Author: space4knews

Since Saturday morning, bulldozers have been operating at various unregulated structures near rivers in the Kathmandu Valley. Over 200 families have become homeless, and screening is ongoing at the holding center set up at Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor. At the health desk, vulnerable residents are being examined, revealing conditions such as weakness, low blood pressure, and chronic illnesses. (April 26, Kathmandu)

From early Saturday morning, bulldozers have been demolishing unorganized structures near rivers in the Kathmandu Valley. After the destruction of settlements predominantly inhabited by displaced residents, these families have urgently been contacting the government. According to recent official data, more than 200 families have become homeless and have come forward to register their names. The government has established a holding center at Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor to conduct health screening for these displaced residents.

According to the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ Office, a dedicated help desk has been set up to provide healthcare services to those with health issues. Indira Pokharel, who is currently managing health examinations at the help desk run by Kathmandu Metropolitan City, reported that most individuals are experiencing weakness and low blood pressure. Additionally, some patients with chronic illnesses have also sought assistance.

Pokharel conveyed complaints from the displaced residents indicating they lost their medications when their settlements were demolished and consequently were unable to eat properly. She also mentioned encountering an elderly patient suffering from kidney failure who was referred to Bir Hospital. The fear of their settlements being destroyed kept them awake at night and diminished their appetite, according to residents during the health checkups. Quoting the residents, Pokharel said, ‘We went to sleep without eating at night because of fear. My legs are trembling.’

The 27th memorial day of Manmohan Adhikari, Nepal’s first democratically elected Communist Prime Minister, was commemorated through various programs. The Manmohan Memorial Foundation organized a gathering and a nationwide poetry competition along with a wreath-laying ceremony at his statue located in Sanepa, Lalitpur. Ishwar Pokharel, chairman of the foundation, described Adhikari as a symbol of unwavering dedication and a participant in the Indian independence movement.

On 13th Baishakh, Kathmandu – On the occasion of Manmohan Adhikari’s memorial day, the Manmohan Memorial Foundation held an assembly with a wreath-laying ceremony at his statue in Sanepa, Lalitpur, on Sunday. Additionally, the foundation organized the Manmohan Memorial Nationwide Poetry Competition in Kathmandu.

During the national poetry competition, Ishwar Pokharel, chairman of the foundation and former senior vice-chairman of the UML, interpreted Adhikari as a symbol of steadfast loyalty. Leader Pokharel recalled that Adhikari was actively involved in the movement even before the establishment of the Nepal Communist Party, and that he had participated in the Indian independence struggle while in India, spending time in prison.

Manmohan Adhikari, a popular Prime Minister of Nepal, passed away on 13th Baishakh 2056 BS (circa late April 1999) due to a heart attack while campaigning in Gothatar, Kathmandu, and later died during treatment.

Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality covers about 60 percent of Mugum district’s 3,535 square kilometers. Chyanath Dham, situated at an elevation of 4,820 meters above sea level, is a sacred pilgrimage site revered by both Hindu and Buddhist followers. In 2025, Chyanath National Park was declared within Mugum Karmarong, protecting rare wildlife species. Enveloped by the Himalayas, with a serene lifestyle beneath a clear blue sky, Chyanath Dham and Mugum Karmarong are among the rare and captivating regions not only in Nepal but globally. The natural beauty here enchants any visitor at first sight. However, limited infrastructure and challenging access have so far confined Mugum Karmarong’s scenic allure to a relatively small area.

Following Nepal’s local government restructuring, the 24 Village Development Committees in Mugum district have been reorganized into four local administrative units, including one municipality and three rural municipalities. Among these, Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality, located northeast of the district headquarters Gamgadhi, is geographically the largest local unit in the district. It borders Shey Phoksundo Rural Municipality (Dolpa) to the east, Chhayanath Rara Municipality (Mugum) and Chankheli Rural Municipality (Humla) to the west, China’s autonomous Tibet region to the north, and Jagadulla Rural Municipality (Dolpa) along with Patarasi Rural Municipality (Jumla) to the south. This rural municipality covers approximately 2,107 square kilometers, representing about 60 percent of Mugum district’s total area of 3,535 square kilometers.

Located around 4,820 meters above sea level, the sacred Chyanath Dham holds profound spiritual significance for both Hindu and Buddhist communities. For Hindus, it is considered an ancient abode of Lord Shiva and the Shakti Peeth where the final part of Goddess Sati’s body fell. For Buddhists, it is known as Ablang. The ancient monasteries, gompas, sacred incarnations related to Chyanath Dham, and the sacred lands of Shiva, Shakti, and Mother provide visitors with a deeply spiritual experience.

In 2025, the Nepalese government declared Chyanath National Park within Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality. This park protects the high-altitude fragile ecosystems and rare wildlife species. Major attractions include rare animals and birds such as the Himalayan leopard, Himalayan thar, naur, ghoral, pheasant, danphe, kalij pheasant, and chukar partridge. Accessing Mugum Karmarong remains challenging, with most areas still requiring several days of trekking. Even travel from the district capital Gamgadhi is arduous.

Local tourism and religious entrepreneurs note that visitors and pilgrims to Mugum Karmarong are captivated by its beauty and sanctity but often cannot return due to the difficult access. With improved reliable roads, convenient air services, hotels, and communication infrastructure, Mugum Karmarong has the potential to become a premier religious and tourism destination in the country.

