Author: space4knews

Structures in the Sukumbasi settlement along the Bagmati River in Thapathali have been dismantling since Saturday morning. In accordance with government directives and assurances, residents are relocating from the settlement and preparing to find new rooms. Kanchhimaya Praja, a resident with a family of five, has made plans to move to Kupandol by renting a room but says she faces difficulties with paying rent.

On 12 Baishakh, Kathmandu – The structures of the Sukumbasi settlement situated on the banks of the Bagmati River in Thapathali began to be demolished from Saturday morning. Residents who have lived in the area for years are relocating following instructions and assurances provided by the government. Some families are in contact with government authorities, while others are seeking shelter with relatives.

Amid the demolition work, a 55-year-old resident, Kanchhimaya Praja, was encountered at the site. She and her family of five have been living in the settlement but now are preparing to move to a new rented room after the government’s bulldozers demolished their homes. She had already moved all her belongings onto the road. According to her, she has found a room in Kupandol and plans to reside there with her family.

“The government has not clearly explained what will be done and how. Because of this uncertainty, we had to find rooms on our own,” she explained. “If the government had informed us properly about our situation, we wouldn’t have had to look for new rooms.”

Kanchhimaya had arrived in the Thapathali Sukumbasi settlement 20 years ago after her ancestral property in Dhading was destroyed by flooding. She earns income by working as a daily laborer to support her family. “Now I don’t know how I will pay the rent or manage my family. I feel even more pressure to work harder,” she shared, describing the difficulties faced by other women in the settlement.

Like Kanchhimaya, several other residents have already brought their belongings to the roadside and remain uncertain about their next steps.

April 25, Kathmandu – The police have arrested three individuals, including Aryan Kunwar, the General Secretary of the National Sukumbasi Front. Alongside Kunwar, the Front’s advisor Dan Bahadur Kami and Dinesh Sunar were also taken into custody. Santosh Khadka, SSP of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, confirmed that the arrests were made on Friday. The detainees have been handed over to the District Police Office in Kathmandu.

Additionally, Narayan Pariyar, known as Narayan Parishrami, the chairman of the Front’s Kawa unit, was also arrested on Friday. The police stated that he is involved in a case related to banking offenses.

The government has deployed nearly four to five thousand security personnel and staff to clear squatter settlements and unplanned structures along the riverbanks in Kathmandu. Authorities have stated that details of the displaced families will be collected and they will be relocated to temporary shelters. The Chief District Officer of Kathmandu reported that following public appeals by security agencies and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, approximately 50 to 60 percent of the population from two riverbank settlements has already moved out. He emphasized that the government is proceeding with this operation with the aim of providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring long-term management.

The government announced preparations to remove illegal settlements in Thapathali, Gairigaun, and Manhara areas on Saturday and Sunday. Although the exact number of families living in these settlements is not yet confirmed, the government intends to reclaim public land and identify the true status of the squatters. Some advocacy groups have expressed opposition to the government’s decision. The National Human Rights Commission has directed the government to identify the squatters accurately and manage them properly, advising restraint and caution against the use of excessive force.

According to officials, security personnel, staff, and health workers have been mobilized from early morning to clear settlements at two out of three locations. Dozers, trucks for moving belongings, and vehicles to transport displaced families to temporary holding centers and the Dashrath Rangashala stadium are also in operation. Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel mentioned that security forces have been assisting some families with moving their belongings.

He stated, “We began operations from Thapathali at 8:15 a.m. Today. We are conducting the work with the highest respect for human rights. Security personnel are using loudspeakers to check each household to ensure there are no elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, or children left behind.”

The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has informed that, “On humanitarian grounds,” resettlement plans have been arranged at five locations, including 42 organized housing units in Nagarjun, the Satsang building in Kirtipur, the Agricultural Development Bank training center in Bode, as well as government buildings and vacant lands in Kharipati and Chandbag. The government has also announced that food will be provided to those displaced on Saturday and Sunday.

April 25, Kathmandu – Controversy has erupted following the remarks made by Bishwaraj Pokharel, a Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RASWPA), who expressed anger over the absence of a school’s principal during a welcoming ceremony. Pokharel, elected from Okhaldhunga and a former AIG, allegedly berated the principal of a school in his home district for not attending the welcome.

