- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Taplejung, April 13: Power generated from the 73 MW Middle Tamor hydropower project has been connected to the Koshi Corridor transmission line.
In the presence of the Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority, Kulman Ghising, the electricity produced by the project was successfully transmitted to the Koshi Corridor transmission line on Friday.
The project built by Sanima Middle Tamor Hydropower Limited will conduct trial production in the next 15 days to be followed up by commercial production. The power produced by one of the four turbines of the project has connected to the transmission line of the Koshi Corridor at Basantpur in Tehrathum.
On the occasion, MD to NEA Ghising said that the installed capacity of electricity in the country has reached now 3,300 megawatts, which will bring great relief to power supply. Stating that hydropower is the backbone of the country’s economy, he called for cooperation from all sides concerned to power development projects across the country.
During the dry season, power production will be however limited to 25 to 30 MW. A 50-meter-long and 11-member high dam has been built near Mitlung in Furumbu of Fungling municipality, and power was generated by guiding water through a 3,400-meter long tunnel to the power house based at Thumbabensi of Khokling.
—
Thunderstorm likely in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali
Kathmandu, April 13: The weather today will be partly cloudy in the hilly parts of Koshi, Bagmati and Madhes provinces and remain clear in the rest of the country. This is due to the partial influence of westerly winds and local winds, the weather forecast division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has said.
There is a possibility of thunderstorms in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali provinces today.
According to the department, there is a possibility of light rain with lightning at some places in the hilly areas of the country including Koshi, Bagmati and Madhes provinces and one or two places in the rest of the hilly areas. Light snowfall may also take place in some places in the high hilly and mountain regions of the country including Sudur Pachim Province.
Similarly, tonight the weather will remain clear in hilly parts of the country including Gandaki and Karnali regions. There is a possibility of light rain with lightning at one or two places in the hilly parts of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali and light snowfall at one or two places in the high hills and mountain regions of Koshi and Karnali.
—
Thamel and Durbarmarg to open 24 hours from today
Kathmandu, April 13: Thamel and Durbarmarg area will be open 24 hours a day from today.
Accordingly, the District Administration Office Kathmandu has created a code of conduct and is going to operate the two major thoroughfares of the federal capital round the clock starting today, which is also the first day of the year 2081 in the lunar calendar.
The decision comes into effect as per the instructions of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane,
Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Jitendra Basnet told RSS that reliable security arrangements have been made to secure Thamel and Durbarmarg areas. Thamel and Durbarmarg areas have been prepared to conduct night business as a full-time business.
A ‘Code of Conduct and Standards-2080’ has been approved for full-time business operations in Thamel and Durbarmarg areas. City bus, taxis and ride sharing apps are being managed to address the problem of night-time transportation.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of Thamel Tourism Development Council Bhabiswar Sharma said that the market is going to be opened 24 hours a day to make the economy of Thamel and Durbarmarg sustainable.
Coordinator of Durbarmarg Development Board, Sanjay Adhikari, expressed his belief that opening the market 24 hours a day would send a positive message at the international level.
In the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Lamichhane, a program is being organized this afternoon to make the announcement of operating Thamel and Durbarmarg open 24 hours a day.
—
48 km of Beni-Jomsom-Korala section black topped
Myagdi, April 13: A total of 48 km road has been black topped in the Beni-Jomsom-Korala section of the Kaligandaki Corridor. The corridor connects the borders of India in the south and China in the north.
The 435 km long Kaligandaki Corridor Road connecting Triveni on the border with India and Korala transit in China is a project of national pride.
The road construction project started in 2074 BS and out of the fourteen sections, the construction of eight sections has been completed so far, and the physical progress of the project has reached 78 percent by the end of 2080, said Dhurav Kumar Jha, the head of the project.
A total of 85 km of gravel and 48 km of block topped road has been completed in the six sections. Furthermore, 13 concrete bridges and three bailey bridges have been constructed on this road. Motorable bridges are under construction at six places.