April 26, Beijing – A taste-testing event featuring Nepali orthodox black tea based on the ‘Ek Suiro’ variety was successfully held in Lichuan city, Hubei province, China, through the initiative of the Nepalese Embassy. This event took place on March 24, 25, and 26 (Baishakh 11, 12, and 13) as part of the first Asia–Africa Black Tea Exchange Festival. During the festival’s opening session, over 200 national and international dignitaries participated in a special tasting of Nepali black tea.
The event showcased teas from five countries, including China, and participants praised the high quality of Nepali tea. The program was jointly organized by the China Tea Industry Committee Association, the Belt and Road Innovation Organization, and the Chinese government.
Nepal presented the “Ek Suiro” tea, produced in Ilam in 2024, characterized by golden-colored orthodox black tea made from buds without leaves. In the opening session, Economic Minister Pavarti Aryal from the Nepalese Embassy gave a detailed presentation on Nepal’s tea sector. She highlighted that tea is produced at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 7,000 feet in Nepal under organic and orthodox standards. The high antioxidant content of Nepali tea is increasing its appeal in international markets. She expressed gratitude by noting that tea connoisseurs appreciate both the taste and health benefits of Nepali tea, as well as the respect for the Himalayan environment, biodiversity conservation, and the tea farmers and women involved.
Furthermore, Aryal spoke about the potential of developing and reviving the ‘Tea Horse Road’ concept, connecting Ilam to Lumbini, to promote internationally the relationship between tea and world peace. She emphasized that sustainable development requires tea production, industrialization, diversification, and the use of new technologies. She also suggested that Nepal-China relations can be strengthened further through traditional tea culture.
The event was led by Cai Hu Chule, Honorary Chairman of China’s Tea Committee Association for International Agricultural Assistance Promotion and former president of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The festival included site visits to tea gardens, processing industries, and tea tourism infrastructure in the Lichuan area. Various Chinese government officials at different levels, representatives from tea industry organizations, and international experts participated in the event.
During a panel discussion held on Baishakh 12, experts, professors, and researchers from China, Korea, and other countries expressed views emphasizing the promotion, branding, research, and international cooperation of black tea. Throughout the festival, various tea-based products such as cold drinks, bottled cold tea, tea-based wine, and tea tourism routes were also showcased and assessed.

Tribhuvan University has issued a 35-day ultimatum to vacate the cricket stadium under its jurisdiction. The university has sent letters to 18 associations, institutions, and organizations to reclaim encroached land. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has decided to request the government for renewal of the agreement with Tribhuvan University. Kathmandu, 13th Baisakh.

Tribhuvan University issued a 35-day notice on 4th Baisakh to recover encroached land, which includes the cricket stadium. Following this notice, separate letters were sent to all parties using the university’s land, asking them to vacate. The General Administration Division of the Registrar’s Office at Tribhuvan University has also sent a letter to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).

The agreement between Tribhuvan University and CAN is set to expire at the end of this Baisakh. “As part of reclaiming encroached land, letters have been sent to all relevant organizations, including CAN,” stated an official from the Administration Division. “The agreement with CAN will end at the conclusion of this month.” According to a university official, there is currently no intention to renew the agreement with CAN. “Major sporting events have caused months of disruption to academic research work. This time, we are not inclined to renew the agreement,” the official added.

Raj Bahadur Rai, head of the General Administration Division, said that letters have been sent to 18 associations, institutions, and organizations instructing them to vacate within 35 days. He added that the letters were issued based on a report from the Land Investigation Committee. “A public notification was released on 4th Baisakh, and subsequently, letters were dispatched to the respective entities,” he explained. However, Chumbi Lama, spokesperson for CAN, stated that the association has not yet received the letter. A university official suggested that the delivery of letters may have been delayed due to public holidays over the past two days. Meanwhile, CAN’s board has resolved to initiate correspondence with Tribhuvan University to seek renewal of the agreement.

April 26, Kathmandu – Under tight police security, a team from Kathmandu Metropolitan City is demolishing homes in the squatter settlements along the banks of the Manohara River. During the operation, police have been relocating some disabled and ill individuals to safe locations. A woman was seen being carried on a stretcher by officers to a secure area. Yesterday, attempts to demolish homes in the Manohara area were met with resistance from local residents, who reportedly threw stones, injuring security personnel. Following the clashes, the demolition team had retreated but returned early this morning with bulldozers and resumed the demolition efforts. A significant contingent of security forces has been deployed around the squatter settlements. On Saturday, the Metropolitan City had used bulldozers to clear encroachments in the squatter settlements of Thapathali and Gairigaun in Kathmandu, and today has moved to clear the settlements in Manohara.

The government is intensifying screening and health assessments for the homeless and landless populations as it removes unplanned settlements in the Kathmandu Valley. At the Dasharath Rangashala in Tripureshwor, a desk has been set up to accurately identify the truly homeless individuals. Medical teams are providing physical and mental health services as well as psychosocial counseling. (April 25, Kathmandu)

Following the clearance of various informal settlements along the riverbanks on Saturday morning, the government has initiated screening processes for homeless and landless people. With the establishment of a desk at the Dasharath Rangashala in Tripureshwor, authorities are identifying genuine homeless individuals. Medical teams present at the venue are delivering physical and mental health care to those who have arrived.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers reported that the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has deployed medical teams to conduct health assessments. So far, six individuals with low blood pressure—four men and two women—have been treated. Additionally, health services were provided to two men with back and joint pain, eighteen men and six women experiencing headaches, two pregnant women, one individual with cuts and injuries, and twelve others with various issues.

Psychosocial counseling has been offered to women in polygamous marriages, women without fathers, school-age children, and employed guardians who sought help for mental health challenges. Concerns primarily relate to family and employment issues, mental stress, and questions about how to continue children’s education, according to Rishiprasad Bhusal, focal person for epidemic prevention and control programs at the Department of Health.