Nepal News Roundup

Amid escalating tensions over the under-construction cable car in Pathibhara, the Taplejung administration has enforced an indefinite ban in Phungling and Kaflepati areas. Chief District Officer Netra Prasad Sharma has declared restrictions, prohibiting gatherings of more than five people from 5 AM onwards until further notice.

Saturday evening saw violent clashes between protesters and police in Phungling, leading to 18 injuries — 9 protesters and 9 police officers. Police have arrested more than a dozen protesters. The administration has outlined specific restricted zones including Salleri (east), Ghodechaur Kaflepati (west), Ukalipani (north), and Sherpatol & Vet Kanchanjungha Tole (south).

The No Cable Car Movement has been intensifying for weeks. Thursday saw 14 people injured in Kaflepati, and earlier in Magh, 24 were injured in a violent protest. The unrest continues, raising concerns over the fate of the Pathibhara Cable Car Project.

The Narayangadh-Muglin road has received a major upgrade with 19 brand-new bridges now operational! The old bridges have been replaced with modern, wider structures, allowing two-way traffic flow. With over 10,000 vehicles using this vital route daily, the new bridges and expanded road—from 9 to 11 meters wide—are expected to significantly reduce congestion.

The project, funded with World Bank assistance, was awarded to Anak Construction under two contract packages. The total cost reached Rs 1.265 billion. Construction faced delays due to Covid-19, land compensation disputes, and logistical challenges, but has now been successfully completed.

Nepal's Ministry of Finance has approved a Rs 18.88 billion resource agreement for reconstructing 26 projects damaged by floods and landslides. This includes 13 roads and 13 bridges, such as the BP Highway, Mechi Highway, Araniko Highway, and Kanti Highway. The decision, led by Deputy Prime Minister & Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel, will expedite stalled reconstruction efforts.

Regular imports of petrol, diesel, and kerosene have officially begun through the Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline. Under the pipeline expansion project, Indian Oil Corporation has built two petrol tanks (4,100 KL each), two transmix tanks, 24 automatic loading way-refillers, and upgraded fire-fighting systems. This shift will result in zero technical losses, reduce transportation costs, and help cut environmental pollution.

The Supreme Court has issued a show cause order against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, questioning why he should not face action for contempt of court. The case revolves around the Giribandhu Tea Estate land dispute. Meanwhile, addressing the Lumbini Provincial Assembly, PM Oli boldly declared: "Even if cannons are fired for 17 months, the government will not fall." He assured that his alliance with the Nepali Congress is strong and that he will step down only after completing his agreed tenure.

In a historic move, Nepal is set to open Consulate General offices in Dallas, Texas, and San Francisco, California, becoming the first Asian country to establish a Consulate General in Dallas! The Government has also decided to upgrade its New York Consulate and establish a new consulate in Dubai, UAE. With this expansion, Nepal will now have 10 diplomatic missions worldwide.