Author: space4knews

June 18, Kathmandu — The Supreme Court has halted the government’s effort to arbitrarily collect rent from industrialists in industrial areas.

Despite an earlier Supreme Court order prohibiting such actions, the government-owned Industrial Area Management Limited sought to increase rent with retroactive effect, disregarding the earlier judgment. After the company filed a review petition, the Supreme Court registered the case again for consideration.

After dismissing the review petition of Industrial Area Management Limited, the Supreme Court has ended this dispute.

Industrialists are now required to pay rent only according to rent hikes effective from the fiscal year 2022/23 onward, while rent for previous years will remain at the old rates.

During the court proceedings, the company cut electricity and water lines in various industrial areas to pressurize businesses. Following instructions from the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Gauri Kumari Yadav, the company issued a notice demanding rent payment within seven days.

Beginning Wednesday, the company started disconnecting electricity to industries failing to pay rent.

It is reported that approximately 700 industries nationwide have long been using government-owned land, buildings, and infrastructure without paying rent or dues. The company claims to have cut electricity lines for 63 industries on Wednesday alone; eight of those have paid outstanding dues and had power restored.

On December 17, 2018, the company had increased rents effective from July 16, 2018, with hikes reaching up to 700%.

Industrial Area Management Limited asserts that approximately NPR 890 million remains unpaid, of which around NPR 215 million has been collected so far.

What is the dispute about?

Due to a longstanding dispute over rent hikes and court proceedings delaying recovery, Industrial Area Management Limited recently took a stringent approach by disconnecting electricity lines.

According to Basudev Sodari, spokesperson for Industrial Area Management Limited, out of 705 institutions and industries, about 635 operate in 10 industrial areas. Over NPR 500 million remains unpaid in land rent alone, and total outstanding dues including electricity and water amount to NPR 890 million.

The company decided on December 17, 2018, to increase rent effective from July 16, 2018, with increases up to 700%.

However, industrialists opposed the hike and requested then-Minister Matrika Prasad Yadav to hold the increase. The minister instructed a freeze and ordered an investigation.

After two years of research, in 2021 the ministry declared the Board’s decision appropriate, paving the way for implementation. On July 6, 2022, the company’s management committee again requested implementation of the 2018 rent increase, prompting industrialists to file a case with the Patan High Court.

The High Court approved the Board’s decision, after which industrialists appealed to the Supreme Court. On March 26, the Supreme Court ruled that although the rent increase is valid, it would apply only from July 7, 2022. This led to claimed losses of around NPR 160 million in rent revenue for the company from 2018 to 2022.

The company filed a review petition on January 9, and today’s ruling affirms rent hikes apply only after 2022, maintaining previous rent rates for earlier periods.

Ejaz Alam, President of Nepal Industrial Area Industries Federation, stated that the prolonged rent dispute has finally been resolved with the Supreme Court’s order.

“We were prepared to comply with whatever decision the court made, but the government suddenly issued a seven-day notice demanding rent payment. After the notice, we were ready to proceed based on the Supreme Court ruling,” Mr. Alam said.

Industrialists consider cutting electricity lines during an ongoing court case illegal. Mr. Alam accused the company of acting unlawfully by disconnecting power without due process.

The ruling noted that Industrial Area Management Limited suffered an approximate NPR 160 million loss from rent revenue between 2018 and 2022.

“Electricity can only be cut when electricity bills are unpaid; similarly, water can be disconnected if dues are pending. But disconnecting lines abruptly at 6 a.m. without informing industries is unacceptable,” he added.

The Federation stated industries have been paying new rent since 2022, noting that 63 industries had their electricity disconnected on Wednesday alone, with power cuts to around 100 industries continuing on Thursday.

Earlier, FNCCI called for an immediate halt to electricity disconnections and administrative force, urging resolution through legal procedures, dialogue, and consensus.

Electricity Disconnections Escalate in Hetauda Industrial Area Affecting 131 Industries

Hetauda, the country’s largest industrial area, witnessed electricity cuts beginning December 19 to 131 industries and offices following directives from Industrial Area Management Limited.

