- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Kathmandu, March 26 : Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has instructed the National Planning Commission to come up new schemes that increase production and generate employment in the country.
In a meeting with newly appointed members of the NPC who called the Prime Minister at his office in Singha Durbar today, he emphasized that as low production and employment is the major problem of the country it should be addressed in a planned manner. “I am confident that the Commission will increase effectiveness of its role as a think tank of the government,” said Prime Minister Dahal.
On that occasion, he instructed the NPC office-bearers to focus on evidence-based policy making by strengthening the statistical system. Stating he believed that the new office-bearers would help create momentum in the implementation of plans, study-research and development-construction projects, the Prime Minister instructed the NPC to proceed with the process of finalizing the 16th plan and help incorporate strategies and programs proposed in the plan in the next financial year budget.
NPC Vice Chair Dr Meen Bahadur Shrestha and newly appointed members of the Commission were present during the meeting.
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Nepal secures T20 series against Ireland ‘A’
Kathmandu, March 26: Nepal has defeated Ireland A in the second match of the two-match T20 series underway in the capital. As a result, Nepal has won the series by 2-0, following the win in the first match as well.
In the second match of the series today, Nepal defeated Ireland A by 71 runs. Nepal had defeated the visitors by 6 wickets in the first match. In today’s match held at TU cricket ground in Kirtipur, batting first after winning the toss, Nepal scored 198 runs at the loss of seven wickets in the scheduled 20 overs. Gulshan Jha top-scored with 46 runs in 32 balls.
Similarly, Kushal Malla scored 34 runs in 13 balls, captain Rohit Kumar Paudel scored 33 runs in 24 balls while Kushal Bhurtel contributed 25 runs and Sandeep Zora scored 21 runs. For the bowling side, Matthew Foster of Ireland ‘A’ took three wickets, Ben White took two wickets and Finn Hand and Gavin Hoy took one wicket each.
In response, Ireland could score only 127 runs, losing all wickets in 18.3 overs. Stephen Doheny scored the highest 26 runs for Ireland. For Nepal, Kushal Malla and Sompal Kami took three wickets each and Bivek Yadav, Kushal Bhurtel and Karan KC took one wicket each.
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First Horticulture Expo-2080 BS to begin from March 29
Kathmandu, March 26: The first Horticulture Expo-2080 BS is going to be organized in the federal capital from March 29 to April 1.
The Nursery Association Nepal (NAN) is going to organize the event which is targeted at those who are interested in the nursery business, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts of flowers as well as researchers in horticulture.
Expo’s coordinator Ramji Kunwar said that they have considered the upcoming expo as an integrated ‘Maha Kumba’ (large assembly) of the nursery sector. The expo will display commercial nursery products based on flowers, fruits, forests and herbs.
“Over 700 spices of plants from various flower nurseries, fruit nurseries, agriculture, forest nurseries and herbs nurseries will be showcased in the expo for exhibition, sales and distribution,” coordinator Kunwar said. He added that the expo would also features fertilizers, organic and chemical pesticides, seedlings, equipments and agricultural equipments and technologies.
There will be altogether 90 stalls including 74 commercial ones, according to him. The organizers are expecting footfall of over 50,000 visitors and transaction worth Rs 10 million.
The entry fee for the general public is Rs 100 while students and senior citizens would be charged Rs 50, the organizers said. The expo is expected to enhance advocacy on the welfare of the nursery entrepreneurs spread across the country and enhance their professional capacities through development and expansion of nursery business and contribute in job creation.
During the expo, various competitions would be held among the nursery entrepreneurs and they would be rewarded with cash and certificates to motivate them, it was shared. Services related to horticulture would be provided during the expo which is promoted by the Floriculture Development Centre, Department of Botany, Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Centre and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Centre, the organizers said.
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Foreign Minister Shrestha holds meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi
Kathmandu, March 26: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who is on an official visit to China, held a meeting with Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi on Tuesday.
During the meeting, both the leaders assessed the state of bilateral relations and expressed commitment to work together to further elevate the ties between the two countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The two leaders also emphasized on swift implementation of projects.
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Mahakali bridge construction resumes after five months
Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur), March 26: Construction of the four-lane bridge over the Mahakali River in Kanchanpur has resumed after five months.
It may be noted that the contractor had halted the ongoing construction of the bridge since the first week of October 2023, after not receiving payment of millions of rupees as per the plan.
Some days ago, the contractor company informed that remaining construction related works would be completed within six months after the government cleared the payment for works done last year.