According to Jha, 16 km of road in Kaiku-Khanti section of Mustang, nine km in Khanti-Tukuche-Marfa section, two km of Ghasa-Kaikukhola section of Mustang, six km of Tiplyang-Tatopani section of Myagdi, four km of Beni-Galeshwar section and three km of Galeshwar-Begkhola section have been blacked topped with DBSD technology.
Bishnu Chapagain, information officer of the project, said that construction companies have been instructed to black top the 13 km Jomsom-Kagbeni, Tatopani-Ghasa section, six km of Marfa-Jomsom section within the current financial year.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs 10 billion and so far around Rs 7 billion is said to have been been spent.
—
President Paudel offers prayers at Sapantirtha temple
Kathmandu, April 13: President Ramchandra Paudel performed pooja and offered prayers at Sapantirtha temple in Tokha Municipality this morning. He was accompanied by his spouse Sabita Paudel.
President Paudel was welcomed by Member of Parliament Pradeep Paudel, Mayor of Tokha Municipality Prakash Adhikari and Sapantirtha Area Development Committee Chair Devraj Dangol, among others.
Meanwhile, the Sapantirtha bathing fair has also started today. Devotees from different parts of the country including Kathmandu valley come here to take a bath. There is a popular belief that taking a bath in Sapantirtha can help cure various skin-related diseases.
Along with the fair the Biska Nakh (Jatra) has also started in Sapantirtha, said Newa Guthi Tokha President Ramesh Napit. The Jatra will continue till April 16.
—
Speaker Ghimire’s message on new year
Kathmandu, April 13: Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire has extended best wishes on the occasion of New Year 2081, while wishing for a progressive life for all Nepalis and for the advancement of unity, harmony and fraternal relations among the Nepalis.
Extending best wishes for happiness, peace, good health and prosperity to all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad, he has also appealed to all to engage in prosperity, good governance and the rebuilding of the country with new zeal, vigor and enthusiasm in the new year.
High-level of understanding, necessary prudence and efforts are desired between political parties to advance the country towards the era of development and prosperity, he said while noting that the Federal Parliament of Nepal is always striving to create quality laws for development, prosperity and good governance of the country. “More efforts are needed to realize the people’s aspiration for development, stability and sustainable peace,” he has said in the message.
—
UML to hold secretariat meeting on Sunday
Kathmandu, April 13: The ruling CPN UML has summoned its secretariat meeting for Sunday.
A meeting of the Party secretariat has been scheduled at the Party’s Central Office in Chyasal, Lalitpur next day, according to Secretary of UML Central Office, Dr Bhishma Adhikari.
Preparations for the National General Convention Representatives Council meeting, the 75th founding day of the party, by-elections to be held on April 27, and other contemporary political issues would feature in the meeting.
UML’s National General Convention Representatives Council meeting is slated to be held at Godavari, Lalitpur on April 20-21.
—
Political unity must for prosperity: Chair Nepal
Kathmandu, April 13: Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal, has underscored a common concept among political parties on the issues of nationality and national interest.
He also laid emphasis that all should be united to fulfill people’s aspiration of prosperity. In a best wishes message on the occasion of New Year 2081BS today, Chair Nepal stressed political parties’ coordination and collaboration contributes to nation building and national importance.
Stating that the importance of democracy along with periodic election for social justice, equality, inclusion and participatory representation was laudable, he pointed out the need of ending all types of discriminations.
Moreover, Chair Nepal wished all Nepalese at home and abroad good health, happiness and peace. He reminded political parties for their role on social and economic transformation to cement federal democratic republic gained from long struggle and sacrifice.
—
Siruwa Festival being observed along with New Year
Damak, April 13: Along with the New Year 2081BS, Siruwa festival is being celebrated by various indigenous communities in Terai as their major festival from today.
Rajbanshi, Tajpuriya, Tharu, Gangai and Majhi among other indigenous Koch people have been celebrating the three-day festivity starting today.
The first day of the festival is known as Pani (water) Siruwa on which the revelers splash water at each other.
