Nepal

Boundary Pillars to Be Installed in Rivers Along Nepal-India Border

Summary:
The Nepal-India Boundary Working Group (Joint Boundary Working Group) in its 7th meeting decided to install boundary pillars not only on land but also in large rivers such as Koshi, Mechi, Karnali, Rapti, and Mahakali. Previously, boundary pillars were only placed on land. The meeting was held in India from July 26 to 28, 2025, led by Nepal's Survey Department Director General Prakash Joshi and India's Surveyor General Hitesh Kumar Makwana.

Key points from the meeting:

• Boundary pillars will now be placed at points shown on the map both on land and in rivers.
• Currently, there are 5,785 boundary pillars along the 1,880 km Nepal-India border. A total of 8,553 pillars are needed, so 2,768 remain to be installed.
• The meeting also decided on regular inspection, repair, and reconstruction of boundary pillars and prepared reports on encroachments within a ten-yard area.
• Joint inspection teams from both countries will inspect boundaries and report to their respective survey departments.
• The boundary working group had not met for seven years due to COVID-19 but plans to start fieldwork from mid-December 2025.
• The next meeting is scheduled for September 2025 in Nepal.
• Scientific measurement of the boundary began based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.
• Missing or damaged pillars will be restored using GPS technology.
• Difficulties exist in installing pillars in remote and geographically challenging areas like Mahakali’s Brahmadev Mandi market and high-altitude areas of Taplejung.

This move aims to strengthen border demarcation between Nepal and India by clearly marking boundaries even in river regions.

Archive: https://archive.md/KF2t8

Construction of Middle Kali Gandaki Hydropower Project Begins in Myagdi

Summary:
The construction of the Middle Kali Gandaki Hydropower Project has started in Annapurna Rural Municipality, Myagdi, Nepal. This is the first hydropower project on the Kali Gandaki River. The project, led by Hydro Support Company, has a capacity of 66.3 MW. Civil contractor Rasuwa-Multi JV began building a 4,319 meters long tunnel using explosives at Annapurna-2, Nagdhang. The dam will be 12 meters high and 35 meters long, constructed at Annapurna-3, Sukebagar. Water will be channeled from 151 meters height to an underground powerhouse at Annapurna-2, Naunibagar.

The project includes underground structures like the powerhouse, switchyard, and control room. Advanced equipment such as boom robotic shotcrete machines are being used for tunnel construction. The generated power will be connected to the central grid via a 220 kV substation located 7 km above Naunibagar. Completion is targeted within three years.

The total estimated cost is NPR 12.93 billion, funded 75% by six commercial banks led by Nabil Bank and 25% by promoters and shareholders. Nepal Electricity Authority has agreed to purchase electricity at rates of NPR 8.40 per unit in winter and NPR 4.80 in the monsoon season. Expected revenue is NPR 1.09 billion in winter from 130 GWh and NPR 1.33 billion in monsoon from 277 GWh.

In the Kali Gandaki basin, three hydropower projects over 300 MW have received construction permits, including the 65 MW Upper Kali Gandaki and the 180 MW Kali Gandaki Garjle projects.

Archive: https://archive.md/5gi6K

Summary:
The Bhagawati Jatra in Palpa, Nepal, is a 206-year-old festival commemorating Nepal's victory over British forces during the Anglo-Nepal War at the Battle of Jitgadhi Fort in 1815. The festival originated from a vow by Colonel Ujir Singh Thapa, who prayed to goddess Ranaujeshwari Bhagawati for victory and promised to build a temple and hold an annual procession if victorious. After defeating the British, Thapa fulfilled this vow by constructing the Bhagawati Temple in Tansen between 1815-1819 and starting the chariot procession tradition in 1820.

The festival is celebrated annually on Bhadra Krishna Navami (around August 17) with a chariot procession of the goddess's palanquin circling Tansen market, accompanied by traditional music and cultural performances. It draws thousands of devotees, including government officials and military personnel. The Lumbini provincial government declares a public holiday in Palpa during the event.

