- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Dharan, April 20: Over 200 thousand devotees visited the ongoing Maha Kumbha Mela, a mega religious fair, at Chataradham of Barahakshetra municipality-1 in Sunsari district.
The twelve-yearly religious fair has been attracting 25,000 to 30,000 pilgrims on a daily basis since the fair kicked off 10 days ago, as per the statistics of the organizing committee.
Generally, approximately 15,000 devotees visit the fair daily, said Ramesh Karki, Mayor of Barahakshetra municipality.
Karki, also Deputy Mayor of the organizing committee, shared that they had expected a footfall of some 3 million devotees from home and abroad during the month-long event.
Apart from the local residents, most of the devotees are from neighbouring districts such as Saptari and Siraha among others as well from bordering Indian towns, said the organizers.
Mayor Karki expressed his confidence that they would achieve their target of visitors. Devotees attending the fair have been provided meal and accommodation facilities. Arrangement of parking lots, drinking water, transportation and toilets are also ensured to facilitate the visitors, according to the organizer.
Kumbha Mela is being organized at Barahakshetra area that is located on the banks of the Saptakoshi River and the Pindeshwor Dham since 2059 BS- with Ardha Kumbha Mela held every six years and Purna Maha Kumbha Mela every 12 years.
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Construction of levees along seven streams begins in Kailali
Kailali, April 20: Construction of levees along seven streams in Kailaki district has begun. The embankments would be built along the Kataini Gauriganga, Shivaganga, Ghuraha, Kandra, Kanda and Thuligad streams.
The Sudurpaschim Province Assembly has allocated Rs 1.7 million for controlling river erosion, according to Hydro Resource and Irrigation Development Division Office.
The Kataini stream will have 280-metre-long embankment, while Gaurigganga will have 230-metre-long embankment, Shivaganga to have 165-metre-long levee. Similarly, Ghuraha stream will have 150-metre- long levee.
A contract of Rs 30 million has been made for the levees of total 825 metres.
Division Chief Amar Bahadur Pal informed that even the Kanda stream of Bardagoriga rural municipality will have the embankment. Construction works are underway after the contract of Rs 50 million.
Similar works are going on for Kathaiya, Magrahawa and Ambari rivulets.
A contract of Rs 40 million was made for construction of 756-metre-long levee along the Thuligad of Mohanyal rural municipality-4.
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Rainbow tourism int’l conference kicks off
Kathmandu, April 20: The first Rainbow Tourism International Conference has kicked off in the federal capital today.
The two-day event is organized by the Mayako Pahichan Nepal. It is being held in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board in a bid to promote diversity and inclusivity in tourism industry.
The organizing body said, “The conference, sponsored by the World Bank, USAID, and several prominent private sectors in Nepal, aims to foster an environment of acceptance and understanding in tourism.”
Industry leaders, policymakers and advocates gathered in the event are exploring innovative strategies to ensure accessible travel and make it enjoyable for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.
“We are thrilled to host the first Rainbow Tourism International Conference in Nepal,” said Sunil Babu Pant, Executive Director of Mayako Pahichan Nepal. “This conference represents a critical step forward in creating a tourism industry that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusivity.”
According to him, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops covering a wide range of topics, including LGBTI+ travel, accessible tourism, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement will feature during the conference.
Participants will share best practices, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships to drive positive change in the tourism sector, it is said.
Pant believed it would be a groundbreaking initiative, for it functions as a cultural emissary for Rainbow Tourism in Nepal. “Nepal is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, and we are committed to ensuring that our tourism industry is open and welcoming to all,” he added.
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Time to devote to economic prosperity: DPM Shrestha
Kathmandu, April 20: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said time has come to devote to economic prosperity by validating the political change.
DPM Shrestha said it while addressing a programme the Gorkha Journalists’ Society organized here today. He reminded all stakeholders concerned to make a stride with economic growth.
Even the media could extend support for government’s ambition of economic prosperity, he said, urging the journalists to create atmosphere conducive for reinforcing mandate of economic development and prosperity.
“With socioeconomic transformation, development and prosperity are major agenda,” he underlined.