The second day of the festival is known as Kad (mud) Siruwa while the third day is called the Rang (colour) Siruwa. Tradition has it that they play with and throw mud and colours at each other on the second and third day to mark the festival.
The festival also features the exchanges of greetings to foster fraternity besides seeking blessings from elders, shared Atma Ram Rajbanshi, senior journalist from Gaurigunj in Jhapa district.
On the last day of Nepali month Chaitra, a concoction of seven vegetables is prepared to be relish the next day. Various other delicacies are also prepared to feast on during the gala. People worship deities such as Thakurbisari, Thakur Bramhani, Bishari and Goddess Kali.
Dances such as Dholsana and Natuwa and other cultural performances such as singing are also organized as part of the three-day festivity, Rajbanshi added.
Cultural fairs are being held in a temple at Jimdar Chowk of Kamal-6 in Jhapa district and at Sunbarshi of Ratuwamai municipality in Morang district and other villages with dominance of these indigenous communities.
—
Time to orient towards prosperity thru good governance: NC President Deuba
Kathmandu, April 13: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba said time has come to orient towards prosperity and economic development by maintaining good governance.
Giving a message of best wishes on the occasion of New Year 2081BS today, NC President Deuba wished peace, prosperity and happiness to all Nepalis. He stressed renewed political commitment and accountability to take the country ahead.
The NC President is also for political and national unity, which he believes, requires parties to rise above party interests.
Moreover, new opportunities should be leveraged to face the national challenges in a concerted manner. It would help protect historic achievements made after long struggle, movements and sacrifice, according to him.
Deuba expressed belief that the New Year would inspire all Nepalis to foster further harmony and work actively to cement federal democratic republic so that country become socio-culturally and economically prosperous.
—
Literati Poudel, Mali honoured
Kathmandu, April 13: The Shrasta Chait-30 campaign has honoured litterateurs Gyanuwakar Poudel and Laxmi Mali in recognition to their contribution to Nepali literature and democratic movements.
At a programme organised here Friday, former Chancellor of the Nepal Academy, Bairagi Kainla, honoured the literati.
On the occasion, Kainla underlined that political leaders should internalize the spirit of people’s movement, while litterateurs should be always ready to play constructive role remaining in opposition.
Similarly, Member-Secretary at Nepal Academy Dr Dhan Prasad Subedi mentioned that the Academy was operated as per the sentiments of litterateurs so that change would be institutionalized.
Shrasta Chait-30 is remembered as the day when the literati gathered at Aarohan (Gurukul) Natyaghar on Chait 30, 2062- during the second people movement and recited poem breaking curfew at Baneshwor Chowk and expressing solidarity to the people’s movement.
—
All three Dolpa children injured in forest fire succumb to burn
Dolpa, April 13: All three children, who were critically injured in forest fire at Sun Community Forest of Tripurasundari municipality-4 in Dolpa district, succumbed to burn.
Among them, two died in course of treatment in Kathmandu today, while another one had already died at District Hospital, Dolpa on Friday, according to Chief District Officer, Tulasi Prasad Dahal.
Bibas Budha, 12, and Samant Budha, 13, died today while Salas Budha, 10, on Friday while receiving treatment. The three children were injured in blaze when they had gone to nearby community forest to collect Guchhi, a kind of mushroom.
All of them were from the same village, said Chairperson of Tripurasundaru-4, Ranjit Budha.
Bibas and Samant were airlifted to Kathmandu for treatment. Coordination is underway between Tripurasundari municipality and Karnali province government to bear the cost of Rs 1.65 million fare of helicopter, shared Karnali Province Assembly member, Bir Bahadur Shahi.
Earlier, three army personnel had lost their lives in course of dousing fire at Masta community forest at Thulobheri municipality-4, Dolpa on Tuesday.
—
Two months after season, orange fetches threefold price
Tehrathum, April 13: Farmers in Tehrathum district have got threefold prince of the orange after two months of the season thanks to facility of modern cold store.
Orange was priced Rs 60 per kg. But after this citrus fruit was kept in Myanglung Cold Store for preservation for two months, it now cost Rs 200 per kg.