As informed, 90.19 per cent fiscal progress has been achieved in the construction of 8.6-km six-lane road along with the four-lane concrete bridge. The construction of the road had started in 2074 BS. Engineer at Kumar-CFEC JV, Kishore Raj Pandey said that Rs 85 million has been recently provided to the company for last year’s work.
He informed that the embankment design of a pond being constructed along the bridge has been approved and is under the process of being submitted to the Department of Roads for ‘variation’.
Due to the variation, Rs 150 million is still due, he said, adding 1,500 meters of the 8.06 kilometers six-lane access road has yet to be blacktopped in the project. “All the work of the bridge can be completed within six months if there is no shortage of funds.” The bridge being constructed at a cost of Rs 3.66 billion is being developed as a trade point of the far-west. Along with the bridge, the construction of a dry port at Dodhara Chandani across the Mahakali river is also in the process.
A pond has been constructed on both sides of the bridge to be made into a tourist destination. Two ponds larger than one square kilometers have been constructed on the north side and two ponds of 0.3 square kilometers on the south side. The work of ‘variation’ had been postponed due to problems in the design of the pond last year.
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DPM directs officials to treat migrant workers with dignity at TIA
Kathmandu, March 26: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has directed the immigration officials to treat migrant workers in a decent manner and not to exhibit any misconduct as migrant workers, he said, are the ones contributing to nation’s economy by sending remittances.
Minister Lamichhane urged the immigration officers to immediately mend their acts of giving unnecessary hassles and stress to the migrant workers.
Addressing an event organized by the Department of Immigration on Tuesday, Minister Lamichhane asked the government officials to give the impressions of a change to the service recipients by treating them with positive conduct and showing sympathy from today itself.
He asked the Department to unveil the plans for reforms in immigration and assured firm support from the Ministry. Saying that a large number of honest persons suffer due to some dishonest people’s conducts, Lamichhane stressed that honest people should be encouraged by identifying the dishonest ones soon.
On the occasion, the DPM said that the country’s immigration should be made technology-friendly meeting the international standards but admitted that there are some challenges to train the human resources and to provide sufficient resources at the workstations.
Home Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal directed the officials not to commit mistakes intentionally.
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SC issues order to release Dhimal and Khadka
Kathmandu, March 26: The Supreme Court (SC) has issued an order to immediately release two body guards of medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai from detention.
A divisional bench of Justice Nahakul Subedi and Sunil Kumar Pokharel today ordered to release Prasain’s body guards, Ramkumar Dhimal and Deepak Khadka, who were held with weapons.
“As the prevailing law does not show that the act of carrying arms in accordance with the conditions of arms license is subject to an offence, the arrest of these petitioners by issuing necessary arrest warrants for the offence of Section 132 of the Criminal Code Procedures, 2074 BS and the extension of remand for investigation by the Kathmandu District Court has also appeared to be illegal”, the order states.
The apex court also ordered to revoke the necessary arrest warrant, detention warrant and extension order and letter given to the petitioner and release the petitioner from illegal detention today itself.
Nepal Police had arrested Dhimal and Khadka while they were trying to enter the Supreme Court on March 18.
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Six persons, including former chair of rural municipality convicted
Kathmandu, March 26: The Special Court Kathmandu has convicted six persons, including Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality’s former Chairperson Govinda Bahadur Khadka in a graft case.
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) had filed a case against 27 people, including former chairperson Khadka, accusing them of indulging in corruption in an electrification project. Of them six have been convicted and 21 others have been acquitted, said deputy registrar and spokesperson of the special court, Dhan Bahadur Karki.
Khadka along with Raju Prasad Neupane, Tanka Prasad Chaulagain, Durga Bahadur Tamang, Norbu Lama and Pike Construction operator Amrit Bahadur Tamang have been convicted by the court.
Khadka has been fined Rs 19.9 million and sentenced to six months in jail. Similarly, Neupane and Chaulagain will be sentenced to jail for three months and fined Rs 6.3 million each, while in the case of Tamang and Lama, three months imprisonment and Rs 3.1 million fine will be imposed, Karki added.
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DPM Shrestha calls on Chinese investors for enhanced economic partnership
Beijing, March 26: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said once formidable Himalaya range, perceived as a barrier, will be transformed into a bridge of progress heralding a new era of cooperation between Nepal and China and stated that Nepal is resolutely dedicated to building a network of connectivity that transcends the Himalayas.
Speaking at the Pre-Investment Summit organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing earlier today, Shrestha said implementation of the Nepal-China Transit Transport Agreement and its Protocol was an advantage for the Chinese investors for a third country export via Chinese ports.