On Wednesday, 15 industries faced disconnections, with operations continuing on Thursday, official Himalaya Bhandari reported.

The company had issued a seven-day notice on June 8 demanding outstanding payments from 131 industries and offices in Hetauda. On June 18, technicians were dispatched to disconnect electricity for non-paying units.

Industrial Area Management Limited claims NPR 200 million in outstanding rent and dues from industries in Hetauda.

Hetauda Industrial Area spans 3,228 ropani and hosts various industries including food, beverage, Gorkha Brewery, Asian Paints, animal feed, and carton production.

Government offices such as Hetauda Dairy Distribution Project, Food Quality Control Office, Seed Company, Soil Testing Office, District Police Office, and Nepal Bank Limited Hetauda Branch also operate there.

Of Hetauda Industrial Area’s total land, 2,178 ropani is leased out, 26.52 ropani remains vacant, and 597 ropani is allocated for utility services and infrastructure.

There are 10 industrial buildings, 11 warehouses, and 34 other structures.

The Industrial Area Management Office charges rent based on the demand for buildings, warehouses, quarters, and land.

Following widespread electricity cuts, industrialists have become alarmed, the Industries Association of Makwanpur reported.

President Shrihari Maske criticized the approach, saying the strict measures are causing panic among industrialists despite ongoing court proceedings. He accused the government of breaching Supreme Court orders by acting on High Court rulings to intimidate the industry.

Former presidents of the Makwanpur Industries Association, Swagtaraj Pyakurel and Lekharaj Pokhrel, complained about increased harassment of industrialists and expressed that the government is failing to create an industry-friendly environment.

July 18, Biratnagar – The lush green tea gardens of Ilam no longer bring joy to farmers; they have turned into sources of distress and despair.

An unofficial blockade imposed by India, combined with the federal government’s neglect of the tea sector, has left Ilam’s tea plantations — often referred to as “green gold” — and nearby workers unemployed. Due to the lack of storage facilities, farmers are forced to pluck fresh tea buds and discard them.

Deviprasad Acharya, a farmer from Ward No. 14 of Suryauday Municipality in Ilam, stated, “It is heartbreaking to discard freshly picked green tea leaves. Our team of five has been harvesting tea buds as instructed by the factories. Last month, we harvested 20 to 30 quintals, but now we are compelled to throw them away.”

According to him, the quality of the tea depends heavily on the freshness of the buds; older buds reduce quality. Therefore, their only option has been to discard the tea leaves. The primary tea season of July and August cannot be properly harvested and processed since factories remain closed.

India’s export ban has cast serious uncertainty over Ilam’s economy, which is heavily reliant on the tea industry. Although Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal was on a visit to India, this has not provided any relief to tea growers.

Gopal Kattel, General Secretary of the Suryauday Tea Producer Association, said, “Ilam is known as the tea capital, and tea is the backbone of our economy. Currently, exports have been suspended, and processed tea is piling up in warehouses. The tea season is at its peak, but farmers are unable to harvest.”

He added that over 100 tea factories in Ilam have been closed for three days due to the export restrictions. Factory closures during peak season pose a grave threat to the existence of the tea capital.

“We have requested the government to facilitate export processes, but no concrete action has been taken. When operations come to a halt, factories are forced to shut down,” Kattel said.

He informed that approximately 1.5 million kilograms of processed tea remain stockpiled — of which around 1.2 million kilograms are in Ilam, while 300,000 kilograms are stored in warehouses in Siliguri and Kolkata, India.

Kattel emphasized, “If a timely solution is not found, the hard work and livelihoods of farmers will be at serious risk.”

While India has not imposed a direct ban, it has enforced strict quality testing measures on Nepalese tea, resulting in trucks being turned back and goods held in warehouses. Indian officials delay approval processes by 20 to 22 days based on these inspections.

These procedures discourage exporters from dispatching tea, causing significant harm to stakeholders in the industry.

Government Neglect Endangers Livelihoods

The export disruption and factory closures threaten the livelihoods of laborers and farmers. According to Aditya Parajuli, President of the Nepal Tea Producers Association, over 500,000 people are directly and indirectly affected.

