Author: space4knews

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal cautioned Labour Culture Party MPs for speaking without the Speaker’s permission and exhibiting misconduct in the House of Representatives. According to the House rules, the Speaker has the legal authority to warn MPs for misconduct, expel them from sessions, and suspend them. Historically, Nepali MPs have been involved in unruly acts such as vandalism, removing clothing, and slapping ministers. On 22 May in Kathmandu, the Labour Culture Party has been protesting frequently in the House, displaying placards. Seven MPs, including party chairman Harka Raj Rai (Harka Sampang), have opposed the presence of Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) in most budget session meetings. The parliamentary session is currently adjourned until 12 June, but the Labour Culture Party’s protests continue. They demand the Prime Minister adhere to the rules by addressing Parliament formally.

Legally, ministers must respond within seven days to questions raised by MPs during urgent, zero, and special times; however, this protocol is not being followed. Chairman Rai questioned, “Shouldn’t the Speaker compel the government to follow rules? Are the Prime Minister and ministers exempt from these rules?” Labour Culture Party MPs have begun raising questions themselves without adhering to several House rule provisions, criticizing the Speaker for failing to enforce proper conduct among government officials. MPs are mandated to secure the Speaker’s permission before speaking in Parliament. Nevertheless, last Wednesday, Harka Sampang asked questions of the government in rapid succession without obtaining the Speaker’s approval. The Minister of Information and Communications, Bikram Timilsina, responded to the questions. Immediately after, Sampang addressed the Communications Minister directly, again without permission, asking, “When will quality internet service reach the whole country? Why does 2G not even work in areas declared to have 4G service?”

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal was displeased by Sampang’s conduct and reminded him that speaking without permission is against parliamentary decorum. After Minister Timilsina, Youth, Labour and Employment Minister Ramji Yadav took the floor to answer questions. Once Yadav finished responding, Labour Culture Party’s Aren Rai spoke up, but the Speaker stated that no provision for clarification existed. Sampang then rose again, citing that millions of youth are working abroad and argued that if Labour Minister is not questioned on related issues, then who else should be asked? The Speaker reminded Sampang that he had issued rulings several times, stating, “I have ruled three times already. Please keep to decorum.” Sampang refused to comply. Consequently, the Speaker referred to Rules 20, 21, and 30 of the House Code of Conduct, officially classifying the behavior of Sampang and other Labour Culture Party MPs as misconduct.

Summary: Pokhara Metropolitan City issued a 35-day public notice on Kartik 10, 2080 (October 26, 2023) to remove illegal structures built within the Firkhe Khola riverbed. Mayor Dhanraj Acharya announced plans to develop Firkhe Khola as a clean, green, and vibrant public corridor. Governmental, semi-governmental, and private constructions have encroached upon the river’s prescribed boundaries, adversely affecting the ecological balance of Phewa Lake.

On Jestha 10 (May 23), Pokhara – Firkhe Khola, which flows from Sarangkot’s Puchar Andherikuna area, was once the lifeline for the residents of Persyang Phatka. Water diverted from Andheri Kuna was channeled through canals to irrigate rice fields. The vivid memories of the lush, flourishing rice paddies fed by Firkhe’s water remain fresh for 87-year-old Heramb Prasad Adhikari. He recalls drinking the clear water from the upstream, where the river flows melodiously, and watching locals swim downstream. At that time, open defecation in the river was unheard of, and the community revered the river. No houses once stood along the riverbanks.

“Water from Andheri Khola was dammed and redirected via canals to the fields of Persyang, which is why it was called ‘Kulo Bandhe’ (canal-fed). The rice grown with Firkhe’s water was considered especially delicious in Pokhara, and churning yogurt with its water supposedly yielded more butter,” Heramb fondly recalls.

However, the decline of Firkhe Khola began as the Pokhara market expanded and populations increased. Settlements grew by the riverbanks, triggering illegal encroachments. Land values surged, locals sold land, family separations led some to build homes along the river, especially after the advent of multiparty democracy. Heramb laments that the river, once intertwined with Pokhareli livelihoods, has become a political vote bank. “Looking at Firkhe Khola today, it’s heartbreaking how humans have wronged the river and nature,” he stated.