The Jatra symbolizes Nepal’s sovereignty, historical resilience, and cultural pride, recalling how Thapa’s tactical ambush forced British troops to retreat. It remains a significant patriotic tradition honoring Nepal’s defiance against colonial forces.

Archive: https://archive.md/e7ex4

Summary:
The article compares Pakistan’s disaster response to Nepal’s effective, low-cost, community-led landslide early warning system. Nepal uses simple rain gauges and trained local volunteers to monitor rainfall and trigger alerts at the village level, significantly reducing landslide deaths. Pakistan, despite having access to technology and knowledge, lacks political commitment and prioritization. Tragic events like Babusar’s cloudburst and floods in Islamabad highlight failures in local warnings and preparedness.

Nepal’s model relies on affordable sensors, community trust, and local coordination rather than expensive equipment. It empowers local people to act quickly, creating resilience and saving lives. Pakistan tends to treat disasters as isolated surprises and lacks localized, real-time alerts. The article argues Pakistan can adopt Nepal’s community-based system but needs commitment from authorities to coordinate with local volunteers and prioritize early warnings over bureaucratic hurdles.

In summary:

• Nepal’s community-based early warning system is low-cost and effective.
• Pakistan struggles due to lack of political will, not technology.
• Localized, real-time alerts and community involvement are key.
• Pakistan must prioritize disaster preparedness beyond issuing generic advisories.
• Investing in community training and simple sensors is cheaper and more effective than rebuilding after disasters.

Archive: https://archive.md/L2bOw

Summary:

• Date & Location: July 24, 2024, Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ-200 (registration 9N-AME).
• Flight Type: Illegal ferry flight to relocate aircraft for maintenance in Pokhara; carried 17 unauthorized passengers plus two pilots.
• Casualties: 18 dead, including airline senior management; captain sole survivor.

Key Issues Leading to Crash

1. Regulatory Violations & Negligence:

• Ferry flight carried unauthorized passengers.
• Cargo loaded improperly including flammable liquids in passenger cabin.
• No flight attendant or safety briefing.
• Skipped essential control checks and maintenance delays.
• Airline had poor safety culture and no quality assurance programs.
• Civil Aviation Authority Nepal (CAAN) lacked oversight, staff, and enforcement.

2. Pilot Factors:

• Captain and first officer unaware of incorrect V-speed charts (incorrect rotation speeds).
• Captain rotated aircraft too early and too sharply at takeoff.
• Resulted in stall warning triggered shortly after liftoff.
• Pilots failed to recover from stall; plane entered deep stall and crashed.

3. Operational Failures:

• Airline repeatedly financially unstable, poor training and simulator use.
• No internal audits or safety management system effectively implemented.
• Inadequate emergency response at airport; fire services limited access and resources.

4. Investigation & Context:

• Nepal has a poor aviation safety record due to terrain but mostly due to poor regulation and oversight.
• No independent accident investigation agency; investigations lack depth and objectivity.
• Post-crash, Saurya Airlines suspended operations and lost operating certificate but tried to restart in 2025 without clear safety improvements.

Underlying Themes

• Culture of disregard for rules and safety within airline management.
• Lack of proper regulatory enforcement by CAAN.
• Need for independent accident investigations and improved safety culture.
• Nepal’s limited resources and competing priorities complicate aviation safety improvements.

The crash was primarily caused by pilot error aggravated by poor airline practices and regulatory failures, leading to a fatal stall shortly after takeoff. The tragedy highlights systemic problems in Nepal’s aviation industry beyond just terrain challenges.

Archive: https://archive.md/Y7Ebw

Summary:
The article highlights how Nepal’s ambitious renewable energy projects, particularly hydropower development, risk violating Indigenous Peoples' rights. Nepal, rich in water resources, aims to generate large amounts of clean energy to reduce emissions and boost its economy. However, Indigenous communities, making up a significant portion of the population, face forced evictions, environmental harm, and loss of ancestral lands without proper consent.

Despite Nepal’s legal commitments to Indigenous rights under international treaties like ILO Convention 169 and UNDRIP, these are often ignored in practice. Projects financed by institutions such as the World Bank, European Investment Bank, and Asian Development Bank have caused social and environmental damage, ignored Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and led to protests met with militarized responses.