He said Nepal-China relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and cooperation during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2019. “Noteworthy progress has been made since then to consolidate these ties.”
DPM Shrestha said Nepal has focused on reforming policies, institutions, and procedures in pursuit of establishing a business-friendly environment and attracting foreign investment by taking key decisions, including legal, institutional, and procedural reforms at the onset of the Summit.
Terming Nepal as an extremely alluring investment destination for Chinese business leaders, he said the government has prioritized hydroelectricity, tourism, infrastructure, ICT, and manufacturing industries for investment.
Reiterating that Nepal attaches top priority to its relations with China, he called for an enhanced economic partnership for mutual benefits adding that the two nations’ close cultural affinity and geographical proximity provide room for win-win cooperation.”A forward-looking foreign investment policy has been implemented. Several investment-related legislative instruments have been enacted,” according to DPM Shrestha.
“We are fully dedicated to implementing additional policy, regulatory, and procedural reforms. Our next cycle of reforms includes Intellectual Property Rights, among others,” he shared.
Saying that Nepal’s domestic resources alone are not sufficient to achieve the overarching goals, he added Nepal requires substantial investment, modern technology, and critical infrastructure to bridge the resource gaps. “Nepal treasures unique investment opportunities. It is the most suitable country for foreign investors due to its proximity to the world’s largest markets. China has been Nepal’s important trading partner,” he viewed.
On the occasion, DPM Shrestha also elaborated about the “One Stop Service Center” established at the Department of Industries to simplify procedures. Inviting the Chinese tourists in Nepal, he said free visas are issued to Chinese visitors in Nepal and Nepal boasts a hassle-free visa procedure.
On the occasion, Shrestha mentioned that business communities are key actors in the socio-economic transformation and such interactions can play instrumental role in attracting ideas, innovation, and investment.
He observed that China is one of the biggest examples of nations that has achieved tremendous success economically, technologically, and socially and has elevated millions of people out of poverty in a short span of time.
The DPM added that China has been Nepal’s important trading partner and the largest provider of foreign direct investment.
He also described that Nepal has the lowest corporate tax rate in the region. “Special incentives are extended to organizations that operate roads, bridges, railways, hydropower, transmission lines, and other infrastructure on a “Build Own Operate and Transfer” model. Policies regarding the repatriation of capital and income are relaxed.”
In the programme, Investment Board’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sushil Bhatta mentioned that there was a tremendous potential for investment in Nepal and thus urged the Chinese investors to consider for investment in infrastructures, agriculture, tourism and services among others.
Stating that investment-friendly climate was enabled in Nepal, Bhatta expressed that they were ready to welcome Chinese investors in Nepal. Similarly, Nepali Ambassador to China Bishnu Pukar Shrestha echoed with Bhatta and assured that favorable investment environment was enabled in Nepal. He also urged the Chinese investors to confidently invest in Nepal.
Present in the programme were Chinese investors besides members of the visiting Nepali delegation. The Pre-Investment Summit organized by the Embassy of Nepal was attended by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, Deputy Secretary General of China Chamber of International Commerce Xu Liang, Deputy General Manager China International Water and Electric Corporation Chen Mili and business persons in China.
The summit was organized on the Theme ‘Emerging Nepal: Investment Potentials in Nepal’ in collaboration with the China Chamber of International Commerce and China Council for the Promotion of the International Trade.
The Summit was organized to lure more Chinese investors in Nepal in view of the Investment Summit to be held in Kathmandu next month and to foster collaboration between two countries and peoples for shared prosperity.
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Communist forces for building socialism: Minister Sharma
Ghorahi (Dang), March 26: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has asserted that a strong communist force was needed to build socialism.
Addressing the joint assembly of Socialism Front Nepal’s Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City ward no 17 and 18 in Ghorahi on Tuesday, Minister Sharma urged to strengthen constitution and political system by maintaining political stability in the country.
Sharma, who is also Spokesperson of the government, informed that the incumbent government would create socialism-oriented budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Minister stressed on advancing the country towards economic development, prosperity and development of independent national industrial capitalism and achieving progressive socialism.
She viewed, “In order to achieve socialism, there is a need for a self-sufficient economy with social justice.” Pointing out the need for purification in politics to curb corruption, Minister Sharma said that CPN (Maoist) had prioritized education, health, development and prosperity for the people.
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Indian Ambassador Srivastava calls on Home Minister Lamichhane
Kathmandu, March 26: Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Rabi Lamichhane, today.