Expressing his displeasure, Pokharel reportedly told the principal, “If I am coming, you should step aside. You are an employee; I am a retired distinguished employee.” Referring to himself as “Honourable,” he rebuked the principal, saying, “When an honourable member of the district comes, the headmaster shouldn’t remain silent?”

This behavior by MP Pokharel has drawn criticism from both within and outside his party. Former Education Minister Mahavir Pun demanded Pokharel’s dismissal for intimidating the principal over a failure to welcome him. Without naming Pokharel, Pun reminded that parliamentary members are servants of the people and stated, “I don’t know which party he belongs to, but if I were his leader, I would have immediately dismissed him and sent him home. An MP should serve the people who elected him and dedicate five years of time and intelligence to public service. There is no justification for causing humiliation or asserting hierarchy simply because someone didn’t receive a welcome on the road. He must apologize immediately or the public must call him back. The dignity of the MP’s position has been tarnished.”

Leaders and activists from RASWPA have also voiced their disapproval of Pokharel’s conduct. Central committee member and Morang-3 MP Ganesh Karki advised Pokharel to “stay grounded,” writing on social media, “The MP’s term also lasts at most five years. What kind of attitude are you developing? And haven’t you forgotten the thousands of greetings and requests for your votes you received barely two months ago? Let’s stay grounded.” Rajendra Dahal, editor of Teachers’ Monthly, condemned the public humiliation of the principal, questioning on social media, “Is it a story or a shame to call someone ‘Honourable’ who insults the principal and the position over the reason that people weren’t lined up at the school gate to welcome him?”

The dissatisfaction extends to RASWPA’s grassroots supporters. Social media has seen strong criticism aimed at Pokharel. Active since the party’s founding, leader Swastika Lamichhane expressed frustration at Pokharel’s attitude towards voters, urging him to learn how to speak properly. She wrote, “Honourable, you need to learn to speak. Why not start a class? We can teach you how to talk to the people. We have four years of experience.” Lamichhane emphasized, “A soldier may intimidate those ranked below him, but an MP should not intimidate his own voters. You probably do not realize how much effort went into making you ‘Honourable.’ Please respect the pain we have endured for four years. Now that you have the title, please stop making excuses. Who made you Honourable? The public, isn’t it? Those who elevate you can also bring you down; keep that in mind.”

April 25, Kathmandu – Another individual has been arrested in connection with the e-bidding system hacking case. The latest person apprehended is 32-year-old Amrit Bohara from Chapur Construction Service Pvt. Ltd. He resides in Baniyatar, Ward 4, Tokha Municipality, Kathmandu. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) detained him, bringing the total number of arrests in this case to ten. Previously, CIB had also arrested Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Bikram Pandey in relation to the same case.

The group is accused of gaining unauthorized access to the e-Government procurement system and manipulating contract details. They are under investigation for offenses under the Electronic Transaction Act, 2063. It is alleged that by accessing the Public Procurement Monitoring Office’s e-Government procurement system, they altered contract information and tampered with financial proposal documents even before the official opening of these proposals.

They are not only burdened by the suffering in their own homes but also deeply affected by the pain of their children. They remain uncertain about where to go or what to do next.

April 25, Kathmandu – Six Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) from the Armed Police Force have been recommended for promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG). The promotion recommendation committee finalized this list on Friday.

According to the recommendation list, Digvijay Suvedi secured the first position, followed by Kiran Basnet at second, Madhav Prasad Paudel at third, Praveen Kandel at fourth, Rajesh Upreti at fifth, and Netra Bahadur Karki at sixth.

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April 25, Kathmandu. Seven Inspectors (SP) of the Armed Police Force have been recommended for promotion to Senior Inspector (SSP). The recommendation covers seven SSP positions, including six newly vacant SSP roles due to recent promotions of SSPs to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), as well as one previously vacant post.

