- Friday, 29 November 2024
Kathmandu, March 5: Nepali Congress (NC) has withdrawn its support to the government led by CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
Likewise, the party has decided to effectively play the role of opposition in the parliament.
A meeting of the NC central work execution committee held at the Budhanilakantha-based residence of party President Sher Bahadur Deuba today took the decision, informed general-secretary Biswo Prakash Sharma.
Expressing commitment to the promises jointly made in the general election held on 20 November 2022 and the voters’ mandate through the polls, the NC said the party however has withdrawn its support to the government with disagreement after Prime Minister Dahal decided to collaborate with other political parties in an untrusted manner by ignoring the mandate.
General-secretary Sharma further said the meeting drew a conclusion that the coalition was broken in a pre-mediated way when there was a pressing need to speed up economic reforms, safeguard the Constitution and consolidate the federal democratic republic system and rekindle hope among the people.
NC has also drawn the conclusion that the move of PM Dahal has promoted uncertainty and instability in the country.
Taking the incident with a serious note, NC has decided to play effective role of the opposition in the parliament.
NC has also appealed to its members, well-wishers and supporters at home and abroad to remain united with commitment to the party’s organization in the changed circumstances and discharge own responsibility toi the country and the Nepali citizens.
—
178 tolas of gold offered to Pathibhara being auctioned
Phungling (Taplejung), March 5: A total of 178 tola of gold and more than 5000 tola of silver offered by devotees at Pathibhara temple are being auctioned. The Pathibhara area development committee is going to sell 178 tolas or 2.08 kgs of gold and around 58 kgs of silver.
The gold was extracted from golden ornaments and gold itself offered by devotees in the famous Pathibhara temple from 2079 to Mangsir 2080 BS. Executive Director of the Committee, Prachin Hangpang, told RSS that between 2076 and 2080 BS, 5,298 tola of silver were collected.
The price of gold per tola has been fixed at Rs 121,000 and the price of silver per tola has been fixed at Rs 1,410. Firms or individuals interested in buying the gold and silver have been invited to bid within 21 days.
The Pathibhara temple receives devotees throughout the year, more especially during Dashain festival and during the spring season. Devotees from India as well as other countries also come to pay obeisance to goddess Pathibhara.
—
Jhapa Gold Cup: Church Boys into semi-finals defeating NRT
Jhapa, March 5: The Church Boys United Club has entered the semi-final of the sixth Jhapa Gold Cup football tournament.
In today’s match of the tournament underway in the Birtamod-based Domalal Rajbansi Stadium, the Church Boys defeated the New Road Team by 1-0.
Striker Akyami Fakulno netted the decisive goal to secure the win for the Church Boys. He scored the goal with the assist of Sanjeet Rai in 36th minute of the match.
With this win, the Church Boys will play the semi-final with the winner of the match between host Jhapa-11 and ANFA Makawanpur.
It may be noted that the Church Boys had defeated the Nepal Police Club to enter the quarter finals in the earlier match.
Sanjeet Rai of the Church Boys was declared the ‘man of the match’ for his impressive pass that led to the only goal of today’s match. He bagged a cash prize of Rs 11,000.
Jhapa Gold Cup host committee chairperson Binod Basnet shared that Machchhindra Football Club and Nepal Army’s departmental team, Tribhuvan Army Club, will play the next match of the league on Wednesday.
A total of 10 teams, including ‘A’ division clubs are contesting in the Jhapa Gold Cup which will end on March 11.
—
One dead, four seriously injured in road accident
Bagmati, March 5: One person was killed and 27 others injured when a passenger bus met with an accident on the Hetauda-Pathalaiya road section in East-West Highway. Four of the injured are in serious condition, said police.
The accident took place this afternoon at Jitpursimra sub-metropolitan city-22 of Bara when the bus going to Biratnagar from Dhangadhi fell into a river near the bridge. The deceased is yet to be identified.
According to Spokesperson of District Police Office Makwanpur, Superintendent of Police Lakshmi Bhandari, the injured are undergoing treatment at Hetauda Hospital.
—
Leader Nepal urged to join government
Kathmandu, March 5: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli have urged Chairperson of CPN (US) Madhav Kumar Nepal to join the new coalition government. They made the request after meeting him at his residence in Koteshwar today.
Prime Minister Dahal, UML Chair Oli, Vice Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel met with the leader Nepal and requested him to work together.