During the meeting held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, matters related to efforts to be made to further consolidate the historical relations and persisting deep, wide and diverse geographically bound relations between the two countries at peoples’ level were discussed, DPM Lamichhane’s secretariat shared.
On the occasion, Home Minister Lamichhane said further coordination would be made on the exchange of cooperation through the existing bilateral mechanisms and process facilitation would be made for the utilization of Indian government assistance in the reconstruction of Jajarkot and Rukum-West.
On the occasion, Lamichhane stressed the need to increase the number of mechanism to screen pesticides in vegetables and fruits at border check points and improve the existing ones. Indian Ambassador Srivastava also underlined the need to put further policy measures for the control of petty crimes and human trafficking along the border.
Meanwhile, DPM Lamichhane held a separate meeting with South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-Young today. During the meeting, Home Minister Lamichhane stressed the need to further deepen the bilateral collaboration between the two countries.
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Koshi government committed for hilly region’s development
Dhankuta, March 26: Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Kedar Karki, has asserted that the Koshi government was committed for the development of hilly areas in the province.
Chief Minister Karki, who arrived at Koshi Province Chief Minister Contact Office, Dhankuta, for a cabinet meeting, shared that the government’s policy would be reformed as development activities should be connected with the people.
During the meeting with Dhankuta-based journalists, he mentioned that though erstwhile provincial governments had established contact office in Dhankuta, the contact office was not brought into operation.
Chief Minister Karki stressed that the contact office would now be brought into operation regularly. CM Karki is scheduled to participate in various programmes to be organised in Dhankuta today, said Karki’s Press advisor, Leela Ballav Ghimire.
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APF to mobilize a unit of its platoon on 24-hour border patrol
Kathmandu, March 26: The Armed Police Force (APF) Nepal has implemented the Concept Paper on Mobilization for Border Foot Patrol, 2024. The concept paper, implemented as part of the APF with the People of Border Areas Programme, aims at mobilization of APF personnel for patrolling round-the-clock at the border areas.
Accordingly, mobilization of a platoon of the APF Nepal has been started in the international border areas.
APF central spokesperson SSP Rajendra Khadka said that with the preparation and implementation of the concept paper, a platoon of the APF under the command of Inspector would be deputed on 24-hour border patrol in every province.
According to SSP Khadka, the platoon has been mobilized with the objective of securing border marker pillars and the no-man’s land in the bordering districts, controlling cross-border crimes, monitoring and preventing the encroachment of border, checking revenue leakage taking place at the border region and making the control of illegal activities more effective.
The APF believes that this step will also support the coordination and collaboration with the APF’s counterpart agencies of neighbouring friendly countries. Likewise, it is believed to contribute to making the border security more effective through better border management and building of positive and close relations with the citizens of the bordering areas.
For conducting the 24-hour border foot patrolling, every brigade will mobilize in the no-man’s land area in the border region along with logistics by incorporating the human resources also of the battalion, company, the proposed border security company, BOPs and bases.
It is said that cross patrolling would be conducted and the 24-hour border patrol would be continued on a rotational basis with the border foot patrol linking up with another patrol team.
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Five Bangladeshis arrested for overstaying in Nepal
Kathmandu, March 26: Police have today made public five Bangladeshi nationals staying illegally in Nepal even after the expiry of their visa term.
They are Md Rifat Ahamed, 26, Md Abdullah, 23, Md Samsual Hoda, 45, Abdul Biswas, 30, and Md Masum Miah, 36, according to Information Officer at the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, Superintendent of Police Nakul Pokharel.
They were arrested from Sohrakhutte based on the information that they had been staying in Nepal illegally and involving in suspicious activities, shared Pokharel.
Of them, Biswas and Miah were arrested on March 22 while remaining three on Monday. The arrested Bangladeshi nationals have been sent to Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, for necessary investigation and action.
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Light rain expected in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces
Kathmandu, March 26: Presently there is an influence of the Westerly wind together with the local wind in Nepal.
Light rain or thunder and lightning is forecast at a few places of Koshi Province and at one or two places of Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces today. There are chances of light snowfall at one or two places of the high hilly and mountainous region of Koshi Province and Bagmati Province.
Tonight, the weather will be partly cloudy throughout the country. Light rain or thunder and lightning is likely to occur at one or two places of hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division.
