- Sunday, 24 May 2026
Lumbini, May 24: The fifth session of the Lumbini Province Assembly will convene today at 1:00 pm. As per the agenda released by the Provincial Assembly Secretariat, members are expected to share their perspectives on current issues.
Following this, Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning, Dhanendra Karki, will address the inquiries posed by the members regarding the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill, 2083 BS.
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05- Notice issued to remove encroachments in Bus Park area of Pokhara
Kathmandu, May 24: The Pokhara Valley Municipal Development Committee (PVMDC) has released a public notice urging all concerned sides to remove the constructions, including shops, set up in the Pokhara Bus Park area within 15 days.
PVMDC asked the business owners to assist in the process to construct the Pokhara Bus Park by dismantling the illegal structures, including shops. The encroachments in the Seti River area, extending from Pokhara House to Seti Bridge, and from Prithvi Highway to the South, as well as from the Airport to the North and East are sought immediate removal.
The notice, issued on Saturday, indicates that if the encroachments are not cleared within the given time, the Committee will take action to remove the structures and also recover the associated costs from the responsible individuals and organizations.
Additionally, the landowners in the bus park area are reminded to present themselves with citizenship certificates, a copy of the land ownership certificate, a receipt for land revenue payment, and other relevant documents to the PVMDC’s office within seven days.
On April 17, the Pokhara Metropolis- 9 had also issued a public notice for the removal of structures that encroached upon the bus park near Prithvi Chowk. Following the expiry of 35-day notice on Saturday, the PVMDC has issued another warning.
The land, designated for the bus park and is owned by the PVMDC, is currently occupied by landless people- Dalits and squatters. Approximately 205 ropanis of land was acquired in the year, 2031/32 BS for the purpose of constructing a bus park. But, the project of bus park construction was never launched.
Currently, the land intended for the bus park is facing sheer encroachment, with only about 60 ropanis of land left for the public entity. The Metropolitan City is now all set to proceed with the construction of modern Pokhara Bus Park by clearing the encroachment.
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06- Over Rs 479 thousand revenue collected within 24 hours from traffic action
Kathmandu, May 24: The traffic police took action against 1,841 drivers during the inspection carried out at various locations in the Kathmandu Valley in the last 24 hours. Over Rs. 479 thousand was collected in revenue from the actions taken against violation of traffic rule.
Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police and Senior Superintendent of Police, Nabraj Adhikari, reported that 1,841 drivers were penalized during the check conducted till this morning. It was found that 107 persons were driving under the influence of alcohol.
Similarly, 183 drivers were found ignoring red lights, where 126 were in over speed, 41 violated lane, 75 drove on sidewalks, and 149 honked in restricted areas, among others.
He informed, “In a span of 24 hours, total 1,841 drivers were booked for breaching traffic rule in the Kathmandu Valley.”
It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. In case of suspicion that a driver is under influence of alcohol or drugs, passengers are encouraged to report immediately to the nearest police station, the traffic control room hotline at 103, or the police hotline at 100.
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07- Nepal-China border meeting: Focus on civilian security, crime control
Rasuwa, May 24: A meeting has been held recently between Nepal and China as part of border coordination. The meeting held in the district headquarters, Dhunche, focused the issues like border security, facilitation of trade and curbing crimes.
Chief District Officer Rajesh Panthi led the Nepali delegation while it was Chu Xinsoun, leading Chinese side. The meeting was for enhancing mutual cooperation and trust, reinforcing enduring friendship between the two countries.
The Nepali delegation sought assistance for its citizens especially in the border so that their trades, mobility, daily life would be eased. Even the issues of safety and health were raised during the meeting. The Chinese side was positive to this regard.
They concurred with the need for enhancing the vigilance and coordination between their security agencies to cope with illegal transactions across the border.
A notable outcome of the meeting was the constructive dialogue concerning the movement of Nepali drivers to Kerung, with indications that drivers who fulfill specific criteria, such as holding passports and exhibiting good conduct, may be permitted to operate in the area.