The meeting comes following the formation of a new ruling alliance under the leadership of Prime Minister Dahal and including the UML, the Rastriya Swatantra Party and the Janata Samajbadi Party.
During the meeting, Nepal questioned why he was not informed about the new agreement between the four parties. This is the first time that leaders Oli and Nepal are meeting in Koteshwar after the UML was divided into two factions. Prime Minister Dahal had met with Nepal at his residence in Koteshwar on Monday as well.
Responding to the media after the meeting, UML Chair Oli said that the discussion with leader Nepal ended in a positive note.
General Secretary of the CPN (US) Party, Ghanashyam Bhusal, said that Prime Minister Dahal and President Oli shared about the need and justification of a new alliance and made a request to join the alliance. A decision on this matter will be taken by a meeting of the party to be held on Wednesday.
—
Entrepreneurs urge to help in export of Nepali products
Bhairahawa (Rupandehi), March 5: Nepali entrepreneurs have sought support in the export of Nepali products to India.
The business fraternity made the plea after India caused obstacles to the export of Nepali products by showing different reasons.
At a programme ‘Nepal-India economic partnership conference’ held at Bhairahawa on Tuesday, various speakers talked about the obstacles India has been putting in the export of Nepali goods.
Chairperson of Confederation of Nepalese Industries Lumbini province, Ezaz Alam said, “India was impeding the export of soap earlier and now cement “.
He said that the Indian side has been questioning the quality of Nepali goods, including herbal products and cement being exported to India.
On the occasion, the speakers voiced their complaints noting that the business persons have been misbehaved by customs staffs and security personnel of both the countries along the border.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Lumbini province Krishna Prasad Sharma said, “The problem should be resolved in collaboration between the business fraternities of both the countries”.
He urged the concerned agencies to take initiative for the setup of the quarantine office at Lucknow.
Former Ambassador of Nepal to India Manjeev Singh Puri urged the business persons to pay attention to the production of quality goods.
Representatives from Nepali and Indian business organizations and associations took part in the conference.
—
Weather to be mainly fair across country today
Kathmandu, March 5: The Westerly low pressure system has its partial impact in Nepal at present. The weather is partly cloudy in the hilly region of the country and mainly fair in the rest of the regions presently.
Meteorologist Saroj Pudasaini informed RSS that Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces including the hilly areas of the country will witness partly cloudy while the rest of the regions mainly fair weather in the afternoon today.
Pudasaini said there are chances of light snowfall in one or two places of the high hilly and mountainous regions of Gandaki and Karnali provinces. According to him, there is no possibility of rainfall and the weather will be mostly fair today. Meteorologist Pudasaini said it will be cloudy from tonight.
The atmospheric temperature of Kathmandu Valley is 14 degrees Celsius now and visibility is six kilometres. The minimum temperature today was 7.6 degrees Celsius while the maximum is expected to remain between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius.
Similarly, the weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly region of the country including in Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces while mainly fair in the rest of the regions tonight.
There is possibility of light snowfall at a few places of the high hilly and mountainous region of Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces tonight, said the Meteorological Forecasting Division.
—
Tri-Nation T20 Series final match: Nepal batting first after winning toss
Kathmandu, March 5: Nepal has won the toss in the final match against Netherlands under the Tri-Nation T20 Series.
Winning the toss at Kirtipur-based TU Cricket Ground, Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel decided to bat first. Nepal is playing final match against Netherlands in its home ground for second time under the Series.
Earlier in 2021, Nepal had won the title defeating the Netherlands by 142 runs in the final match of the Tri-Nation T20 series.
Remaining in second position with four points in league phase, Nepal entered into final while the Netherlands is in top position with five points.
Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel, Ashif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Sompal Kami, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Dipendra Singh Airee, Pratish GC, Arif Sheikh and Abhinash Bohara are playing for Nepal.
—
Gold price hits new record
Kathmandu, March 5: The price of yellow metal has reached an all-time high of Rs 123,000 per tola (11.66 grams) in the domestic market today.
The price of hallmark gold has reached Rs 123,000 per tola today which was traded at Rs 121,000 per tola on Monday.
According to Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, worked gold is being traded at Rs 122,400 per tola today against Rs 120,400 on Monday.
Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 35 per tola and reached Rs 1,445 per tola. Earlier on December 28, 2023, the price of yellow metal had set record reaching Rs 122,000 per tola.
The Federation determines the price of gold and silver based on the price in the international market.