Shrestha also stressed the need of early conclusion of issues relating to transitional justice so that country would move ahead to sustainable peace.
The DPM informed that the world had witnessed a huge change in recent time. Nepal will excel diplomacy by taking into account the geopolitics, he reminded.
Moreover, DPM Shrestha claimed Gorkha district has played a significant role on country’s political change.
He requested the media persons from Gorkha district to bring forth the issues that spur positive change.
On the occasion, Society’s Chairman Pradip Raj Onta shared that the Society would facilitate the development works in Gorkha district.
Even a calendar published by Society was released on the occasion.
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Dixit selected for London Marathon
Kathmandu, April 20: Kushal Dixit of Lalitpur district has been selected for London Marathon.
Kushal will represent Nepal in the world famous marathon competition after meeting several criteria. Being able to participate in the London Marathon is considered as a huge achievement for any athlete.
The 20-year-old athlete has already reached London where the match is being held from tomorrow. Over 50,000 youth athletes have reached London to compete in the mega sport under various categories, informed Dr Sundarmani Dixit, grandfather of Kushal.
An avid sports lover and player, Kushal had participated in various marathons in India while pursuing studies there and had received many awards and prizes as well, added Dr Dixit.
Kushal is currently a Bachelors Level student in the US. He went London from the US.
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265 cottage and small industries shut down in Banke
Ranjha (Banke), April 20: Altogether 265 cottage and small industries have been closed in Banke district in the last nine months of the current fiscal year, 2023/24.
Although the number of those industries that were shut down officially by registering in the office is negligible, those industries failing to renew on time getting scraped were 165 in the district during this period, said Kashilal Adhikari, Information Officer at the Office of Cottage and Small Industries, Banke.
A total of 105 enterprises registered under industry and 160 under commerce firms were shut down, informed Adhikari, adding that industrialists often cite their family issues as a reason for closing down their industries.
It may be noted that the district had recorded closure of 160 cottage and small industries in the last fiscal year, 2022/23.
Many small-scale industries in their district were on the verge of closure and many have been shut down owing to a number of reasons, such as COVID-19 pandemic’s repercussion, high interest rate of banks, liquidity crisis, mentioned Madhu Khadka, President of the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries, Banke’s Chapter.
Closure of the small-scale industries has led to displacement of many entrepreneurs from Nepalgunj, according to Sapkota.
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Sagarmatha ascent: Over Rs 500 million collected in royalty
Kathmandu, April 20: With the season of Sagarmatha ascent, the government has been able to collect over Rs 500 million in royalty.
The Tourism Department has informed that it collected Rs 505 million from 352 persons who got climbing permit for the world’s highest peak, Sagarmatha.
Director at Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering Section at the Department, Rakesh Gurung, informed that the number of adventure tourists grew significantly this year.
The Department will collect revenue as done in the previous year. It may meet the target, he added.
The Department’s updated a total of 352 mountaineers from 33 expeditions. Among them, 65 are women and 287 men. So far, the country recorded the climbers from 55 countries.
Last year too maximum arrivals of climbers- total 478- were recorded. The Department made the revenue of Rs 760 million, while 505 has already been made this year.
Gurung estimated that some Rs 500 to Rs 700 million more revenue could be generated this time.
The government has collected royalty for climbing 24 peaks, including the Sagarmatha. The highest peak is the source of most of the revenue.
“This Spring, Sagarmatha ascent is encouraging. The number of climbers has reached more than 352 by April 19. Now, there may be three to four permits, which could increase the number of climbers to over 400,” Gurung shared.
The mountaineering regulation, 2059 has provided to impose Rs 1.1 million from each foreign climber during the Spring season for the Sagarmatha also called Mt Everest, while each Nepali needs to pay Rs 75,000.
A foreign climber spends at least Rs 3 to 10 million for climbing the Sagarmatha once.
Major source of income in tourism sector comes from revenue on mountain climbing. Spring season is right time for the ascent.
Sagarmatha peak is the top destination for all climbers, says Mingma Sherpa, Chairman of Seven Summit Treks. He further said his company also saw surge of climbers this time. He expressed happiness over the rise of mountain climbers, which he believes would restore country’s tourism.