The article calls for Nepal to ensure a truly just energy transition that respects Indigenous sovereignty, rights, and participation rather than prioritizing economic growth at their expense. The future of Nepal’s clean energy depends on whether the government, developers, and financiers heed Indigenous voices and legal obligations.

Archive: https://archive.md/K9L4y

Summary:
A 15-year-old Dalit girl was abducted and gang-raped in Jhalhi ward 11, Rajbiraj Municipality, Saptari district. The perpetrators held her captive overnight. One suspect, 19-year-old Raju Yadav, was caught by the community and handed to police; another, 18-year-old Vivek Yadav, remains at large. Instead of pursuing legal action, local officials, including ward chair Uttam Narayan Yadav, pressured the victim’s family to accept a Rs100,000 cash settlement to drop the complaint. The family refused and continues to face harassment. Police have not yet registered a formal FIR even five days after the incident, citing they are waiting for a complaint registration. Women’s rights groups condemned the case, highlighting systemic failure and alleged collusion by local authorities to bury the case. The ward chair claims he only observed discussions and denies forcing any settlement.

Archive: https://archive.md/12jvP

Summary:
A recent study led by Reshu Bashyal from the NGO Greenhood Nepal reveals that Nepal's illegal exotic pet trade is moving from physical markets to digital platforms due to widespread smartphone use, social media, and online payment systems. Traditionally a source and transit country for wildlife trafficking, Nepal might now be becoming a destination as well, driven by economic growth and better connectivity in South Asia.

Key points:

• The research, ongoing since October 2022, surveyed news, social media, enforcement agencies, and conducted market surveys and interviews.
• Nearly three-quarters of Nepali adults use smartphones; half are on Facebook, with popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Viber widely used. Mobile banking users rose to 24.65 million in fiscal year 2023-2024.
• Birds (both native and exotic) and reptiles are among the most traded species. Native birds include near-threatened Alexandrine parakeet and critically endangered yellow-breasted bunting; exotic birds include Gouldian finches, cockatiels, scarlet macaws, and Java sparrows.
• Reptiles include Indian star tortoise, red-eared slider, Indian roofed turtle, spotted pond turtle, tokay gecko, ball python, and iguanas.
• Large mammals like chital deer, sambar deer, Indian crested porcupines, red pandas, pangolins, sloth bears, wild boars, and even Asian elephants are also trafficked.
• Enforcement is challenged by the digital shift; while illegal trade has moved online, this shift also reflects increased public awareness making open physical trade harder.
• Nepal’s laws impose penalties for unauthorized wildlife handling but lack clear standards for permissible pet trade under CITES regulations.
• Online markets and informal mobile vendors operate across Nepal; hundreds of animals can be traded in single transactions.
• Key trade hubs in Nepal include Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Pokhara, and Chitwan; Patna in India is a major supply hub due to open borders.
• Wildlife is sourced from countries like Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Pakistan, Vietnam, and Bangladesh; exports go to China, Pakistan, Vietnam, and India.
• Transport includes air freight and trading of eggs hatched in captivity.
• Experts say the shift online poses new challenges but also shows law enforcement successes since open trade is harder.

Archive: https://archive.md/bEvj8

Legalizing Corruption: Prime Minister and Ministers Gain Authority to Set Their Own Salaries

Summary:
The Nepalese government has amended a law allowing the Prime Minister and ministers to set their own salaries through cabinet decisions. The revised act, certified by President Ram Chandra Paudel on August 14, 2025, removes fixed salary amounts previously stated in the 1992 act. Now, the cabinet can decide and publish salaries in the Nepal Gazette at any time.

Previously, salaries were fixed by law: the Prime Minister earned NPR 9,000 monthly, Deputy Prime Minister NPR 7,500, ministers NPR 7,000, state ministers NPR 6,700, and assistant ministers NPR 5,800. However, in practice, a 2021 directive set the Prime Minister’s monthly salary at NPR 94,280 (including allowances), Deputy Prime Minister at NPR 84,640, and ministers at NPR 79,230.