—
NC Work Execution Committee meeting at 3pm today
Patan (Lalitpur), March 5: The Nepali Congress Central Work Execution Committee is to meet at 3.00pm today.
The meeting will take place at party President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s private residence at local Budhanilkantha, said NC Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel.
The Committee office-bearers and members have been urged to attend the meeting.
The Nepali Congress has exited from the government with the change in the ruling coalition. The Party Chief Secretary said the meeting has been called for discussing the latest political developments with the party’s ouster from the ruling alliance.
—
PADT prepares for Shivaratri celebrations
Kathmandu, Feb 5: The Pashupatinath Area Development Trust (PADT) is gearing up for the celebrations of Mahashivaratri festival this year.
The festival, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, is being observed on March 8. Sadhus and the devout have started arriving in the Pashupatinath area for the Shivaratri festivities.
The PADT has announced a ban on the supply of meat products and alcoholic beverages around the temple area, starting from tomorrow, Wednesday, in view of the festival.
Today, the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, issued a notice regarding the ban on the supply of meat products in specific areas: east from the Gaushala Mitrapark roadway, west from the east border of the Pashupati area, north from the Gaushala Tilganga ring road, and the entire southern area from Guheshwori via Mitrapark-Umakund-Gaurighat. This restriction will remain in force until March 10.
The ban aims to observe the festival in a dignified manner, respecting the religious, cultural significance, and the sanctity of the Pashupatinath area. Production, transportation, sale, purchase, storage, and consumption of alcohol and meat have been prohibited in the vicinity of the Pashupatinath Temple in view of the Shivaratri festival.
The area is being decorated in preparation for the festival, according to PADT member-secretary Raju Kumar Khatri.
This year, the PADT expects around two million devotees to visit the temple on the occasion of Mahashivaratri.
It assures that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure devotees can pay homage to the Hindu god conveniently. However, there is no provision for a special pass to enter the temple to observe Mahashivaratri this year.
—
Tri-Nation T20 Series final match: Nepal sets 185-run target to Netherlands
Kathmandu, March 5: Nepal has set a victory target of 185 runs before the Netherlands in the final march of the Triangular T-20 International Series today. The match is taking place at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground at local Kirtipur.
Nepal that opted to bat first after winning the toss made184 runs in the allotted 20 overs, losing eight wickets. Opener Aashif Shekh contributed 47 runs including three sixes and one four off 37 balls. Captain Rohit Poudel made 25 runs while Gulshan Jha made 34 runs.
Dipendra Singh Airee was out with single run while Kushal Malla made 26 runs in 11 balls with the help of three sixes. Aarif Sekh could not make any run while Karan KC hit nine.
The final order batters Sompal Kami and Pratis GC each made six runs.
Fred Karlsen, Tim Van der Gugten, Michael Levitt and Sybrand Englebrecht each took two wickets for the Netherlands.
—
Chitwan hosting First Indigenous Festival from March 22
Chitwan, March 5 (RSS): ‘The First Indigenous Nationalities Cultural and Trade Festival’ is scheduled to take place on the bank of the Narayani River from March 22-31.
The event is being organised by Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN).
The expo targeted at the Visit Bharatpur Year 2024 aims to promote linguistic, cultural and ethnic identities of the indigenous nationalities, according to NEFIN Chitwan Chair and event coordinator Mahendra Dura.
The expo will feature 300 stalls and will see 17 cultural exhibitions almost each day during the festival period.
Chitwan is home to 40 indigenous nationalities and of its total population, 46 percent are indigenous nationalities who majorly belong to the Tharu, Darai, Kumal, Tamang, Bote, Chepang, Magar, Gurung, Thakali, Newar, Dura, Rai, Limbu, Bhujel, Hyolmo and Baram communities. The festival is estimated to cost around eight million to organise the event.
—
Two Gandaki province ministers relieved of responsibilities
Gandaki, March 5: Two ministers in the Gandaki provincial government have been relieved of their posts. Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey dismissed Social Development and Health Minister, Sushila Simkhada, and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Management, Resham Bahadur Jugjali, who represented the CPN (Maoist Centre) in the coalition government in the province.
The Chief Minister has announced that onwards he will himself take charge of the two ministries.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Province Chief, Province Chief Prithvi Man Gurung reconstituted the council of ministers in accordance with the Article 168 (9) of the Constitution along with the allocation of portfolios.
With a change in power equation in the center, its ripple effect has seen in the province.