According to the recommended list, Dipak Kumar Thapa ranks first, followed by Sudhir Suvedi in second place, Mahesh KC third, Prakash Kumar Suvedi fourth, Chitrangata Dahal fifth, Subhash Bhandari sixth, and Pradeep Singh Karki seventh.

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has reported a 27.8 percent decrease in snowfall levels in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region compared to long-term averages, potentially exacerbating water crises across Asia’s river basins. This reduction is expected to directly impact approximately two billion people, affecting agriculture, hydropower, and livelihoods, with reductions anticipated in irrigation and electricity generation. ICIMOD has called on concerned countries to control temperature rises, implement preparedness plans, and strengthen cross-border water management cooperation.

Kathmandu, April 24 – Often described as Asia’s lifeline, the Hindu Kush Himalayan region is experiencing a decline in snowfall, which could trigger water shortages in major Asian river basins, experts warn. In its report titled ‘Snow Update 2026’ released on Thursday, the Nepal-based ICIMOD revealed this year’s snowfall levels to be 27.8 percent below the long-term average. This marks the lowest snowfall in two decades and the fourth consecutive year of below-average snowfall.

The decline in snowfall signals potential water shortages during the upcoming spring and summer seasons. It is anticipated to have a direct impact on the agriculture, hydropower, and livelihoods of nearly two billion people in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. As such, there is an urgent need for strengthened water management, early warning systems, and integrated regional cooperation to mitigate growing water insecurity risks.

What the Report Reveals
The report indicates that out of the five winters from 2021/22 to 2023/24, four experienced below-average snowfall. The snowfall in 2023/24 is historically 27.8 percent lower, following a 23.6 percent decline in 2022/23. Among the 12 major river systems flowing from the Hindu Kush Himalaya, 10 have significantly less snowfall this year. Notably, the Mekong River basin saw a 59.5 percent drop, the Tibetan Plateau 47.4 percent, and the Salween River 41.8 percent. The Mekong, Tarim, and Tibetan Plateau recorded their lowest snowfall in 24 years.

Snowmelt runoff from mountainous areas forms the primary water source for these basins. For instance, 77.5 percent of annual flow in the Helmand Basin and 74.4 percent in the Amu Darya Basin depend on snowmelt. Consequently, reduced snowfall is expected to severely impact irrigation and hydropower sectors. Farmers in the Indus, Helmand, and Amu Darya basins may face irrigation shortages at the start of the growing season, while hydropower output could decline in the Mekong, Brahmaputra, and Yangtze Rivers, home to China’s Three Gorges Dam.

The report also warns that insufficient replenishment of groundwater and soil moisture could intensify drought conditions in the future. According to ICIMOD author Sher Muhammad, this year’s data confirms that the Himalayan region has reached a “breaking point.” “We have observed decreasing seasonal snow reserves over recent years, directly affecting water sources for around two billion people,” he said.

Regionally, despite the emerging crisis, the Ganges River basin—which covers Nepal and surrounding areas—has recorded a 16.3 percent increase in snowfall, while the Irrawaddy basin has seen a 21.8 percent rise. Nevertheless, the report emphasizes that this localized increase is insufficient to offset the broader regional water stress.

The Hindu Kush Himalayan region encompasses Nepal, China, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

Why Is the Hindu Kush Himalaya So Vulnerable?
The Hindu Kush Himalaya stretches approximately 3,500 kilometers from Afghanistan in the west to Myanmar in the east and is often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to its vast snow and ice reserves—after the North and South Poles. The region contains some of the world’s highest peaks, including Everest and Mount Qomolangma. It is the source of about a dozen major Asian river systems, earning it the nickname Asia’s “Water Tower.”

Snowmelt contributes approximately 23 percent on average to the total river flow in this region. Rivers originating here traverse Asia’s vast plains, underpinning the fundamental livelihoods of some two billion people. Tens of millions depend on the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers flowing through Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, while large populations in Pakistan and India rely on the Indus River. China’s Yangtze and Yellow Rivers serve significant areas as well, and Southeast Asian countries depend heavily on the Mekong River. These waterways provide water critical for drinking, irrigation, hydropower, and industry.