With this change, the government no longer needs to amend the law or issue directives to revise these salaries; the cabinet can make decisions as needed and publish them officially. This gives the Prime Minister and ministers direct control over determining their pay and benefits.

Archive: https://archive.md/vQGZs

Summary:
A U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson blocked the Trump administration's attempt to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for about 60,000 migrants from Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua. The judge ruled that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's actions were driven by racial animus, citing her comments that implied these immigrant groups threaten the white population. TPS allows migrants from countries facing war or disasters to live and work legally in the U.S. The court found Noem’s decisions to terminate TPS lacked an objective review of country conditions and reflected discriminatory beliefs. The termination of TPS protections was postponed at least until November 18, 2025, as the case proceeds.

Plaintiffs, supported by groups like ACLU and Haitian Bridge Alliance, welcomed the ruling as a victory for immigrant communities seeking safety and permanent protection. The judge emphasized that TPS holders are lawful residents contributing economically and socially, and their presence is not a crime or threat. The ruling renews hope for TPS holders to remain in the U.S. without fear of deportation amid ongoing legal battles.

Archive: https://archive.md/1qBII

Driving License Validity Now Extended to 10 Years in Nepal

Summary:
The validity period for Nepal's vehicle driving licenses has been extended from 5 years to 10 years. This change was made through an amendment published in the government gazette, modifying sections 54(3) and 56(3) of the Vehicle and Transportation Management Act, 2049. Now, the license will be valid for ten years instead of the previous five.

Archive: https://archive.md/ud88o

Summary:
Madheshi activists gathered in Kathmandu to demand long-term solutions to the ongoing water crisis in Nepal's Tarai-Madhesh region. Organized by the Madhesh Krishi-Jal Aandolan (Madhesh agro-water movement), around 100 young protesters called attention to the drying lands and farmers’ struggles due to water scarcity.

They criticized short-term fixes like unplanned deep boring, warning it could worsen the situation by affecting soil fertility and depleting water reserves. The activists urged the government to provide immediate relief to drought-affected farmers, ensure sustainable drinking water supply, halt riverbed extraction in key provinces, and enforce the Chure Conservation Act to protect fragile ecosystems.

They also highlighted the cross-border issue of groundwater depletion due to heavy extraction in bordering Indian states and called for urgent construction and resumption of major irrigation projects along rivers like Koshi, Gandak, and Kamala. The movement emphasized that the crisis impacts not just water and land but the identity and rights of the Tarai-Madhesh people.

Archive: https://archive.md/waSoR

Summary:
In Norway, “Sherpa stairs” are stone trails in mountainous areas built by Nepali Sherpas. These stairs blend well with the landscape, prevent erosion, and make hiking more accessible. The Norwegian government hires Sherpas from Nepal for this work, paying them enough in one summer to equal over ten years of earnings in Nepal. The practice has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the effort and fair pay, while others question the impact on nature or why locals aren't hired.

Archive: https://archive.md/2Iudx

Summary:

• Historical Roots: Kumaon’s history is intertwined with Nepal’s far-western Doti kingdom, sharing dynastic rule (Katyuri and Doti) and cultural elements like Shaiva temples and folk ballads.

• Gorkha Rule: From 1791 to 1815, Gorkha Kingdom ruled Kumaon, introducing Nepali administrative systems, military presence, and migrant settlers, whose descendants remain in the region.

• Language and Literature: Kumaoni language shares many similarities with western Nepali dialects (Doti), including vocabulary and poetic traditions, reflecting continuous interaction.

• Festivals and Rituals: Shared festivals such as Gaura Parva, Harela, and Saton-Athon highlight cultural integration through common rituals and celebrations.

• Cuisine and Commerce: Nepali dishes like momos and thukpa are common in Kumaon. Trade fairs like Jauljibi symbolize ongoing cross-border commerce rooted in historical exchanges.

• Music, Dance, Dress: Traditional Kumaoni dances like Chholiya show Nepali influence; cultural attire such as the nathuli nose-ring reflects shared social customs.