In the center, a new alliance comprising the CPN (Maoist Centre) and the CPN (UML) replaced the previous alliance of the Nepali Congress and Maoist Centre, leading to the formation of a mini Council of Ministers on Monday itself.
—
Bartaula is Chief Whip and Baral the Whip of UML Parliamentary Party
Kathmandu, March 5: Mahesh Bartaula has been nominated as the Chief Whip and Sunita Baral the Whip of CPN (UML) Parliamentary Party.
UML Chair and its Parliamentary Party Leader KP Sharma Oli assigned the responsibility to them today. Padam Giri who was the Chief Whip before this was Monday inducted as a minister in the newly-constituted Council of Ministers. Now, Bartula succeeds him.
Lawmakers Bartaula and Baral are both leaders established from student politics.
—
Demand to keep pioneer poet Bhanu Bhakta’s birthplace under federal jurisdiction
Tanahu, March 5: Bhanu municipal executive has decided to keep the Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Birthplace Development Committee under federal government jurisdiction.
The municipality demanded with a decision to operate birthplace development committee of National luminary, the symbol of linguistic unity, Acharya under the jurisdiction of the Government of Nepal.
Mayor Ananda Raj Tripathi shared that the decision was taken to request the federal government to form the Committee and operate it again as per the Development Committee Act 2013 for the development of Nepal’s pioneer poet with a broader thinking.
As per the cabinet decision of February 8, Adikavi Bhanu Bhakta Birthplace Development Committee formation order 2077 was revoked and the municipality, through the federal government, received a letter, asking it to immediately take ownership of assets, responsibility, working human resources of such organisations.
Meanwhile, the municipality is to provide landownership certificate to landless squatters, Dalits soon.
Deputy-Mayor Uma Gotame said the meeting decided to provide landownership certificate to landless squatters as soon as possible.
—
NC’s three ministers in Karnali province government tender resignation
Karnali, March 5: Three ministers belonging to the Nepali Congress in the Karnali Province Government have resigned from their post.
Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, Bed Raj Singh, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, Krishna Bahadur BC, and Minister for Social Development, Khadga Bahadur Pokharel, jointly tendered their resignation before Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma today.
The three ministers had organised a press meet before tendering their resignation. On the occasion, Minister Singh said they resigned from their posts due to country’s changed context and ease the reconstitution of the province government.
The three ministers also made public achievements made during their term. They had served as the minister of province government for 10 months and 15 days.
—
Netherlands wins Tri-nation T20 International Series title
Kathmandu, March 5: The Netherlands clinched the title of the Tri-nation T20 International Series, defeating Nepal by four wickets in the final held today at Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground.
Despite Nepal posting a challenging total of 185 runs, the Netherlands successfully chased down the target in 19.3 overs at the loss of six wickets.
Michael Levitt played significantly in the Netherlands’ victory, scoring a half-century with 54 runs off just 29 balls, including three sixes and six fours. Max O’Dowd scored 22 runs off 23 balls, featuring one six and two fours.
The Netherlands’ opening pair of Levitt and O’Dowd played with a solid partnership of 83 runs for the first wicket.
Though Nepal’s Kushal Malla joined his team for bowling in ninth overs and took two wickets in his first over, it was not enough to derail the Netherlands’ momentum.
Vikramajit Singh bolstered the Netherlands’ innings with 29 runs off 23 balls, smashing three sixes while captain Scott Andrew Edwards added just two runs to the team.
At the fall of the fifth wicket from the Nepal, Sybrand Engelbrecht was dismissed before he scored 48 with three sixes and four fours in 29 balls. In its sixth wicket, Nepal dismissed Teja Nidamanuru with just two runs.
Bowler Timm van der Gugten contributed 21 runs with the help of two sixes and two fours in five balls while Roelof van der Merwe made two runs for the Netherland’s victory. Both of them were not out.
Levitt, who contributed 54 runs and took two wickets, was declared the Player of the Match.
Nepal, which opted to bat first after winning the toss, made 184 runs in the allotted 20 overs, losing eight wickets.
Opener Aashif Shekh contributed 47 runs including three sixes and one four off 37 balls while another opener Kushal Bhurtel made 20 runs. Captain Rohit Poudel made 25 runs while Gulshan Jha made 34 runs.
Dipendra Singh Airee was out with single run while Kushal Malla made 26 runs in 11 balls with the help of three sixes. Aarif Sekh could not make any run while Karan KC hit nine.
The final order batters Sompal Kami and Pratis GC each made six runs.