The cold store with 1,000 metric tonnes of capacity is in operation for some year here. It was built at financial assistance worth Rs 30 million from the Koshi Province government and in partnership with the Myanglung municipality and Kiyachu Agriculture Cooperatives.
Farmers were able to reap more benefits after their produces earned three times more money than the original price in the local market, shared Menuka Kumari Shrestha of Myanglung municipality-2. According to her, they are paying Rs 2.50 per kg for using storage facility in the cold store.
She explained, “Oranges were not being sold out in winter and chances were that the produces could perish in the groove. Even if they were sold, the traders were belittling it- only Rs 50 per kg. We are happy that oranges are sold at threefold price at present.”
Similarly, Motiram Tumbahangphe of Myanglung-2 shared that they were fearful of oranges getting spoilt while storing for they lacked the experience of using cold storage facility.
He recalled, “Friends had suggested me not to store oranges in the cold store. But if we pay attention in cutting and labeling while storing, the produces will stay fresh and tasty.”
Cold store manager Kumari Limbu said they were sensitizing farmers about the cold store since many of them were still unaware about its benefit.
Presently, there are 3,000 kg of kiwi, 2,000 kg of oranges in the cold store. Preparation is afoot to store seedling of potato as well, informed manager Limbu.
Sellers alike, consumers are also buoyed for being able to buy and consume oranges even in spring season.
—
New Year to revive hope for nation-building: UML Chair Oli
Kathmandu, April 13: CPN UML Chairperson and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli asserted that the New Year 2081 BS would be established as a year to revive hope among Nepalis, thereby lifting them out of despair and illusion.
In a virtual address to a greetings exchange programme organized by the Overseas Nepali Forum (ONF) marking the New Year 2081 on Friday night, Chair Oli opined, “None comes and builds Nepal. We, Nepalis, should build the country for ourselves. We all, especially youth ones, should possess confidence.”
Stating that the forces hindering the campaign of building prosperous Nepal were creating three wrong narratives, he urged all Nepalis to remain alert.
The three wrong narratives, according to Oli, are: All old parties are useless; some get inherited supremacy, and Nepal can not be built. He urged everyone not to be swayed after such misleading points.
On a different note, the former Prime Minister claimed that the country was on the right track after the formation of new power equation and assured that the national welfare and development would pick a rapid pace.
Blaming that the country incurred a huge loss after the Nepali Congress -led coalition government came into being after toppling the UML-led government, Oli reasoned that new power equation was formed to serve the national interest.
“In the wake of new equation, situations have changed and we are working towards accelerating the pace of good governance and development so that citizen’s living standards would be elevated.
—
Health Sector in 2080: From liver transplantation to release of medical education report
Bunu Tharu
Kathmandu, April 13: This past year, 2080BS witnessed noticeable achievement in organ transplantation in Nepal. Although the liver transplantation had begun seven years back, we had to depend on foreign specialists for it.
Now, Nepal became able to conduct liver transplantation on its own strength- a 41-year-old male underwent transplantation under the leadership of surgeon Dr Ramesh Singh Bhandari at TU Teaching Hospital on January 14 (Poush 27) 2024 , thereby ending foreign dependency for critical surgery.
Similarly, an agreement the government made with World Health Organization and the St Jude Children Research Institute for availability of cancer treatment medicine. It is taken as another feat in Nepal’s health sector this past year.
As per agreement, Nepal will receive 35 types of medicines for four years for free of cost. It is said nearly 900 children are diagnosed with some forms of cancer every year in Nepal, while only few can afford treatment. The doctors say the cancer cases in children are mostly of blood, eye, liver, bone and muscle.
Similarly, the government conducted screenings among 11 percent women to identify whether they have cancer (cervical cancer). Screening of women from 30-49 age group is prioritized by the government. Though late, Paropakar Maternity Hospital launched piloting of vaccination against cervical cancer since on September 13 (Bhadra 27), 2023.