• Migration and Demographics: Continuous migration across the Indo-Nepal border maintains demographic and cultural exchange, with Nepalis working in Kumaon’s plantations and army, and Kumaonis moving to Nepal’s Terai.

• Modern Cross-Border Relations: Agreements like the 1996 Mahakali Treaty ease movement and trade. Infrastructure projects improve connectivity. During COVID-19, Kumaoni NGOs helped Nepali neighbors, strengthening bonds.

• Enduring Factors: Open borders, historical administration, intermarriage, and economic ties foster ongoing cultural fusion.

Archive: https://archive.md/CPXF1

In Nepal, a groundbreaking conservation project funded by the Big Cats Initiative—founded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert—is using passive acoustic monitoring to track tigers in real-time without the need for invasive methods. By listening to the alarm calls of prey species like chital deer, researchers can map tiger presence and alert local communities, reducing conflict and promoting coexistence.

Learn how solar-powered “Caracal” units are enabling community-led conservation and setting a new standard for protecting big cats.

Acknowledgements: The Vision Hawk Films and the Bioacoustics Research Group

Filmed in the Dalla Community Forest near Bardiya National Park

Learn more: greatplainsfoundation.com/big-cats-initiative/ Support more innovation in big cat conservation: greatplainsfoundation.com/donate/

Summary:

• The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Qualifier will be hosted by Nepal from 12 January to 2 February 2026.
• Ten teams will compete for four spots in the main ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in England and Wales from 12 June to 5 July 2026.
• Bangladesh and Scotland automatically qualified for the Qualifier based on their participation in the 2024 World Cup.
• Thailand and Nepal qualified via the Asia regional pathway; USA qualified from the Americas region.
• Five more teams will qualify through Africa (2 teams), Europe (2 teams), and East Asia-Pacific (1 team) regional qualifiers.
• The Qualifier format: two groups of five teams, followed by a Super Six stage and a Final.
• The main World Cup will feature 33 matches over 24 days at seven venues, finishing with the final at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Archive: https://archive.md/THYsw

Summary:
Nepal has made significant progress in tiger conservation, now hosting around 500 tigers, nearly tripling the population since 2010 when there were only 121. This success is attributed to improved habitat management, anti-poaching measures, prey recovery, and the creation of wildlife corridors, especially in protected areas like Chitwan and Bardiya National Parks.

Despite the growing tiger population, conflicts with humans have decreased in recent years. Fatal tiger attacks dropped from 21 in 2021-22 to just 7 in 2023-24. Conservationists emphasize that tigers generally avoid humans and attacks are rare. However, increasing tiger density has led to smaller territorial ranges and occasional conflicts, particularly involving younger or weaker males pushed to park edges near human settlements.

Efforts continue to improve habitat zoning and prey availability to keep tigers within their natural ranges and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Nepal's success also opens economic opportunities through wildlife tourism. Challenges remain in managing rescued tigers due to limited facilities.

Overall, Nepal stands out as a global leader in tiger conservation, balancing population growth with reduced conflict while promoting coexistence between humans and tigers.

Archive: https://archive.md/Zd9zA

Bodies of 1,401 Nepalis Who Lost Their Lives Abroad Have Been Brought Back to Nepal

Summary:
In the fiscal year 2081/082 (Nepali calendar), the bodies of 1,401 Nepali workers who died while working abroad were repatriated to their families in Nepal. The highest number of deaths were among youth aged 26-30, with 233 bodies brought back. Other age groups included 20 and below (29), 21-25 (172), 31-35 (226), 36-40 (225), 41-45 (215), 46-50 (117), 51-55 (71), 56-60 (24), 61-65 (12), 66-70 (12), and above 70 (65).

The Foreign Employment Department recovered 481 bodies and delivered 1,086 to the families. The government provided a total of NPR 102.34 crore in financial assistance to the families of the deceased, with each family receiving NPR 1 million as relief. The data highlights that the most productive and active young workforce faces significant risks abroad during foreign employment.