Fred Klaassen, Timm van der Gugten, Michael Levitt and Sybrand Englebrecht each took two wickets for the Netherlands.
Remaining in second position with four points in league phase, Nepal entered into final while the Netherlands is in top position with five points.
The Netherlands which was in the top place in the score table with five points and Nepal with four points had entered into the final of the Series.
Namibia, which had secured three points, was at the bottom of the score tally. It played four matches, winning in one, losing in two and drawing in one.
Namibia defeated Nepal by 20 runs in the first match of the Series while the Netherlands beat Nepal by two runs in the second match.
Likewise, the Netherlands trounced Namibia by 59 runs in the third match while Nepal secured a three-run exciting win against Namibia in the fourth match of the Series.
In the fifth match, Nepal had secured an easy six-wicket win against the Netherlands whereas the match between Namibia and the Netherlands was canceled due to rain, with both teams sharing one point each.
—
Two ministers, one state minister of Sudurpaschim province relieved of posts
Sudurpaschim, March 5: Two ministers and one state minister of Sudurpaschim province government have been relieved of their posts.
Province Chief Dev Raj Joshi, on the recommendation of Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, dismissed them from their posts. They are the Minister for Social Development, Jhapat Bahadur Saud, the Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, Ramesh Singh Dhami, and the Minister of State for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, Geeta Devi Mal.
Chief Minister Shah himself would take charge of these ministries. At a press meet organised at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers today, the Chief Minister shared that two ministers and one state minister are relieved of their posts.
He mentioned, “With the change in power equation in the centre, the province government has to be reshuffled. I am open for holding discussion and forging consensus with all parties for the development and prosperity of the province.”
—
Lumbini Summit postponed
Tulasipur (Dang), March 5: The ‘Laureates and Leaders’ Summit scheduled to be organised by Lumbini province government has been postponed. Lumbini province government was set to organise the Summit in Lumbini from March 11.
A cabinet meeting of Lumbini province government held today decided to call off the two-day Summit, citing special reason, said Spokesperson of Lumbini province government, Santosh Kumar Pandey.
—
NHRC demands fair investigation on Chitwan school incident
Kathmandu, March 5: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded the government authorities to conduct fair investigation on the death of a 13-year-old Shalin Pokhrel, an 8th grader at Ekata Sishu Niketan Boarding School, Chitwan. The guilty one behind the case must be taken action, it added.
Issuing a press release on Monday, NHRC spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokhrel urged the government for fair investigation. NHRC also requested all sides concerned not to involve in the activity that impacts investigation.
Police have been carrying out investigation on the incident that the 8th grader Pokhrel was allegedly found dead, hanging herself in the school hostel at Tandi, Chitwan on February 24.
The human rights watch body has also written to the concerned agencies including Ekata Sishu Niketan Boarding School informing that it had also initiated investigation. The TU Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj has been requested for postmortem report.
—
‘New alliance for good governance’
Kathmandu, March 5: Leaders of the new alliance have claimed that the new ruling alliance of four political parties was formed for good governance and smooth service delivery.
Sharing views with media after signing eight-point agreement at Baluwatar on Monday evening, Deputy General Secretary of CPN (Moist Centre), Barsha Man Pun, argued the new alliance was formed as per national need and people’s aspiration. The agreement was reached among the parties having common thoughts on country’s good governance, social justice and prosperity, he added.
Similarly, General Secretary of CPN UML, Shankar Pokhrel, informed that common minimum programme would be launched after giving final shape to the Cabinet.
Allocation of ministry will be finalized after discussing with other political parties as well. “Ministry allocation is not a big deal, it will be sorted out easily,” he added.
Vice Chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Dr Swarnim Wagle, informed that his party joined the government for economic discipline, accountability and effective service delivery. “There is public despair rife with economic slump and bad governance. So, we want quality and prompt service delivery, which the PM has also taken seriously,” Wagle reminded.
He however said his party joined the government, setting condition and preparing certain agenda. “RSP stays in government as long as it ensures service delivery. When it fails, it opts for graceful exit,” Wagle made it clear.
Wagle also shared that RSP has benefit of doubt in this government.
Leader of Janata Samajbadi Party, Rajendra Shrestha, viewed his party joined the present government to give direction to the country as per spirit of constitution. “Eight-point agreement was made in a bid to bolster federalism, good governance, social justice and pave foundation of socialism-oriented system,” he informed.