This development has sparked optimism among Nepali drivers and business owners, indicating a potential increase in trade and transportation activities. Regular meetings between the two nations are scheduled to address ongoing issues and promote cooperation in border management.
Local social worker Milan Tamang remarked that the enhanced business environment and amicable relations have fostered new hope and enthusiasm in the northern border region, particularly in Rasuwa.
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08- Chemical fertilizers to be distributed on quota basis
Kanchanpur, May 24: In the wake of monsoon season for paddy plantation, the farmers here are receiving chemical fertilizers on quota basis. A utility for agriculture service has forwarded a process to distribute the essential through cooperatives.
Agriculture Inputs Company Ltd at Mahendranagar is planning the distribution of fertilizers which is currently in stock. There is 1,000 metric tonnes of urea, 500 metric tonnes of DAP and 150 tonnes of potassium in stock.
Branch manager at the Company, Hemraj Joshi, informed that they were distributing fertilizers to the farmers on share basis. Although the cooperatives were asked to buy the fertilizers for distributing to the tillers, they could not clear stock entirely on time.
“Following a procedure, the fertilizers to be distributed on quota requires stock clearance in ten days. But, cooperatives’ delay caused backlog,” he added.
Since the beginning of the last fiscal year, the Company has distributed nine quotas of urea and seven quotas of DAP. A quota equals 500 metric tonnes of fertilizers. A provincial agency has been written for the re-distribution of the stock.
Once the store is cleared and distributed, it would suffice the paddy plantation. As the fertilizer is available also at Salt Trading Company, there won’t be any shortage this year, according to him.
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09- Lumbini Province introducing production, employment-centric budget
Siddharthanagar (Bhairahawa), May 24: The Lumbini Province government is centering the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, 2083-84 BS on production growth, employment creation, infrastructure development and social justice.
Presenting the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill, 2083 BS before the Lumbini Province Assembly, Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, Dhanedra Karki, said agriculture, industry, tourism energy and infrastructure development sectors would be recognised as major foundations for achieving an economic prosperity.
Skill-generating trainings, self-employment and start-up progammes will be implemented, targeting youths so as to create jobs within the Province, he said, adding that the government has pursued a policy of revitalizing economy through maximum utilisation of locally available means and resources. Investment in the production-based sector is another focus.
Expansion of digital governance, reduction of current expenditures, and the completion of incomplete and multi-year projects will be among the key policy priorities in the budget formulation. He added that health, education, agriculture, tourism and social empowerment programmes are other key topics of the upcoming budget.
Similarly, the Province government has pursued a policy of developing Lumbini as a religious and wellness tourism centre internationally, with a goal of improving service delivery and promoting cooperation with the private sector.
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10- Opinion- Bridging Forecasts and Communities: Scaling up Anticipatory Action in Nepal
Kathmandu, May 24: Previous year, I visited Phalelung Rural Municipality of Panchthar district in order to provide an orientation on Anticipatory Action (AA) to the local community influencers. Leaders from various faiths- priests, monks, pastors and gurus- were picked as influencers so that they could convince people better to be mobilized during disaster management.
The participants were made aware on foundational principles of Anticipatory Action by linking the ideas to the swift and strategic practices and empowering them to cope with hazards. By equipping such trusted voices with timely information and practical frameworks, Nepal Red Cross aimed to enhance community readiness and reduce potential losses through early actions—underscoring the vital role that informed local leadership plays in disaster risk reduction.
In view of the participants ranging from Hindu priests who also practiced astrology to a Buddhist monk—both familiar with traditional forms of prediction, the astrological prediction like high chance of heavy rainfall, subsequent flooding and preparedness in place were discussed, reflecting on practical steps they could take in advance to avoid potential losses.
One key action the participants emphasized was the massive dissemination of warning messages—ensuring that everyone in the community, especially vulnerable groups, is informed on time. They also discussed the importance of securing important belongings, preparing evacuation plans, identifying safe shelters, and alerting local authorities. It became a gateway for introducing the core idea of anticipatory action- acting before a disaster strikes, based on reliable forecasts.