Archive: https://archive.md/2i3uD

Summary:
Illegal mining of sand, gravel, and stones continues in the Kaligandaki River during the monsoon season despite a nationwide ban from mid-June to mid-September. Heavy machinery operates at night in areas like Kushma Municipality’s Rajako Bagar and Sahashradhar, violating environmental rules. Local officials blame district administration and police for poor enforcement, while some locals allege government involvement in illegal activities. The Supreme Court had temporarily banned mining in 2021, but a 2023 ruling allowed legal mining to resume, leading to tenders being issued again. Authorities acknowledge the problem but enforcement remains weak, with visible signs of ongoing extraction such as piles of sand along highways. District officials claim responsibility lies with local governments, though some downplay the issue.

Archive: https://archive.md/C904i

Summary:
Nepal has rapidly adopted electric vehicles (E.V.s), with 76% of passenger vehicles sold in the past year being electric, up from nearly zero five years ago. This shift is driven by government policies that lower import duties on E.V.s (40% vs. 180% for gas cars), subsidies, abundant hydropower, and support from China’s E.V. industry. Nepal built 62 charging stations and encouraged private investment in more chargers by offering low electricity rates and tariff benefits.

This transition helps reduce pollution in Kathmandu’s congested streets and decreases reliance on imported fossil fuels, especially after a 2015 border dispute reduced petroleum imports. Despite successes, challenges remain: the government is increasing E.V. tariffs and loan down-payment requirements, there is no battery recycling plan, and public transport electrification is still limited.

Electric buses have been introduced, with around 41 currently running, but about 800 are needed for effective public transit. China has offered to donate 100 electric buses. The government and local leaders aim to expand electric public transport to tackle pollution and traffic issues further.

The overall electric vehicle push in Nepal is seen as a positive move toward cleaner transport, but sustaining it requires stable policies and infrastructure investment.

Archive: https://archive.md/delyf

Bir Hospital Closes OPD to Hold Loud Anniversary Event Inside Surgical Building led by Health Minister Poudel, Disrupting Services

Summary:
On Monday, the 136th anniversary of Bir Hospital was celebrated with a loud and disruptive event held inside the hospital’s surgical building, led by Health Minister Pradip Paudel. To accommodate the program, all OPD (Outpatient Department) services were closed after 11 AM, leaving many patients without medical services despite the hospital announcing free OPD tickets for the day.

The event took place in the ground floor open area of the surgical building, a critical area housing essential services like X-ray, ultrasound, pharmacy, and payment counters. The noise from the speeches, amplified by speakers, disturbed patients, including those recovering from surgery and critically ill individuals on oxygen support.

This practice of holding noisy programs inside the hospital has been ongoing for years, despite criticism. Experts and hospital staff argue that such events should be held outside or in halls to avoid disrupting patients and medical services. The hospital administration and Health Minister Paudel have continued this tradition, even though it clearly hampers patient care and hospital operations.

In summary:

• OPD services were shut down during the anniversary event inside Bir Hospital.
• Loud speeches and noise disrupted critical hospital areas.
• Patients and staff faced difficulties moving within the hospital.
• Experts suggest avoiding such events inside hospitals to protect patient care.
• Despite criticism, the tradition continues under current hospital leadership and health ministry.

Archive: https://archive.md/kLMNB

30 Successful Kidney Transplants in a Single Month at Nepal’s National Transplant Center

Summary:
In a single month, Nepal’s Shahid Dharmabhakta National Transplant Center successfully performed kidney transplants on 30 patients. During the fiscal year 2081-82 (2024-25), the center completed 186 kidney and 8 liver transplants. The center also expanded services to four provinces (Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali, Lumbini) and plans to cover all seven provinces soon.

Key facts:

• Patients’ ages ranged from 14 to 71 years; about 80% were between 20 and 49 years old.
• Among recipients, 73% were male and 27% female; among donors, 70% were female and 30% male.
• Patients came from all seven provinces, with the highest numbers from Bagmati (32%) and Koshi (27%).
• Ethnic distribution: 52% indigenous groups, 26% Brahmin/Chhetri, 11% Madhesi, 9% Dalit, and 2% Muslim.
• The center has conducted a total of 1,471 kidney and 34 liver transplants since its establishment 13 years ago.
• Successful transplants were also done in regional hospitals in Surkhet, Pokhara, and Bheri.
• A unique case involved transplanting both a kidney and liver from a brain-dead donor to one recipient.