—
Women, children in quake hit districts suffer from malnutrition
Jajarkot, March 5: The women and children from earthquake hit districts have been suffering from malnutrition.
It was found during the health camps conducted at different places of quake-hit districts- Jajarkot, Rukum Paschim and Salyan- in the last three months.
Total 46 health camps were organized under the ‘minimum health service programme’ launched in the disaster-hit districts.
The women and children visiting the health camps had shared that they were deprived of nutritious foods, according to Nepal Family Planning Association. More than 7,300 earthquake survivors underwent general health checkup in the camps. Among them, 944 were male and 6,355 female.
Similarly, 4,109 women had undergone test for cervical cancer.
The health camps were conducted at Bheri municipality, Nalgad municipality, Barekot rural municipality and Kushe rural municipality of Jajarkot, while Athbiskot municipality and Sanibheri rural municipality of Rukum Paschim.
The Association informed that the camp visitors had complained that they were deprived of adequate food intake while they were already affected badly by the quake. There is no proper housing either. It resulted into weak health condition, the Association added.
The women and children from Kushe and Barekot were suffering most from malnutrition. The adults there had dearth of awareness on use of family planning contraceptives.
Mayor at Nalgad municipality, Dambar Rawat, informed that such health camps should be conducted again. He admitted that there was threat to food security to the quake survivors. Even the housing is poor.
Similarly, Barekot rural municipality chair Bir Bahadur Giri and Mayor at Athbiskot municipality Rabi KC shared similar plight.
—
Bus hit kills boy
Bharatpur, March 5: A 9-year-old boy was hit to death by a bus here last night. The bus (Na 4 Kha 5815) heading to Madi from Narayangadh hit Arush Poudel at Bharatpur, killing him on the spot.
Spokesperson at District Police Office, Chitwan, Shreeram Bhandari, informed that the boy was crushed by the bus at a zebra cross near Machhapuchhre Chowk. Even a passenger in the bus, Kopila Rai, 21, was injured in the accident.
Bus driver Bikash Sarki has been taken under control, the police added.
—
Habitat loss causes sharp decline of birds in Koshitappu
Belbari (Morang), March 5: Increasing pollution and haphazard use of pesticides in crops have contributed to decline number of birds in the Koshitappu Wildlife Reserve (KWR) and vicinity. The human activities have caused loss of birds’ habitats.
The Mid-Winter Water Birds Census, 2024 has recorded the number of birds at 5,527. They are of 53 species. The number last year was 7,573 and the species were 56.
Although new species of birds arrive every year in Nepal, both the number and species were declined this year, said Birendra Gautam, Chief of Koshi Conservation Office, National Nature Conservation Trust.
The result of the bird census conducted for five days since January 10 was made public on the World Wetland Day.
Most of the birds are of duck species- 848. The birds dependent on water are facing shortage of wetlands, which have deprived them of habitat, Gautam added.
Gautam further claimed, “Severe decline in number of birds is directly related to expanding human settlement and unwarranted activities.”
The marshlands are now turned into motorable roads. It is grave threat to the birds. The marshland used to welcome the birds even from Siberia, Russia.
As the human activities were contained in the wake of COVID-19, the census had witnessed huge rise in the avian presence. There were 9,289 birds in 2019.
Nepal witnesses the arrival of birds from mid September to mid December every year.
The KWR located at tri-junction of Sunsari, Saptari and Udayapur districts is a birds’ hub. Some 50 species of migratory birds leave for India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka via Nepal.
The avian migration makes transit to various other areas such as Chitwan National Park, Bishajari Lake, Jagdishpur Lake, Ghodaghodi Lake, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and tributaries of the Koshi and Gandaki Rivers.
Thousands of winter birds arrive in Nepal from southern countries, including Africa for hatching.
The winter birds, however, find habitants in forest and nearby grasslands.
—
Avalanche in Manang
Manang, March 5: An avalanche occurred at Dhukurpokhari of Ngisyang rural municipality in the district, causing inconvenience to people’s movement.
The connectivity to upper and lower Mustang has been difficult with this.
Chief District Officer Subash Kumar Lamichhane informed that although avalanche had not blocked road, it was difficult for people to trek in the upper belt. The upper belt of the district had witnessed huge snowfall on Sunday night.
“Arrival of tourists has begun here, but the avalanche has caused risk,” said Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, district chief of Annapurna Conservation Area Project. Some 50 to 60 tourists visit the area daily.
He further informed that the tourists were made aware about the risk caused by the avalanche.
—