In addition to the highest peak of the world, Makalu, Annapurna, Kanchanjungha, Dhaulagiri, Lhotse Amadablam, Jugal are other climbing destinations.
Currently, the Sherpa climbers are mobilized to prepare the trail with rope fixing. The route up to second base camp of the Sagarmatha is readied.
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Mahakali Province Hospital awaits workforce, equipment to ensure smooth service
Dodhara Chandani, April 20: The Mahakali Hospital, which was upgraded as a province hospital after the country adopted federalism, has been desperately waiting for adequate workforce and medical equipment so that it would be able to cater modern services to the patients.
The hospital established in 2020 BS as a primary health centre at Mahendragar of Kanchanpur district was upgraded to a district hospital with 25 beds in 2031BS.
Similarly, it was expanded with 50 beds in 2043BS as a referral centre.
Chairperson at the Mahakali Province Hospital Management Committee, Krishna Nanda Bhatta, said as per provision, there should be four specialist doctors of 11th class, and 16 specialist doctors of 10th and 9th classes. But, there are only 12 specialist doctors now.
According to him, 13 doctors are working as medical officers and three are dental surgeons.
There is only one working in a post of permanent doctor. Most of the doctors are taken in contract under government scholarship and by the management committee on its own.
Not only insufficient human resource but also the shortage of medical equipment is posing challenge here to ensure modern medical service to the patients. It has compelled the hospital to refer patients to other health facilities for critical treatment and care.
“We can provide treatment, but we’ve no equipment,” Bhatta said, adding that CT scan and MRI machines were needed urgently.
The hospital also lacks adequate C-arm, and USG machines, which have badly slowed the service delivery. The equipments which are conked out are not repaired on time.
The Chairman shared the plight that they drew the attention of central government but to no avail.
Although there are government quota/seats for special doctors such as psychiatrist, general physician, pathologist and dermatologist, the concerned body has not paid heed to ensure it at the hospital.
A local social worker Lildhwoj Basnet shared the plight that although the political leaders vowed to upgrade and equip the Mahakali Hospital during election, they have turned indifferent now. The hospital is not able to ensure quality service for lack of doctors and equipments, he added.
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‘Media’s role vital to introduce democratic republic‘
Karnali, April 20: Chief of Karnali Province Tilak Pariyar said the journalists and media are true watchdog of the nation.
Inaugurating the 12th convention of the FNJ Surkhet chapter here today, Province Chief acknowledged the role played by the media in introducing federal democratic republican system in the country.
Journalism had a significant contribution in safeguarding democracy by ensuring good-governance, he said, adding commending that the Federation of Nepalis Journalists (FNJ) had been supporting the cause of institutionalizing the achievements gained through sacrifices and dedication of the Nepalis citizens.
Emphasizing responsible journalism, he urged the journalists to discharge their duties by guiding the policy makers and State mechanism in the right path and by raising positive issues of the societies.
Also, speaking in the programme, Birendranagar Municipality Deputy Mayor Nilakantha Khanal suggested the media that it played its part to protect and promote democracy and federalism.
FNJ central member Deependra Sharma viewed that the social media was becoming a huge challenge in the journalism sector in the recent days.
President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Surkhet, Laxman Kandel, observed that the positive role played by journalism sector had supported country’s development and prosperity.
Over 100 journalists working in the district participated in the convention.
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KP Oli rules out intraparty dispute
Kathmandu, April 20: Chairperson of CPN UML, KP Sharma Oli, clarified that there was no dispute within the party regarding policy and leadership.
Oli urged the party cadres to work actively for strengthening the party with unification both in ideology and sentiments.
The party Chairperson said it while presenting a political report in the party’s national convention representatives council’s meeting that kicked off here today.
He spoke of the need to make UML a strong force to fulfill the aspiration of socialism.
According to him, his party had made a safe landing by successfully dealing with the complex situations surfaced within the party since last 29 months including the party’s national convention.
The meeting is attended by over 2,000 general convention representatives.
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