The center is led by transplant surgeon Dr. Pukar Chandra Shrestha and aims to make transplant services accessible nationwide.

Archive: https://archive.md/mz9dJ

Madhes may turn into deserts without proper conservation and management of Chure hills.

Summary:
The article discusses the critical environmental issue of uncontrolled exploitation of the Chure (Siwalik) hills in Nepal's Madhes region, leading to severe ecological damage and water scarcity. Key points include:

• Illegal extraction of riverbed materials like sand, gravel, and stones from the Kamala River and other areas is rampant, often using heavy machinery like excavators, causing environmental degradation.
• Many stone crusher industries operate without proper licenses, violating environmental and safety regulations, especially near forests, health institutions, and residential areas.
• Local governments and authorities have failed to enforce laws effectively; even court orders to relocate illegal crushers have been ignored.
• The destruction of the Chure hills disrupts the natural water recharge system, drying up rivers and groundwater essential for irrigation and drinking water in the Madhes plains.
• Past government efforts to protect the Chure have not been successful due to weak enforcement and continued illegal activities.
• Experts emphasize that protecting the Chure hills is vital to maintaining water resources in Madhes. Without it, the fertile plains risk turning into deserts with worsening water and food crises.
• Long-term solutions include strict regulation of extraction activities, relocating crushers away from sensitive zones, establishing water conservation systems in the Chure region, and better coordination among authorities.
• The article warns that unless serious measures are taken, the Madhes region’s agricultural productivity and overall sustainability will be severely threatened due to ongoing environmental neglect.

Archive: https://archive.md/EDSWY

Summary:

• 60% of jar water samples collected from Godawari Municipality, Lalitpur district, tested positive for faecal coliform contamination.
• Out of 10 samples from 10 bottled water companies, 6 tested positive.
• The municipality sealed factories supplying contaminated water and has started inspecting piped household water quality.
• Faecal coliform presence indicates sewage contamination; jar water, usually considered safer, is unsafe here.
• Companies must prove improved water quality before resuming production.
• Water contamination is common in Kathmandu Valley during monsoon, leading to widespread waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, typhoid, hepatitis A/E, and cholera.
• Last year, deadly cholera was confirmed in Godawari Municipality linked to contaminated water.
• Hospitals report a surge in diarrhoea, viral hepatitis, and viral fever cases.
• Public health experts urge awareness and measures to ensure safe drinking water supply.

Archive: https://archive.md/XQmpn

CIB Concludes 111 Individuals Should Be Prosecuted in Karnali Development Bank Rs 3.25 Billion Embezzlement Case

Summary:
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal has concluded that 111 individuals should be prosecuted in connection with the Karnali Development Bank embezzlement case involving over Rs 3.25 billion. The CIB submitted its investigation report to the Office of the Attorney General, which is preparing to file a case at the Banke District Court.

Key points:

• The embezzlement amounts to about Rs 3.25 billion.
• Four prominent individuals, including former bank chairman Dayal Mishra, finance chief Devprakash Singh Thakuri, and founder chairman Rajendra Veer Rai, have already been arrested.
• Former Nepal Rastra Bank official Bhuvan Basnet was recently arrested after suspicious transactions were found in his personal account linked to the bank.
• Many accused are bank employees, directors, and loan defaulters.
• The bank was found to have used fake balance certificates and manipulated records to hide losses.
• Rajendra Veer Rai, a major shareholder with around 80% ownership and former CEO, was arrested in Lucknow, India. He is also a former Member of Parliament affiliated with UML.
• The investigation revealed fake balances in accounts and fraudulent clearing of checks despite no real funds.
• The bank was established in 2003 (2060 BS) and the irregularities span several years.
• The Attorney General’s office is currently reviewing the report before formally registering the case.

In summary, this case involves large-scale financial fraud at Karnali Development Bank implicating senior officials and others, with a significant amount of money embezzled and multiple arrests made.

Archive: https://archive.md/LuA0i