With factories shut, there is no space to store freshly produced tea. Parajuli noted that approximately 100,000 workers and employees are directly impacted, while 30,000 families dependent on tea cultivation face severe income losses.

“Each factory involves many stakeholders — some cooperatives comprise more than 200 farmer owners,” he said. “Nearly 500,000 people are affected both directly and indirectly.”

He added that Nepal produces roughly 25 million kilograms of tea annually, of which over half is exported to India, generating around NPR 500 to 600 crore in foreign currency.

Parajuli warned, “If this crisis persists, Nepal risks losing substantial foreign earnings and may even become a tea-importing country.”

Despite economic slowdowns in Ilam and Jhapa, the government has been criticized for not taking concrete steps. Business leaders complain that the tea sector, the main economic resource and foreign exchange earner of Koshi Province, is being neglected by state authorities.

More than 45 days have passed since the export issues began on May 1, yet no decisive intervention has taken place.

“The government was aware of the problem from the beginning, but no solution has been forthcoming,” an industry representative said. “We are in a very serious situation; investments are exhausted, storage space is full, and immediate action is needed.”

Rajendra Raut, President of the Koshi Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry, urged the government not to delay in creating a supportive export environment for Nepali tea producers, farmers, and workers.

“The tea industry plays a vital role in earning foreign currency, promoting tourism, and strengthening the local economy,” Raut stated. “However, under the new regulations imposed by India, processed tea is stuck at the border, blocking cash flow and directly affecting thousands of farmers and laborers.”

Let’s begin with Devi Khadka. What is the status of survivors like you in a democratic state? How does the government recognize you?

Devi Khadka: Since 2015, marking this day has inspired survivors to regain their self-esteem. Sexual violence is an ugly reality within human societies, and everyone should work toward a society free from it. However, even after 20 years in Nepal, survivors have yet to receive a clear and official recognition.

Has there really been no recognition or justice for 20 years?

Devi: Yes, the state has not only ignored us, but societal stigma has inflicted even greater pain. Recognition itself is a form of justice, but society blames us, accusing us of ‘ruined character.’ The stigma causes more suffering than the incident itself. That is why we demand acknowledgment and identification from the state.

Where has the state failed in providing recognition for 20 years?

Nirmala Adhikari Bhattarai: Sexual violence is a violation of human rights, but a suitable environment to address it within transitional justice has not been created. Amendments made last year brought slight improvements, allowing survivors to register complaints with the commission. Nonetheless, many challenges remain.

Was this issue not included in previous laws?

Nirmala: It was included legally, but there was no environment where women could speak out with confidence. That’s why many remained silent. The situation is changing now, leading to more complaints being filed.

How have survivors become empowered to demand justice?

Nirmala: Many survivors came together at the village level to collect complaints, and a collective voice builds trust. The state amended the law and the collective demand resulted in some improvements now.

What progress has been made when clear recognition is still lacking?

Nirmala: The commission must be given full authority to function properly. Work at the staff level alone won’t suffice. We are preparing an upcoming action plan.

Why does this issue continue to be entangled in political manoeuvring?

Nirmala: Among nearly 80,000 conflict-era complaints, many survivors hope for justice. Due to low political sensitivity, the controversy has prolonged. Some matters have also fallen prey to political transactions. Survivors are under added pressure due to the double conflict they have endured—both war and societal rejection.

The short tenure and weak functioning of the commissions are also prime reasons. Strong leadership in the commission is essential.

What is your perception of the government’s readiness to introduce survivor-friendly laws and officials?

Bodhnarayan Shrestha: The government is moving forward with zero tolerance for sexual violence. Results will be believed only after they materialize. As the Chair of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee and a parliamentarian, I will remain fully active on this issue.

How does ongoing political instability affect survivors’ mental health?

Devi Khadka: There have been many political changes in five years, and survivors are deeply concerned. Many still hope, “If this leader comes, then the issue will be resolved.” But I want to make it clear—we are not affiliated with any party. Survivors need not politics but justice and recognition.

They hope that political change and leadership will finally honor their humanity.

What response have you received when engaging with the new government?

Devi: This is the first formal conversation with the parliamentary speaker, and it was positive. The government is new, and we remain hopeful.