Many Pokhara residents have vivid memories of the river’s pristine state, yet in recent decades, it has become a victim of human encroachment. Negligence allowed structures in the riverbed, including marketplaces and homes. Some received permission from the metropolitan authority to build houses within the river area. Even government offices have violated river norms by establishing community halls, police stations, and schools within the riverbed.

Firkhe Khola originates from Sarangkot’s Andherikuna and Gurukul roads, flowing through Pokhara-5’s central area before emptying into Phewa Lake. The approximately 8-kilometer river has long been a hotspot for aggressive development and controversy. Due to political interests, over 160 structures have been erected illegally. A metropolitan study reveals that if only a 1-meter standard is enforced, more than 300 structures would be affected. Rapid urbanization and population pressure are relentlessly exploiting the river, complicating the situation further.

Dozer Incident and Political Agreements: On Asar 1, 2075 (mid-June 2018), then-Mayor Man Bahadur GC deployed bulldozers to demolish illegal structures along Firkhe Khola. The campaign resulted in injuries to five people including journalists. While the official plan was to create a foottrack, the project was left incomplete. In 2076 (2019), during a by-election, the CPN-UML party signed a written agreement to reduce the river’s protection standards. Independent candidate Sunil Koirala had demanded this reduction in exchange for withdrawing his candidacy. Senior legal officer Narayan Prasad Sharma had signed this agreement on behalf of the metropolitan but later apologized and kept the deal confidential. Political bargaining over Firkhe Khola’s standards and structures has perpetuated the challenges, with all political parties acknowledging the issue remains unresolved.

Disputes Over Standards and Boundary Demarcation: Since the 2072 (2015) earthquake, the federal government instructed to expand the river protection zones. Accordingly, in 2075 (2018), during Mayor GC’s tenure, a 10-meter buffer zone was set along the banks of Firkhe, Bulaundi, and Bagadi rivers. However, a technical committee under the mayor reduced this to a 5-meter “right of way” for ease. The metropolitan began surveying Firkhe Khola from Chaitra 2074 (March 2018). Due to the risk of demolishing numerous structures when enforcing the 10-meter limit, the standard was revised to 6 meters in 2080 (2023). The municipality installed 588 pillars alongside the river to demarcate the 6-meter boundary. Violations and illegal constructions range from private residences to institutional buildings, including government bodies and social organizations.

Institutions with illegal structures inside the riverbed include the Armed Police Force Training Center, Pokhara Engineering College, Little Step School, among others. Community halls such as Baral, Pun Magar, Kunwar, Sophal, Giri, Firkhe Tamang, and various ashrams, temples, and cremation grounds have established permanent buildings and compounds encroaching the riverbed. This encroachment has severely impacted the ecological integrity of Phewa Lake through garages, auto parts shops, laundries, and drainage systems. Additionally, plastic waste and toxic chemicals have reduced the lake’s area. According to the Land Survey Office, waste accumulation since 2060 (2003) covers approximately 11 ropani 4 aana, diverting many areas around Gaighat into grassland.

Mayor Dhanraj Acharya’s Firkhe Conservation Plan: Mayor Acharya issued a 35-day public notice on Kartik 10, 2080 to remove illegally built structures inside the river corridor. However, 13 petitioners, including the Firkhe Tamang Society, filed an interim order in the High Court of Pokhara against this notice. After the court permitted demolition, the mayor intensified efforts. The federal government under Balen Shah also issued directives to remove constructions on government land, bolstering Mayor Acharya’s resolve. In a meeting held on Jestha 6, the mayor discussed removing illegal structures, launching a dozer campaign from Jestha 9 onward.

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Mayor Acharya affirms that first, the riverbed area will be cleared, followed by discussions on the Firkhe Corridor project. “In the first phase, the riverbed will be vacated; in the second, a planned development will be initiated. Everyone must seriously understand that a river cannot be private property,” he stated.

