Author: space4knews

Summary: The upgrade of the Butwal–Gorusinge road has been obstructed due to a shortage of soil, gravel, and river materials essential for construction. Out of the required 879,000 cubic meters of soil for Lot 1, only 69,000 cubic meters have been procured so far. The war between the US and Iran has impacted bitumen imports, posing risks to blacktopping works. March 14, Butwal – Construction activities on the Butwal–Gorusinge road upgrade have suffered delays due to a shortage of riverine materials.

The road widening areas require significant soil filling; however, a lack of soil, gravel, and river materials in Lot 1, spanning from Kapilvastu’s Kothi River to Butwal’s Pakhapani, has halted construction work. Although all procedural approvals have been secured, some local governments have imposed bans on soil extraction, citing the proximity to forest areas, forcing contractors to pause work, said contractors. Even in areas where extraction permits were granted and revenue paid, bans have continued under forest preservation claims, leaving hundreds of daily laborers unemployed and construction equipment idle, according to project contact manager Gaurishankar Mahato.

Project data shows that Lot 1 requires approximately 879,169 cubic meters of soil and gravel, and about 871,046 cubic meters of river materials. However, only 69,277 cubic meters of soil and gravel have been acquired so far. River materials collected directly amount to 62,597 cubic meters, with an additional 60,410 cubic meters sourced elsewhere, totaling only 123,007 cubic meters available, Mahato explained. This leaves a shortfall of around 809,891 cubic meters of soil and gravel and about 748,038 cubic meters of river materials.

Contractors have criticized Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City for the most significant delays and neglect in permitting river material extraction. Mahato noted, “Materials imported from abroad do not affect necessary work, but the lack of soil, gravel, and river materials available domestically is ironically causing work stoppages.” Approximately 20 million cubic meters of soil are needed for the nearly 25-kilometer stretch of Lot 1, yet only 123,007 cubic meters have been supplied so far, hindering smooth progress, said project chief engineer Kushalta Nyaupane.

In contrast, Lot 2 is not facing such issues, as materials surpass requirements there. “Soil scarcity is the biggest challenge in Lot 1. Apart from bridges, culverts, and drain constructions, soil filling work is virtually halted,” Nyaupane stated. “An additional 810,000 cubic meters of soil and gravel and 749,000 cubic meters of river materials are still required, and delays from local governments forecast that timely completion is unlikely.”

Despite agreements and revenue payments made with various local bodies and departments, extraction processes remain obstructed, raising concerns for Nyaupane. “Although the aim is to complete this project within two years, only 23 percent of work has been completed to date. Material shortages have prevented reaching the progress targets so far.”

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has instructed the employees of the Ministry of Urban Development and the construction company to complete the parliament building construction within the stipulated timeframe. The agreement for constructing the parliament building was signed on October 4, 2019 (Ashwin 18, 2076 BS) at a cost of NPR 7.94 billion, and the timeline has since been extended six times. Approximately 94 percent of the building construction has been completed, and the Ministry of Urban Development has set a deadline for completion by May 22, 2023 (Jestha 9). Kathmandu, March 14.

Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal expressed deep concern regarding the construction of the parliament building. During a meeting held today with officials from the Ministry of Urban Development and representatives of the construction company, he emphasized the importance of completing the building within the designated schedule. The discussion was also attended by National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rubi Kumari Thakur, and Deputy Chairperson of the National Assembly Lila Kumari Bhandari.

On October 4, 2019 (Ashwin 18, 2076 BS), a contract was signed with Tundi Sheikh JV for the construction of the parliament building for NPR 7.94 billion. Initially, the project was targeted to be completed within three years, but the deadline has been extended six times to date. According to the latest agreement, construction must be completed by May 22, 2023 (Jestha 9). The Ministry of Urban Development reports that about 94 percent of the building is complete. The interior contract, valued at NPR 234 million, was awarded to KC Shyamsundar Bania JV, and the roofing contract, worth NPR 38 million, was signed with Chainlink Engineering.

Fifty motorcycles and scooters stolen from various locations in the Kathmandu Valley have been returned to their rightful owners. Since last mid-July, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has entrusted 394 vehicle owners with their recovered vehicles. Thirty-six individuals involved in the thefts have been apprehended and sent to police headquarters for necessary legal action.