Connecting all these dots, the reference of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology was brought as scientific astrologer, for they issue data-driven forecasts, helping us prepare and take early actions before hazards turn into disasters.
Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has recently issued seasonal monsoon outlook, stating that this year’s monsoon is expected to begin from June 13 and remain active until October 2 this year. The outlook further suggested a hotter and relatively drier monsoon than normal, but with some variability.
Most parts of the country are expected to receive below-average rainfall, while both day and night temperatures are likely to remain above normal, increasing the chances of heat waves and water stress. At the same time, the monsoon may still bring occasional intense rainfalls, thereby posing further risks of floods and landslides. Overall, Nepal is likely to face a combination of heat stress, reduced precipitation and uneven weather patterns during this monsoon.
Need of smarter, targeted preparedness
Experience has shown that even in years of weaker monsoon, localized extreme rainfall events can still trigger floods and landslides, often with significant impacts on vulnerable communities. Therefore, reduced overall precipitation does not equate to reduced risk; rather, it calls for smarter, more targeted preparedness strategies.
In this context, the concept of AA becomes especially relevant. Anticipatory Action focuses on taking early, pre-planned measures based on forecasts and early warning signals before a disaster fully unfolds, reducing loss and damage. With Nepal’s growing exposure to climate variability, shifting from reactive response to forecast-based early action is imperative. The availability of early warning information from the DHM and advisories from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) are other strong foundation for such proactive measures.
NAA F for enabling environment
Importantly, recent approval of the National Anticipatory Action Framework (NAAF) has created an enabling environment for scaling up these efforts. Compared to previous years, investing in AA is now more convenient, structured and institutionally supported, for it allows both national and sub-national actors to act with greater clarity and coordination. The framework provides guidance on linking forecasts to predefined actions, financing mechanisms and roles of different stakeholders so that preparedness would be more systematic rather than ad hoc.
At the local level, this further opens significant opportunities for municipalities. Local governments can now develop hazard-specific AA protocols, tailored to their unique risk profiles such as floods and heat wave in Tarai regions or landslides in hilly districts. These protocols can define clear triggers (e.g., rainfall thresholds, river water levels, temperature extremes) and corresponding early actions such as evacuation planning, pre-positioning of relief materials, dissemination of risk communication messages, and protection of critical infrastructure and livelihoods. By responding to these triggers, municipalities can reduce disaster impacts before they escalate into emergencies.
Ultimately, even in a year when large-scale monsoon disasters may be less likely, the emphasis must remain on readiness, early action and resilience-building. Leveraging early warning systems and operationalizing the National Anticipatory Action Framework ensures that Nepal moves toward a more forward-looking disaster risk management approach, where preparedness is not only maintained but also made more effective and responsive.
(Adhikari is an Anticipatory Coordinator at Nepal Red Cross Society)
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11- Fewer incidences of river-based disasters expected this time in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, May 24: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office has expected fewer incidences of river-based disaster during this monsoon compared to the previous years. The removal of settlements established on the riverbanks in Kathmandu, especially at wards numbers 11, 14, 31 and 32 has provided a ground for this expectation of the local government.
KMC Municipal Police’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Bishnu Prasad Joshi, informed only sporadic cases of river-based disaster have been expected this year. However, continued vigilance is suggested along the area from Samakhusi to Khadipakha.
The local government has also prepared a strategic plan to address potential water-induced incidences in Kathmandu during the rainy season. The vulnerable areas have been identified accordingly.
The strategic plans focus on disaster risk reduction preparedness, management, post-disaster rehabilitation, capacity enhancement at ward and community-levels and coordination between internal agencies and partner organisations to mitigate urban disaster risks.
He also echoed the need for establishing a participatory mechanism to ensure urban safety. The strategic plan is expected to highlight the significance of collective knowledge, skills and mindset development to cope with the crisis. The implementation of such strategic plan will commence in the upcoming fiscal year, with the necessary programmes and budget to be proposed accordingly.
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