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Nepal in priority for investment: AIIB
Kathmandu, March 26: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has said it accords top priority to Nepal. A visiting high-level delegation from the AIIB said this during a meeting with Finance Minister Barshaman Pun, according to the Minister’s Secretariat.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Pun urged the AIIB for scaling up its investment in Nepal’s infrastructure development and other projects. In reply, AIIB Director RMP Rathnayake, who leads the delegation, praised Nepal’s endeavours for investment policy reforms and for their enhancement. He pledged to adopt a policy of increasing investment in Nepal in the days to come on the basis of the availability of resources.
The Minister also urged the AIIB for a partnership with Nepal’s private sector as per its policy of mobilizing its 50 percent capital in partnership with the private sector. In response, the delegation chief suggested about the possibility for the collaboration with Nepal’s private sector by selecting multi-year projects.
On the occasion, the Finance Minister invited the AIIB to the Third National Investment Summit that Nepal is scheduled to host on April 28-29. Director Rathnayake said a high-level participation will be there from the AIIB in the Summit.
The Minister utilised the forum to call on the AIIB for ensuring provisions to provide a concessional loan to Nepal and middle-income developing countries. He shared to the delegation that Nepal has been deprived of leveraging on expected benefits from the AIIB due to its relatively high interests rates. “Despite being the AIIB founding member, Nepal has failed to take expected benefits from its investments due to a high interest rate,” he said.
Stating that multiple projects of infrastructure development are to be carried out in Nepal, he insisted on the concessions on AIIB borrowings to Nepal. As he said, the government accords top priority to the infrastructure development and it is required to source out the funds due to its limited internal resources.
The Minister advised the AIIB to investment in Nepal’s infrastructure development, hydroelectricity, tourism and information technology sectors, and the areas of relative benefits.
He apprised the delegation that an agreement has been reached to supply 10,000 megawatts of electricity and added that there is no market issue for power to be generated in Nepal. Likewise, as per the power trade agreement between Nepal and Bangladesh, Nepal will be soon exporting 40 megawatts of electricity to Bangladesh.
Sharing about the Nepal’s process to graduate from the least developed country to a developing country by 2026, the Minister sought diversifications of AIIB investment in Nepal.
Similarly, stating about Nepal’s plan to mobilise the climate change finance in Nepal’s development projects, he also urged for the AIIB support towards that end.
The AIIB has invested in 40 million US dollar in under-construction 216-MW Upper Trishuli-1 hydroelectricity project. It has investments in some under-construction transmission lines in Lumbini and Karnali provinces.
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World Cup Football Qualifier: Nepal playing against Bahrain
Kathmandu, March 26: Nepal is playing against Bahrain today in its fourth match of second phase under FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup Qualifier. The game would be held at National Stadium of Bahrain from 12:45 am Nepal time tonight.
Nepal is under the pressure to win today’s match to keep alive the chances of qualifying for the world cup. Nepal would be out from playing World Cup and Asia Qualifier if it lost today’s match.
Nepal had entered the second phase of the qualifier defeating Laos in its first-phase match. Similarly, it has not been able to win a single game under the second-phase. It was defeated in all three second-phase matches.
In the first match held in the United Arab Emirates, Nepal lost to UAE by 4-0 goals, to Yemen by 2-0 goals in the second match held in home ground and to Bahrain by 5-0 in the third match.
Nepal is in group ‘H’ in the second phase. Similarly, Bahrain, Yemen and UAE are in the same group. Winning three games in three matches, UAE is on top position with nine points while Bahrain in second position with six points.
Likewise, Yemen is in third position with three points while Nepal is without a point, losing all three matches.
Kiran Chemjong, Bishal Sunar and Abhishek Rai are goalkeepers in the Nepali team while Abhishekh Limbu, Ananta Tamang, Tshering Lama, Ajay Chaudhary, Shanis Shrestha, Saubhagya Rai and Sumit Shrestha are defenders.
Bharat Khawas, Bishal Basnet, Loken Limbu, Mani Kumar Lama, Manish Dangi, Rohan Karki and Utsav Rai are playing in the mid-field while Anjan Bista, Dinesh Henjan, Samir Tamang, Sanjeev Bista, Hisub Thapaliya and Gillespie Jung Karki are the forwards.
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UML Vice-chair Poudel leaves for China
Kathmandu, March 26: The CPN (UML) Vice-chair Bishnu Prasad Poudel left for China today.
While in China, he will be participating in the Annual Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia to be held in Boao in Hainan, the southern province of China, leader Poudel’s Secretariat said.
The conference will take place from March 26 to 29. Vice-chair Poudel is scheduled to address the conference on behalf Nepal on Thursday.
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NA Chair Dahal insists on mass awareness about significance of NA
Chitwan, March 26: National Assembly (NA) Chairperson, Narayan Prasad Dahal, has said the NA is responsible for uniting the entire nation.
