KATHMANDU: Economic Digest offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of significant business happenings in Nepal, presented in easily digestible summaries.
The report from Birgunj’s Sirsiya dry port highlights a mixed bag of economic activity, reflecting both challenges and opportunities.
While the Rs 12.7 billion revenue collection is notable, the decline of Rs 250 million compared to the previous year raises concerns about potential economic headwinds.
The fluctuating revenue achievements indicate a need for strategic planning and improved efficiency to meet the annual target.
Concurrently, the plight of Gorkha’s apple farmers underscores a critical infrastructure gap; without adequate roads, local produce risks significant waste, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention to support rural economies.
On a positive note, the surge in domestic tourism at the Annapurna Base Camp signals a growing interest in local attractions, which could benefit local businesses and communities.
Meanwhile, the prompt attention to repairing the Upper Tamakoshi hydropower project illustrates a commitment to addressing infrastructure issues, vital for sustaining energy production and economic stability.
Collectively, these developments highlight the interconnected nature of revenue generation, infrastructure, tourism, and community well-being, necessitating a coordinated response from stakeholders.
Birgunj Dry Port generates Rs 12.7 billion in revenue over three months
The customs office at the Sirsiya dry port in Birgunj has reported a revenue collection of Rs 12.7 billion in the first three months of the current financial year.
This amount represents 21.25% of the annual revenue target.
Dhan Bahadur Baruwal, the chief customs officer, noted that this figure marks a decline of Rs 250 million compared to the same period last year.
In the first month of the current year, Saun, the office achieved 79.28% of its monthly target, followed by 88.50% in Badau (the second month), and 90.31% in Asoj (the third month).
For reference, during the first three months of the previous financial year, the dry port customs office collected Rs 13.1 billion.
Apples worth million rupees decaying in lack of roads to Chumnubri of Gorkha
Locally grown apples worth millions of rupees at Chumnubri rural municipality of Gorkha district are in a condition of getting decayed due to absence of road in the village.
The local farmers, traders and people’s representatives have called for the positive intervention from the government to provide market to the local produces grown in over 30,000 trees.
Production Campaign Nepal’s President Ramesh Pandit urged the government to make arrangements to transport the apples from remote rural municipality to cities.
Domestic tourists flock to Annapurna Base Camp
The base camp area of Annapurna I, located in Narchang of Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, is experiencing a surge in domestic tourist arrivals.
Tej Bahadur Gurung, a campaigner for the Maurice Herzog trekking route, reported that over 800 domestic tourists visited the area within five days following Tika Day during the Bada Dasain festival.
The base camp can be accessed via a two-day trek starting from Humkhola in Narchang.
Partially damaged Upper Tamakosi hydro project to be repaired soon
Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka said maintenance of the Upper Tamakoshi hydropower project, partially damaged by the recent floods and landslides, will be carried out without any delay.
A team comprising Secretary at the Ministry of Water Resource and Irrigation Suresh Acharya, Executive Director of Nepal Electricity Authority Kulman Ghising, Chief District Officer of Dolakha Tubraj Pokharel made an onsite inspection of the damaged structure of the project.
(Prepared by Srija Khanal)
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