The decline in Himalayan snow threatens food security and economic stability for over 240 million people in mountainous regions and more than 1.65 billion people residing on the plains. This underscores why the Hindu Kush Himalaya is often deemed Asia’s lifeline.

Causes of the Snow Decline
Environmental and climatic factors are major contributors to declining snow levels in the region. Global temperature rise is identified as the primary cause. As temperatures increase, snowfall patterns have shifted, with more precipitation falling as rain at higher altitudes and accumulated snow melting earlier. The Himalayan region is warming faster than the global average. Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology reported in 2017 an annual average maximum temperature increase of 0.056 degrees Celsius, with Himalayan areas experiencing greater rises than the Terai plains, accelerating snowmelt.

Western and central parts of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (including Afghanistan, Pakistan, and western Nepal) largely depend on moist westerly winds from the Mediterranean for snowfall. These winds have weakened, reducing winter snow accumulation. Climate change has disrupted this atmospheric pattern. From 2024 to 2026, a strong El Niño—an ocean-atmosphere phenomenon influencing global weather—has decreased winter precipitation and snowfall in South Asia, directly impacting the mountains.

Pollution, wildfires, and industrial emissions releasing black carbon particles have further exacerbated snowmelt. This black carbon travels to the Himalayas, settling on white snow and absorbing sunlight, which intensifies melting processes.

Recommended Immediate Actions
With diminishing snowfall, glaciers face increased risks of reduced replenishment and eventual shrinkage. Consequently, ICIMOD urges affected countries to take swift measures to control temperature increases, activate emergency preparedness plans, enhance water storage and efficient use, and strengthen cross-border water cooperation. “Science-based governance is now essential, beyond mere emergency responses,” ICIMOD emphasized.

ICIMOD has been monitoring the Hindu Kush Himalayan region for over two decades. Scientists from the centre describe this resource-rich area as a global treasure, yet vulnerable due to climate change and unsustainable development activities.

Dr. Sudip Thakuri, Associate Professor at the Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, noted particularly drastic snow reductions in the Tibetan region. “Currently, immediate impacts are not highly visible, but vigilance is essential to address long-term effects,” he said.

April 25, Kathmandu – The government has introduced a new proposal to enforce a cooling period of up to two years for employees retiring from the civil service, during which they will not be allowed to serve in any other position. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration released the draft bill on Friday afternoon, which includes a provision barring former Chief Secretaries, Secretaries, and Joint Secretaries from appointment to constitutional, diplomatic, or other government posts for two years after leaving their positions. This regulation will apply to employees who either retire mandatorily or resign voluntarily.

Besides higher-level officials, other employees will also be subject to a two-year cooling period. During this time, they will be prohibited from working as staff or consultants on projects or programs managed by any entity except intergovernmental organizations or international development partners. The proposal also stipulates that within one year of retirement, former employees cannot work as staff or consultants with organizations affiliated with their previous workplace or those regulated by that body. Those who violate this provision will forfeit their service benefits as per the law.

A two-year cooling period arrangement was also included in the earlier federal civil service bill. During discussions in the State Affairs Committee, current Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal, Federal Parliament Secretary Padma Prasad Pandey, Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma, Radhika Aryal, and Krishnahari Pushkar collectively opposed the cooling period provision. While passing the bill, the federal parliament formed an investigative committee due to disagreements arising from the addition and removal of certain clauses. The controversy surrounding this issue led to the resignation of Ramhari Khatiwada, the chair of the State Affairs Committee.

April 24, Kathmandu: The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has emphasized the necessity of resolving the squatter settlement issue through dialogue. Congress spokesperson Devaraj Chalise stated that using force without prior talks and communication is not an appropriate course of action. He stressed that force should only be considered as a last resort and only when dialogue is entirely absent.

Chalise remarked, “Whether it is the squatter settlement issue or any student-related problem, all matters should be resolved through dialogue, cooperation, and negotiation—not through clashes. We must listen to the voice of the people and move toward solutions. The government can resort to violence only after all peaceful options have been exhausted, and even then, it should be the final measure.”

The spokesperson further added, “Even as a last resort, resorting to violence without dialogue and communication reflects the government’s immaturity, lack of experience, and childishness.”