In his address to a programme organised by the Bharatpur metropolis today in honour of the newly elected NA Chair, he said it is the role of the upper house to promote collaborations among the three-tier governments and the nation’s unity, undertaking its assigned legislative duties. He pledged to focus towards that end.
He said he hoped his term at the upper house would be fruitful in making citizens aware of rights and responsibilities granted to the NA by the Constitution.
“The NA is considered as a shadow chamber of the House of Representatives, but the reality is not like this. Mass awareness is necessary about significance of the NA,” he said, promising to work towards that end during his term.
Numerous laws are needed to be enacted for the enforcement of the Constitution, he said, adding that he would utilise his term to prod the government for the same.
On the occasion, Bharatpur metropolis mayor Renu Dahal insisted on the role of NA in addressing issues in the local levels.
She advised the NA to prove it competent regarding the promotion of public interest and protection of the Constitution.
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Rain with hailstone damages crops in Mahottari
Mahottari, March 26: Early today, a storm accompanied by rainfall and hailstones damaged wheat, barley, lentil, and vegetable crops in the southwest region of Mahottari district. Areas such as Sonama, Samsi, Manarishiwa, Gaushaala, Aurahi, Ramgopalpur, and Balawa, situated along the Nepal-India border in the district, bore the brunt of this unexpected weather.
It is reported that farmers were preparing for harvesting their crops within the next three to four days when they were unexpectedly damaged by the rain.
Mohammed Qadir Hussain from Ramgopalpur stated that the wheat crop suffered the most damage due to the rain.
Ram Pratap Yadav from Khairwani, Sonama rural municipality, said the rain inflicted damage on pumpkin and guard farming in their area.
Furthermore, the hailstorm wreaked havoc on crops in the western region of Bhangaha and Ekdara as well. Mahottari has experienced continuous rainfall for the past five days. While the rain brought some relief to farmers after a long wait, the hailstorm and windstorm have caused significant damages to their crops.
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NEA urges AIIB to increase investment in power infrastructure expansion
Kathmandu, March 26: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has urged the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to increase investment in electricity infrastructure improvement and expansion projects.
During a meeting with a visiting AIIB delegation comprising the bank board of governors led by AIIB Director RMP Rathnayake on Monday, NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising requested the AIIB to ramp up investment on cheaper interest rate in infrastructure improvement and expansion towards electricity transmission and distribution.
On the occasion NEA Executive Director Ghising apprised the AIIB delegation of the outline of the energy sector development in Nepal and the investment needs for the same. He said there is need of huge investment for building infrastructures for production, transmission and distribution of electricity for expanding electricity trade with the neighbouring countries.
“Nearly 60 billion US dollars investment (including for the private sector) is required for projects related to the production, transmission and distribution of electricity in order to implement the Energy Sector Roadmap until 2035 brought by the Ministry of Energy. Concessional loan at cheaper interest rate is required for this from multilateral institutions like the AIIB,” he added.
The AIIB team expressed the bank’s willingness to make investment required for the energy sector. The delegation on the occasion inquired about the progress of projects under construction on AIIB investment, environmental and social security topics, restructuring of the energy sector and market guarantee for power export.
Member of the AIIB board of directors from Nepal and chief of the International Economic Assistance Coordination Division, Ministry of Finance, Joint Secretary Shree Krishna Nepal also stressed on AIIB providing concessional loans for the development of the energy sector.
AIIB has provided concessional loan of 112 million and 300 thousand US dollars to Nepal for the implementation of the Electricity Distribution System Improvement and Expansion Project. This loan is being spent for carrying out electrification and distribution system expansion and improvement in Dang, Banke, Bardia and Rolpa of Lumbini province and the eight districts in Karnali province.
Nineteen 33/11kV distribution substations, 350 kilometres of the 33kV transmission line, 1798-kilometre 11kV line and a 3159 kilometres LT line is to be constructed as well as 1045 distribution transformers are to be installed as part of this project. Contract agreement and project design have already been completed for implementing the project.
AIIB has released 40 million dollars loan for the 216-megawatt Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project which is under construction through foreign direct investment led by the Korean companies.
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UNESCO calls nominations for ‘UNESCO Prize for Girls and Women’
Kathmandu, March 26: The UNESCO Nepal National Commission Secretariat has called for nominations for the ‘UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education’ for the year of 2024.
The prize will be conferred by the UNESCO Paris.
The prize carries a purse of US dollar 50,000 (approximately Rs 6.6 million). The Government of Nepal has been requested to make nominations for the award.