The mayor draws inspiration from the Seoul Cheonggyecheon Stream restoration project to develop Firkhe Khola as a clean, green, and vibrant public corridor. This ambitious plan aligns with long-term urban development, environmental conservation, and tourism promotion goals for Pokhara. On social media, he has committed to transforming the Firkhe Corridor into a new urban identity for the city.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City collaborated with the Lalit Kala Pragyā Pratishthan to create murals in public spaces during the fiscal year 2080/81 (2023/24). However, these murals have been damaged due to roadwork, sidewalk construction, and tar application, while responsibility for their preservation remains disputed between the Pratishthan and the metropolitan authorities. Murals, created at a cost of millions of rupees, are deteriorating due to a lack of maintenance.

As part of urban beautification efforts, the metropolitan city jointly created murals with Lalit Kala Pragyā Pratishthan in fiscal year 2080/81 at locations including walls along the right side of the Maitighar to Babermahal route, Exhibition Road, outside the international airport, the Social Welfare Council wall in Lainchaur, Sundhara area, Pashupati Kanya Campus, and Tripureshwor. Currently, many murals are peeling away. Dust accumulated from construction of roads, drains, and sidewalks has made the murals dirty, while chewing pan and betel quid residues on the walls have also contributed to their deterioration. In some places, walls have cracked, causing mural damage, and others have graffiti or scratches. The most extensive damage is visible on murals in the Sundhara area. Walls in front of the Nepal Telecom building have cracked and become unsightly, negatively impacting the area’s aesthetics.

The metropolitan city allocated 5 million rupees to the Lalit Kala Pragyā Pratishthan for creating murals at various public locations within its jurisdiction. The Pratishthan was tasked with contracting with artists and institutions, issuing work orders, evaluations, payments, and accountability. However, the Pratishthan now claims it has no responsibility for the preservation of the damaged murals. Surendra Gautam, the Pratishthan’s information officer, stated that the contract signed with the metropolitan city in Falgun 2080 (February/March 2024) did not include any clause on preservation. Conversely, Kathmandu Metropolitan City spokesman Naveen Manandhar insists that preservation responsibility lies with the Pratishthan, noting that murals should be maintained after creation. According to sources, the Pratishthan lacks funds to maintain the murals. Gautam mentioned that collaboration with the metropolitan city could be renewed to restore and maintain the damaged murals. Currently, spokesperson Manandhar confirmed that the metropolitan city has withdrawn plans for further mural projects.

DB Bhandari, an artist directly involved with the Sundhara murals, described the rapid deterioration as unusual. After a field visit, he concluded that weak walls were the main cause of damage. He explained, “Water appears to be seeping from the walls,” and noted, “The paint has not faded, but the walls have peeled off.” Bhandari expressed his dismay over the condition, stating that inadequate study of the mural sites led to this problem, whereas murals typically last much longer under normal circumstances. He added, “The metropolitan city provided funding, and the Pratishthan made the murals, but there was no effort to protect the murals by controlling water damage or repairing broken or damaged sections.”

Similarly, murals on the walls of Pashupati Kanya Campus suffered intentional defacement. Portraits depicting ethnic groups created by Sougat Tamang were vandalized with scratches on faces. Sougat reported that since he did not want the artwork left in vandalized condition, he repaired the murals at his own expense. He also shared that no action was taken by the metropolitan city against the vandals. Although the metropolitan city commissioned the mural, the repaired works by the artist can still be viewed today. Meanwhile, some mural artists accuse the Pratishthan of adopting improper methods, which contributed to the poor condition of the murals. They allege the use of ordinary paint on weak walls was a key factor in the damage. One artist said, “Despite knowing the Sundhara walls were weak, murals were created there. In such conditions, the walls deteriorate within a few years. Protective coatings could have been applied externally, but this was not done.”