During a ceremony organized by the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, Senior Superintendent of Police Navaraj Adhikari handed over 33 motorcycles and 17 scooters to their respective owners today. Investigations revealed that some of the recovered vehicles bore authentic license plates, while others had counterfeit plates. The stolen vehicles were found in locations including Bhimdhunga, Swayambhu, Nepaltar, Chamati, Kapan, Thali, Bauddha, Sankhu, Naya Basti, Gokarna, Machhapokhari, Maharajgunj, Sukedhara, Pulchok, Sangla, Phusku, Chapagaun, Gaththaghar, Airport, Kamalbinayak, Malikagaun, Kandaghari, Jansewa, Jambudanda, Mandikatar, and Chundebi.

Alongside the 50 vehicles returned today, the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police have entrusted a total of 394 vehicle owners since mid-July. In addition, 36 individuals connected to the theft of 22 two-wheeled vehicles were detained and forwarded to various police headquarters and stations for further investigation and prosecution. To prevent vehicle theft or loss, the traffic police recommend parking vehicles in secure locations and using handle locks, disc locks, and installing security systems.

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reported incurring losses of approximately NPR 7.51 billion due to a sharp increase in fuel prices in the international market. The corporation is currently facing a loss of NPR 331.25 per LPG cylinder and NPR 87.99 per liter of diesel. Addressing misleading information circulating on social media, the corporation has pledged to adjust prices appropriately once international market rates decrease. Kathmandu, 30 Chaitra.

NOC expressed serious concern over the negative misinformation related to petroleum prices and profit-loss figures spreading across social media platforms. In a statement released on Monday, the corporation explained that the surge in international fuel prices has caused weekly losses totaling around NPR 7.51 billion. According to NOC, the latest price list from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) dated 17 Chaitra reflects a significantly high purchase cost for petroleum products.

Public data indicates that the highest losses are incurred on LPG gas and diesel. Even after partial price adjustments, the corporation continues to bear a loss of NPR 331.25 per LPG cylinder and NPR 87.99 per liter of diesel. Additionally, petrol shows a loss of NPR 2.32 per liter, furnace oil NPR 36.70 per liter, and domestic aviation fuel NPR 0.92 per liter. Based on IOC’s price, NOC’s cost price for petrol is NPR 221.32 per liter, while the retail price is fixed at NPR 219 only.

Despite these challenging financial conditions and significant losses, NOC asserts it is maintaining the smooth supply and management of petroleum products. The corporation urges all consumers to understand the complexities created by international market fluctuations and not to believe rumors circulating on social media. NOC further reaffirmed its commitment to making appropriate price adjustments locally once the international prices decline.

Prithu Baskota has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the Corporate T-10 League. He expressed great excitement and pride in taking on this role. The Corporate T-10 League is scheduled to be held from Baishakh 10 to 17 at the Tallomul-Pani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu.

Organized by Kathmandu Sports and Events Pvt. Ltd., the Corporate T-10 League has named Nepali national cricketer Prithu Baskota as its brand ambassador. At a formal event held today, he was officially introduced in this capacity. Prithu Baskota is regarded as one of Nepal’s most experienced cricketers.

Baskota is well-known for his consistent performances and dedication to the sport. Having represented the Nepal national team, he has played a crucial role in several international competitions. Speaking at the event, Baskota conveyed his enthusiasm and pride at being appointed the brand ambassador of the Corporate T-10 League.

Jyoti Bhandari, Director of Kathmandu Sports and Events Pvt. Ltd., expressed delight in welcoming Prithu Baskota as the brand ambassador. She said, “With an experienced and inspiring player like Prithu, we are confident that our tournament will reach new heights.”

March 30, Kathmandu – Dol Prasad Aryal, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, held discussions with former speakers on matters related to parliamentary practices and systems. Elected as Speaker on Chaitra 22, Aryal met today with former Speakers Devaraj Ghimire and Agni Prasad Sapkota. According to the Speaker’s Secretariat, the meeting involved extensive discussions on Nepal’s parliamentary practices, past experiences, the effective functioning of the federal parliament, and strengthening the legislative process.

Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a 57-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Debutants Prful Hinge and Sakib Hossain both delivered impressive bowling performances, taking four wickets each. Rajasthan was bowled out for 159 runs in 19 overs, chasing the target of 217 set by Hyderabad.

On March 30 in Kathmandu, Prful and Sakib’s impactful bowling helped Sunrisers Hyderabad overpower Rajasthan Royals in Monday night’s IPL encounter. After Hyderabad posted a total of 216 runs for six wickets in their 20 overs, Rajasthan struggled in their chase, getting all out well short of the target.