According to the Secretariat, the deadline for submitting the application is April 16. The nominations should include people or institutions making outstanding efforts in favour of women and girls’ education.
The Secretariat is authorized for shortlisting the nominations and the UNESCO world-level jury is final authority for announcing the award.
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Existing political equation for stability, people’s prosperity: Pokharel
Udaypur (Gaighat), March 26: Senior vice-chairperson of CPN (UML), KP Sharma Oli, has said the existing coalition government comprising the CPN (UML) and the political equation is for promoting political stability and bringing prosperity in the country.
Speaking at a press meet organised by the Press Chautari Nepal at Gaighat of Udaypur today, the UML leader said,” The existing political equation aims to further strengthen democracy and republic.”
As he claimed, the new coalition government will complete its full term, implementing the policy of a zero tolerance against corruption.
He took time to say that the Koshi Province will soon see the formation of a new government under the leadership of CPN (UML). The leader has been here to attend the ninth district convention of CPN (UML) kicked off today.
UML standing committee member and Koshi Province former Chief Minister Sherdhan Rai was also present at the programme.
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Shree Airlines adds two more aircraft to its fleet
Kathmandu, March 26: The Shree Airlines has brought two more 80-seater aircraft. The private sector airlines company has brought the ‘Dash 8’ planes manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (DHC).
The call sign of the two aircraft that landed in Kathmandu today is 9N-AOK and 9N-AOL, said Anil Mananadhar, the institutional manager of Shree Airlines. It is said that these aircraft were operated by Horizon Air and Alaska Air based in America before this.
Manandhar said both the planes will be employed for commercial flights soon after completing the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN)-required process.
With the new addition, Shree Airlines now has a fleet of 10 aircraft. It also has eight helicopters in operation.
Shree Airlines started operating regular flights to various destinations in Nepal since 2017, using the two 50-seater CRJ 200 aircraft and two 70-seater RJ 700 jet planes. The airlines company that brought additional two 80-seater aircraft in 2019 and again in 2022 has been expanding its flight destinations.
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Hailstone damages winter crops
Beni, March 26: Heavy hailstone occurred in Myagdi district damaged winter crops last evening.
The hailstone occurred after long drought damaged the crops of Raghuganga rural municipality and Beni municipality.
The wheat, barley, and legumes ready for harvest perished in the hailstone which occurred for three hours. Similarly, the farmers said even the flowering citrus trees were laid bare with rains coupled with hailstone.
Piple, Bhagawati, Kalejabang, Mauwaphant, Beg, Dagnam, Jhin and Pakhapani of Raghuganga rural municipality and Patlekhet, Ghatan, Pulauchar, Arthunge, Bagarphant, Beni of Beni municipality witnessed the adversity.
A farmer from Beni municipality-9, Bhadra Bahadur Baniya, informed that the cereals, mustard seedling and vegetable were destroyed in the heavy hailstone. “We were ready to harvest crops, but the hailstone destroyed it all of sudden,” he shared the plight.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Raghuganga rural municipality, Bhawa Bahadur Bhandari, informed the details on loss and damage caused by the hailstone would be collected from ward level.
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Govt at work for prosperity: Chair Nepal
Dhulikhel, March 26: Chairman of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal, has said government was working actively to ensure prosperity in the country. Government is committed to launch activities to curb corruption, he added.
Chairman Nepal said it while addressing a programme organized for the installation of newly elected members of party’s district committee in Kavrepalanchwok on Monday. He underscored the need of unity among all communist parties in the changed context which warrants new thoughts and development.
He shared that a meeting was held among top leaders, including CPN UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and himself where they discussed how they could collaborate further in the wake of by-election.
On the occasion, Deputy General Secretary of the party, Dr Gangalal Tuladhar, directed the party leaders and cadres to reach people’s doorstep for public awareness on party activities. It would help build party organization, he believed.
Similarly, party’s Chair at Bagmati Province Committee, Sabitra Bhusal, said the newly elected office bearers need to work for party organization.
A 57-member committee has been elected through 10th district convention under the chairmanship of Basundhara Humagain. The committee has incorporated members from minorities, Dalit and people with disabilities as well.
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Chhimkeshwori Temple being developed as a site of religious tourism
Damauli, March 26: The Chhimkeshwori Temple in Tahanu district is being developed as a site of religious tourism. The temple located at Ambukhaireni rural municipality-2 has been drawing religious tourists from the district and vicinity.