Nepal has regained a strong foothold in League 2 by delivering a balanced performance across batting, bowling, and fielding. Thanks to improved team balance, Nepal has returned to League 2 after recovering the form lost in ODIs. According to reports, Nepal has secured six wins out of eight home matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, accumulating 24 points to reach fifth place. Captain Rohit Paudel acknowledged that although the team underperformed in previous series, this time their outstanding performance has made these results possible. Following the inclusion of Ishan Pande and improvements in the top-order batting, Nepal has showcased impressive form in the home series. Kathmandu, June 24.

Just one month ago, Nepal’s position in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 was extremely challenging. Having won only 5 out of 20 matches, Nepal was positioned seventh among eight teams with 12 points. In this context, the upcoming two home series were crucial as they were played continuously on home soil. In the previous League 2 phase, Nepal achieved a remarkable turnaround by winning 11 of their last 12 matches, leaping from a crisis to a top-four finish and securing a chance to compete in the one-off World Cup Qualifier. This time, Nepal’s potential to enter the top four heavily relies on results from away series, but they have delivered excellent performances in the home series.

Nepal’s resurgence has been driven by the outstanding contributions of all players in their respective roles. The team displays balance across batting, bowling, and fielding departments. This equilibrium allowed Nepal to regain momentum lost in ODIs and re-enter League 2 with renewed confidence. The comeback began with series against strong opponents Oman and UAE, followed by solid performances against formidable teams America and Scotland. Ultimately, Nepal won 6 out of 8 home games, earning 12 points from these matches and moving up to fifth place overall with 24 points from 28 games.

After issuing a final 35-day notice, Tribhuvan University has successfully reclaimed land from the Nepal Professors’ Association, the Tribhuvan Professors’ Association, and the Tribhuvan Staff Union. According to Registrar Mahānand Chālīsē, Tribhuvan University had sent letters to 17 unions and organizations requesting them to vacate the land, of which nine have responded. Preparations are underway to finalize a short-term agreement with the Nepal Cricket Association for the use of the university’s cricket ground.

On May 24, Kathmandu — Three unions representing professors and staff have returned university land to Tribhuvan University. Ramesh Joshi, president of the Nepal Professors’ Association, confirmed that their land was vacated following the university’s letter. A member of the Tribhuvan Professors’ Association also verified that they have vacated the premises. Chhatra Karki, president of the Staff Union, stated, “We have sent a letter to the university’s General Administration Office confirming that we have vacated the land. Those renting stalls have also been asked to vacate the premises.”

Tribhuvan University’s General Administration Division issued a 35-day eviction notice on April 17 to the organizations occupying the land illegally. Within this period, three organizations have officially communicated their compliance in vacating the land. Registrar Chālīsē noted, “Coordination with some organizations is ongoing.” However, 14 organizations have yet to respond. Approximately 2,000 ropanis of Tribhuvan University’s land are currently occupied by various unions and organizations. The 63rd report of the Auditor General’s Office also recommended stronger measures to protect the university’s land.

Activists from the Nepal Student Union staged a sit-in protest at the Nepali Congress central office, urging the leadership to ensure party unity and announce the date for the 12th General Convention. They drew attention by posting placards around the party office, pressing the leadership to secure both party unification and the timely organization of the convention. The protesters emphasized the need to activate the student union, complete the convention without delay, and promote youth to decisive roles within the party.

On May 23, in Kathmandu, Nepal Student Union (NSU) members held a symbolic demonstration at the Nepali Congress central office. Their objective was to press the party to maintain internal unity, declare the date for the 12th General Convention, and revitalize the organization. Carrying placards with slogans such as “Party Unity First, Ego Later,” “Ensure the 12th General Convention,” and “Empower Youth to Strengthen the Party,” they directed their message clearly toward the leadership.

Student leaders participating in the protest asserted that strengthening internal unity in Nepali Congress must begin within the student organization itself. They called for the leadership to rise above factionalism and unite both the organization and the broader party. Emphasizing that leaving the student union inactive for an extended period is inappropriate, they demanded the convention be held on time, enabling youth to assume pivotal roles in the party’s future.