Prful made an immediate impact, taking three wickets in the very first over. He dismissed aggressive opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi for a duck and followed up by removing Dhruv Jurel and Luhandre Pretorious without scoring runs as well. Soon after, Yashasvi Jaiswal fell to Sakib Hossain for just one run, and captain Riyan Parag was out for four runs, also caught by Prful. At this stage, Rajasthan was struggling at 9 for 5.

Later, a partnership between Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja steadied the innings with an 11th-wicket stand of 118 runs. Ferreira top-scored with 69 runs, while Jadeja added 45.

Both Prful and Sakib ended with four wickets apiece. Prful bowled 4 overs, conceding 34 runs, and Sakib was even more economical, taking 4 wickets for just 24 runs in 4 overs. Ishan Malinga contributed by taking 2 wickets.

Batting first after losing the toss, Hyderabad put up a competitive total of 216 for 6 across 20 overs. Captain Ishan Kishan played a crucial knock, scoring 91 runs off 44 balls. Henrik Klaasen contributed 40 runs while Nitish Reddy made 28 and Salil Arora remained unbeaten on 24.

From Rajasthan’s bowling attack, Jofra Archer took 2 wickets, while Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, and Riyan Parag each picked up 1 wicket.

With this defeat, Rajasthan Royals suffered their first loss in the tournament but retain the top spot with 8 points from 5 matches. Hyderabad stands fourth on the points table with 4 points from 5 games.

Former RSFPA parliamentarian Vindabasini Kansakar has demanded the introduction of a bill concerning the control of human body burning and its associated punishment. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has expressed a commitment to facilitate the presentation of the bill in the upcoming parliamentary session. Former parliamentarian Kansakar stated that once the bill is passed, it will ensure treatment, protection, and justice for victims of body burning.

Kathmandu, 30 Chaitra – Vindabasini Kansakar, former member of the RSFPA, has called for the enactment of legislation aimed at controlling human body burning and establishing penalties for it. She informed Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal and Deputy Speaker Ruby Kumari during a meeting about the fact that the bill was registered in the previous parliament. Speaker Aryal has pledged to assist in bringing the bill forward in the forthcoming parliamentary session. “If this bill is passed through the parliamentary process, it will be a significant step toward ensuring treatment, protection, and justice for citizens suffering from body burning,” Kansakar publicly stated. Previously, the RSFPA had already registered this bill as a non-governmental bill.

In the Gaurishankar Super League U-17 Cricket Tournament, Kathmandu District U-17, Great Himalaya, and Nexus teams achieved significant wins. Kathmandu District U-17 defeated Radiant Cricket Academy U-17 by 58 runs. Batting first, Kathmandu scored 109 runs for 8 wickets in 15 overs. Karan Yadav made 22 runs, Vishal Budha 20, and Shubha Regmi 15. Saurya Singh Thakuri remained unbeaten on 12 runs, with 27 additional runs added extras. On the bowling side, Munna Jaiswal from Radiant took 4 wickets while Mohammad Amir claimed 2 wickets. Chasing a target of 110 runs, Radiant were bowled out for 51 runs in 13.4 overs. Apart from Mohammad Amir (13) and Ankit Kumar (14), other batsmen were unable to make a notable impact. Kathmandu bowlers Parakh Rasaili, Divas Kshetri, and Saurya Singh Thakuri delivered excellent performances.

In the second match, Great Himalaya Cricket Academy U-17 defeated Jorpati Cricket Academy U-17 by 86 runs. Great Himalaya posted 146 runs for 5 wickets in 15 overs. Suprim Sunar scored 41 runs, Sparsh Tamang 31, and Aniket Gajurel contributed 26 runs. For Jorpati, Sagar and Sohit took 2 wickets each. Chasing 147 runs, Jorpati were bowled out for 60 runs in 14.2 overs. Aaron Jung Giri scored 21 and Nimesh Yonjan made 15 runs. Sagar B and Kamal Shahi from Great Himalaya took 3 wickets each.

In the third match, Nexus Cricket Academy U-17 defeated Bhaktapur Cricket Center U-17 by 7 wickets. Bhaktapur were bowled out for 54 runs in 9.5 overs, with Shreraaj Veer Shrestha scoring 19 runs. Simon Pant from Nexus took 4 wickets and Lokendra Karki claimed 3 wickets. Nexus reached the target of 55 runs in 9.5 overs, losing 3 wickets. Sarjil Ali Mansari remained unbeaten on 17, while Arav Shrestha added 13 runs to secure the victory.