The temple can be reached after 15-km jeep drive from Ambhukhaireni, Prithvi Highway to Labdi and a short trek.
Anyone visiting the temple situated at the height of 2,134 meter can relish scenic view of peaks, such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu and Buddha. The enchanting view of snow-clad mountains evidently lures the visitors.
The tourists conduct puja and offer prayers at the temple. Currently, the number of visitors at Chhimkeshwori Temple stands from around 50 to 100 in a day. It has boosted domestic tourism, according to Krishna Tamang.
Tamang, who is the chair of Chhimkeshwori Tourism Development Committee, informed that as many as 5,000 devotees visited the temple on the day of Fagu poornima-last Sunday- alone. The New Year and Holi festival draw crowds here.
Priest at temple, Dhanraj Gurung, said the people from Lamjung, Gorkha and Chitwan also visit the shrine. Even the animal sacrifices are offered as consecration. It is the temple of Goddess Chhimkeshwori. It is believed that once the Chhimkeshwori Devi is worshipped, one gets his/her wishes fulfilled.
The reconstruction of the temple has recently completed with the monetary support of Gandaki Province government. It is one of the tourist destinations listed among 110 such sites by the province government. The government had allocated Rs 4.5 million for the reconstruction.
Even a trail and railing were set up as part of the reconstruction with government support.
Chairman of Ambukhaireni rural municipality, Shukra Chuman, informed that the local level had also given priority to the promotion of Chhimkeshwori Temple. “The temple was reconstructed with the initiation and activism of rural municipality. We are planning for its further development and promotion,” he shared.
Meanwhile, blacktopping has begun on the road leading to the Chhimkeshwori Temple.
In order for facilitating the tourists, even the homestay services have been launched down the hill. The local from Hilekharka of Ambukhaireni rural municipality-6 have begun homestay.
Indigenous cuisines are served to the visitors, according to Batumaya Gurung. She is chair of homestay management committee.
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Services at Chovar Dry Port after two years of completion
Kirtipur, March 26: After two years of completion, the Chovar Dry Port in Kathmandu has begun services.
Currently, two hundred cars are waiting for customs clearance.
Businessperson Bibhor Kumar Agrawal is visiting the dry port regularly for some days to proceed with the customs for cosmetic goods imported from Italy.
The custom clearance for new vehicles has begun at Chovar Dry Port after the agreement forged with NADA Automobiles Association. It has resulted in arrival of businesspersons seeking services here.
With no direct access to sea, Nepal has 14 dry ports, among which, Chovar Dry Port is the latest and modern facility. Most of the dry ports are constructed at borders- with China or with India.
The latest one is now close to the main market of the country.
The businesspersons are provided spaces in the dry port to store their imports. They can use the spaces as internal depots.
Godown, rack, and equipments to un/load consignments are provided in the dry port. Arrangement of CCTV, security persons, container management and bank service are other features to equip the customs clearance.
The dry port is spacious for as many as 500 containers.
Executive Director at Chovar Dry Port, Ashish Gajurel, said if it is to be operated in a full scale, environment should be created to bring the imports directly to this facility. Similarly, it can be used for final checks to exports as well. “It is however not possible at present because the imports are checked initially at border customs, including Birgjunj check point. Then they arrive here. It is therefore a hassle to ferry any consignment at this dry port and move to other places,” he explained.
Gajurel however informed that once the express way comes into operation, the exporters and importers would free of present hassles.
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Prosperous Tarai irrigation special programme launched
Godawari (Kailali), March 26: Prosperous Tarai/Madhes irrigation special programme has been launched in five districts including Kailali and Kanchanpur of Sudurpaschim Province.
The irrigation special programme was begun at Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolis, Lamkichuha, Godawari municipality, Bardagoriya rural municipality in Kailali while Krishnapur, Punarbas municipality and Laljhadi rural municipality of Kanchanpur. The irrigation is managed with the construction of deep tube wells, according to engineer Salik Bhusal, information officer at Mahakali Irrigation Management Office.
Surkhet of Karnali Province, Banke and Bardiya of Lumbini Province have been running similar facilities under the special programme.
Irrigation in 40 hectares of land from five districts including Kanchanpur is aimed in the current fiscal year, 2080/81, he added. For its implementation, Rs 70 million has been allocated.
Engineer Bhusal, however, complained that the budget for the progamme was insufficient. The scheme would provide irrigation throughout the year.
It is said nearly Rs 8.5 million is spent in installing a deep tube well. After the installation, applications will be sought from farmers who want the service.
The farmers will be charged Rs 500 for the irrigation per hectare.
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