 4:00pm.
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21- 670 million rupees for feasibility study of a dozen tunnels
Kathmandu, June 13: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has allocated a budget of 670 million for the feasibility study and construction of a dozen tunnels in the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27.
This has been noted in recently made public annual development program for the upcoming fiscal year. The ministry has allocated a budget of Rs 500 million for the under-construction of the Siddhababa tunnel in Butwal-Palpa road section.
Likewise, 126.6 million rupees has been allocated for the Satdobato Ekantakuna flyover in Gwarko.
The ministry has allocated a budget of Rs 1.148 million for the Tokha Chhare Gurju Bhanjyang tunnel. Similarly, a budget of 1.9 million rupees has been allocated for the feasibility study of various proposed tunnel ways.
This includes the tunnel from Bheri River in Surkhet to Danuwa Lake in Bardiya, the Dolalghat-Charnawati tunnel road way, Hattisar-Babai tunnel and Khurkot to Chiyabari tunnel.
Similarly, funds have been earmarked for the Shivapur-Bhalubang tunnel road and Ranighat-Bhurigaun tunnel.
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22- Eighteen thousand children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition
Kathmandu, June 13: The National Nutrition Assessment Campaign conducted by the government has found that more than 18,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The Ministry of Health and Food Safety had launched a campaign to find out the nutritional status of children.
Releasing the statistics of the campaign, Head of the Nutrition Section of the Department of Health Services, Lila Bikram Thapa, shared that 18,309 children have been diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition. Out of 1.035 million children tested during the campaign, 18,309 children were found to be suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
The campaign was held from last April 28 to May 29 this year to examine the nutritional status of children aged 6 months to 59 months. “Since the number of severe acute malnutrition has been found to be high a plan will be developed and implemented to address the situation.”
The highest number of SAM cases was found to be in 8,380 children in Madhesh, 3,015 in Lumbini, 1,758 in Sudurpaschim, 1,590 in Koshi, 1,503 in Karnali, 1,401 in Bagmati and 662 in Gandaki Province.
The children who have been diagnosed with SAM have been given ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), which will help them to return to normal condition. For children who have not returned to their previous condition after RUTF, both mothers and children are treated through 25 rehabilitation centers across the country.
Similarly, the highest number of children with acute malnutrition was seen in Madhes Province, with 38,948 children, said the Nutrition Branch Chief Thapa. Likewise, 17,879 children in Lumbini, 9,344 in Sudurpaschim, 6,596 in Koshi, 6,480 in Bagmati, 5,989 in Karnali and 2,969 in Gandaki Province were found to be suffering from acute malnutrition.
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23- 128 locations in Kathmandu at risk of inundation this monsoon
Kathmandu, June 13: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has identified 128 locations across Kathmandu district at risk of inundation during this year’s monsoon season, with an estimated 8,315 families likely to be affected.
To reduce potential damage, the KMC has approved a pre-monsoon preparedness and response plan, said Anirudha Nepal, Chief of Disaster Management Department at the KMC.
Nepal informed that ward No. 14, located in the low-lying area near the confluence of the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers, faces the highest flood risk. Other vulnerable wards include wards 13, 15, 29, 10, 16, 26, 32 and 12.
Furthermore, he shared that ward no. 30 has the highest number of flood-prone sites, with 21 locations identified, while wards 4 and 32 each have 10 risk areas.
Similarly, ward no. 16 is expected to be the most severely affected, with around 1,600 families at risk due to flooding in the Samakhushi, Bishnumati and other streams.
An estimated 1,255 families in ward 26, 950 in ward 3, and 955 in ward 4 may also be adversely affected, the KMC cautions.
The Metropolis has also designated 51 parks, 28 open spaces and 87 schools for emergency use during disasters.
The pre-monsoon preparedness and response plan is devised in accordance with the forecasts from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology which predicts monsoon rainfall from June 1 to September 30 for this year.
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24- Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly approves annual Policy and Program
Sudurpaschim, June 13: The meeting of the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly today has passed the provincial government’s annual policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 by a majority.
In today’s meeting of the Provincial Assembly, the proposal seeking approval of the provincial government’s annual policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84, submitted by Speaker Bhim Bahadur Bhandari for a decision, was passed by a majority.
Earlier, Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, while answering questions raised during the discussion on the annual policy and program, expressed his commitment to include the suggestions received from the provincial assembly members.
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