What have you learned about the TRC issue through interactions?

Bodhnarayan Shrestha: Devi has strengthened the social voice. The party has committed to the cause. I am monitoring closely and will address the issue through parliamentary functions.

What initiatives has the government undertaken recently to treat survivors suffering severe health complications?

Nirmala Adhikari Bhattarai: The Ministry of Law is sensitive to this matter and preparing to establish two commissions. We are investigating data and identifying survivors’ health conditions.

Special guidelines for relief and treatment are being developed in coordination with survivors’ families.

Has the current government continued treatment programs initiated by the previous administration?

Devi Khadka: Some efforts have stalled. The previous government had started treatment through specific channels, but now progress is somewhat obstructed. Due to inaccessibility of care, some survivors have died.

How many survivors have lost their lives due to lack of treatment?

Devi: According to our data, among approximately 4,200 survivors, it is estimated that around 50 have died. Mental health issues are also prevalent.

What has been your experience working with the commission and other mechanisms?

Devi: Initially, commission procedures were very challenging, but understanding among staff has improved. However, many legal complexities remain.

Does the political and social environment still present significant challenges?

Bodhnarayan Shrestha: Much work remains. I am conducting necessary discussions and meetings. The situation calls for mission-mode operations.

Will the justice process cause further trauma for survivors?

Nirmala Adhikari: After collecting accurate data and clustering cases, responses must be tailored to the victims’ situations. Many survivors have complained about re-traumatization owing to repeated involvement in justice procedures.

The condition of survivors is deeply tragic. How can processes become faster and more effective?

Nirmala: Data collection is complete. The foremost need is to establish medical treatment arrangements. Pilot projects will run as needed, and facilitators’ roles will be crucial.

What is the strategy for prompt improvements in lives and justice?

Bodhnarayan Shrestha: I aim to achieve resolutions in transitional justice without lengthy delays. We will review data and proceed based on prioritized needs.

Finally, what messages would you like to share?

Devi Khadka: We remain hopeful to work in new ways in the current context. However, the state needs to align resources and roadmaps accordingly. We hope the new commission will improve procedures through fast-tracking.

Bodhnarayan Shrestha: Priority must be given to survivor protection and confidentiality. Relevant personnel need to approach the issue with emotional sensitivity.

June 18, Kathmandu – A once-overlooked but entertaining feature within Google Earth, the ‘Flight Simulator,’ is now available to users worldwide directly through an internet browser.

From now on, there’s no need to download complicated software to explore the virtual skies—any device with an internet browser will suffice.

Google Earth has enhanced its website by adding this flight simulator feature along with several professional-level tools to strengthen the platform.

Alongside, an ‘Elevation Profile’ tool to measure land height and additional useful data layers for mapping professionals have also been added. While the flight simulator is purely for entertainment, the added tools benefit specialists working with geographical data.

The flight simulator feature, which has existed within Google Earth’s desktop application since 2007, is now being made available on the web for the first time.

How to use it?

First, visit the Google Earth website and click the ‘Explore Earth’ button located at the top right corner. Then, in the search bar, enter the location where you want to pilot the aircraft.

Once you find your destination, click on the ‘Tools’ menu at the top, and you’ll see the ‘Flight Simulator’ option at the very bottom.

When the flight starts, no on-screen controls are displayed for piloting the aircraft, but the controls are simple to use. You can tilt the plane left or right or move it up and down using the mouse or the arrow keys on your keyboard. To increase speed, press the Page Up key; to slow down, press Page Down.

However, the aircraft’s balance can be easy to lose, which may cause the computer screen to spin or tilt disorientingly. If you crash into the ground, the flight ends.

This game is not as complex or immersive as major commercial video games like ‘Microsoft Flight Simulator’ or ‘Ace Combat.’ Its unique advantage, however, is its integration with Google Earth’s global map, enabling users to visit and view famous places anywhere in the world virtually.

There are no missions to complete, points to score, or levels to clear—simply a fun, open experience.

So, if you have ever dreamed of flying your plane under the Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, now you can realize that fantasy by opening your browser and giving it a try.