At the end of 2080BS, Minister for Education, Sumana Shrestha, made public a report of the commission on medical education, which has recommended action against 42 persons, including then TU Vice Chancellor and senior doctors and officials at Medical Council and Institute of Medicine. The report, though submitted to the government, was gathering dust for six years. It has vividly exposed the irregularities plaguing management of medical education, including conferring affiliation to medical colleges, fee, admission fee, quality etc.
The commission was formed on April 17, 2017.
The Paropakar Maternity Hospital has got a new building for expanded service. It has also begun service from there.
The mental health is increasingly being a serious health problem in Nepal. Even the teenagers are getting victims of mental health problems. As there were no such facility to treat these issues except Kanti Children Hospital at government level, the Mental Hospital in Patan launched ‘adolescent mental health unit’ bridging this gap.
Despite some significant attainments, many issues still warrant attention and engagement to realize the promises and projects in Nepal’s health sector.
Backlogs need attention
The data at Health Service Department states more than 76,000 people have been affected by fire incident in recent time in Nepal, while many of them were in need of urgent treatment.
Some weeks back, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had addressed at parliament meeting that burn units would be established at Bir Hospital, TU Teaching Hospital, and Patan Hospital to ensure timely treatment to the burn victims. However, stories of those losing lives to fire incidents are making headlines of late.
Similarly, as per WHO standard, government needs to allocate 10 percent budget in health sector to provide quality health service. In reverse, the government was able to allocate only 4.8 percent of total budget in 2080BS.
Moreover, the former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had laid foundation stones to 396 basic hospitals on November 20, 2020. It is a pressing backlog because most of these hospitals are not constructed yet.
Although the health insurance scheme is gaining pace, the regulation relating to it is waiting for amendment to ensure 10 percent discount to the insured ones while renewing the insurance facility.
The total insured population stands at 7.7 million while 4.8 are yet to renew the insurance schemes.
Expansion of immunization coverage among children is a significant need. Although the government had announced to free Nepal from measles by 2023, the measles outbreak in different districts was blight to this ambition.
—
Bhojpur Gold Cup Football Tournament from April 21
Bhojpur, April 13: The 7th Mayor Bhojpur Gold Cup Football Tournament is going to start from April 21. It lasts through April 27.
In the tournament to be held at Bhojpur stadium in Bhojpur district, eight teams including two clubs from ‘A’ division are competing, said Bhojpur District Football Association.
Church Boys United, ‘A’ division league winner, and departmental team Tribhuvan Army Club are from the ‘A’ division league are vying in the tournament, said Prabin Subal, Association’s Chairperson.
Other participating teams are Georgian Football Club India, Rajarani Football Club (Dhankuta), Dangihat Youth Club (Morang), Sahalesh Youth Club (Siraha), Khotang Bhagwati Sports Club (Khotang) and team from organizing Association, it was shared in a press meet organized today.
The estimated cost for the tournament is over Rs 4.9 million, according to the organizer. The Bhojpur Municipality has allocated Rs 3 million for the event while remaining amount would be managed from sponsors.
Prize for the winner team is Rs 500 thousand while teams finishing second and third would receive Rs 300 thousand each. Awards are also put in place to reward the best player, best goal keeper and highest scorer, it was shared.
—
Nature guide killed in rhino attack
Bharatpur, April 13: A nature guide died in a rhino attack at Chitwan National Park today.
The rhino attacked the nature guide Subas Regmi, 32, while he was guiding tourists from elephant breeding centre to buffer zone forest area towards in the west part of the park at 11:50 am.
Regmi is originally from Aarughat rural municipality, Gorkha, and currently living at Ratnanagar municipality-6, Chitwan.
He died this afternoon while undergoing treatment at Chitwan Medical College, according to Spokesperson at the District Police Office, Chitwan, Shriram Bhanari. He had been working as a nature guide at Jungle World Resort, Sauraha.
Regmi was a license-holder nature guide, shared information officer at Chitwan National Park, Ganesh Prasad Tiwari.
However, tourists are safe in the incident. Regmi’s body has been kept at Bharatpur Hospital for post mortem.
—
