KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Eviction drive sparks rift concerns as RSP leaders claim lack of consultation
Prime Minister Balen Shah’s campaign to remove informal settlements in Kathmandu has triggered widespread debate, drawing both praise and criticism, while exposing possible cracks within the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Second-tier leaders within the party say they were not informed through any formal party forum about the government’s move to clear squatter settlements in the capital and beyond. The lack of internal consultation has raised questions about coordination between the government and the party leadership.
The government, however, has defended its actions, citing its 100-point policy agenda introduced after the formation of the Cabinet. The plan includes completing data collection on landless and informal settlers within 60 days and resolving their issues within 1,000 days.
Thapathali riverside settlement cleared, displaced families shifted to Dasharath Stadium
An unplanned settlement along the banks of the Bagmati River in Thapathali has been cleared as part of an ongoing encroachment removal campaign. During the operation, six families who said they were rendered homeless were relocated to Dasarath Rangasala. Prior to the removal of makeshift structures, authorities said families willing to relocate voluntarily were provided assistance, including transport and logistical support, by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Police Force and Nepal Police.
Around 40 percent of Thapathali riverside structures removed peacefully
Around 40 percent of the houses and makeshift shelters along the Bagmati riverbank area in Thapathali have been peacefully removed as part of an ongoing eviction drive, officials said. According to Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel, the demolition of illegal structures has been carried out jointly by Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Kathmandu Metropolitan Police without the use of force. He said residents have been cooperating with the government-led campaign to clear encroachments from public and high-risk areas.
Eviction drive begins in Gairigaun squatter settlement after Thapathali clearance
Authorities have launched an eviction drive in the squatter settlement at Gairigaun, Ward-9 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, as part of an ongoing campaign to remove encroachments on public land. A joint team of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Kathmandu Metropolitan Police was deployed from this afternoon to demolish both temporary and permanent structures built illegally in the area.
Four families sent to Kirtipur as squatters undergo screening at Dasarath Stadium
Authorities have begun screening landless and squatter families relocated from the Thapathali riverbank settlement at Dasarath Rangasala, with officials collecting detailed records as part of the verification process. Teams deployed by the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority and the Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee are currently registering families, including details of household heads and family composition.
Harka Sampang tells PM Balen Shah not to cause undue suffering during eviction drive
Chair of the Shram Sanskriti Party and Member of the House of Representatives Harka Raj Rai (Harka Sampang) has urged Prime Minister Balen Shah not to inflict excessive hardship on people amid the ongoing eviction of squatter settlements. Taking to Facebook on Saturday morning, Rai made the appeal as the government intensified its drive to clear informal settlements using bulldozers. He emphasized that land ultimately belongs to no one and called for a more humane approach.
Shankar Pokharel calls for humane solution to squatter settlements in Kathmandu
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has commented on the government’s ongoing eviction of settlements along the Bagmati riverbank in Thapathali, urging authorities to ensure a humane and dignified solution for affected families. Taking to Facebook, he said that while the eviction is being carried out under official orders, the suffering of long-settled working-class families must also be acknowledged. He stated that the labour and contribution of such families have played a role in building and developing cities, adding that celebrating only the enforcement of rules would be insufficient without understanding their displacement.
Chinese and Indian envoys hold separate meetings with Energy Minister on cooperation
Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha held separate meetings with the ambassadors of China and India on Friday, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming, discussions centered on enhancing practical cooperation between Nepal and China based on mutual interests. According to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, both sides exchanged views on addressing regional energy challenges effectively. The two sides also emphasized expanding collaboration in the energy and water resources sector as an important foundation for shared prosperity and public welfare.
Foreign Minister Khanal stresses diplomatic code of conduct for public office holders
Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal has said that the government is prioritizing stronger diplomatic practices through strict adherence to the diplomatic code of conduct for public office holders. Speaking at a program organized by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Manamaiju, Tarakeshwar Municipality-10, the minister said efforts are underway to ensure uniform application of diplomatic standards across all levels of leadership, including the Prime Minister and ministers.
Petroleum imports generate over Rs 60.38 billion in revenue in nine months
The government has collected Rs 60.38 billion in revenue from petroleum imports during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, an increase from Rs 57.53 billion recorded in the same period last year. According to Birgunj Customs Office Information Officer Uday Singh Bista, petroleum products worth Rs 148.16 billion were imported through the Birgunj border point during the review period, contributing the revenue to the state treasury.
Five arrested with drugs in different parts of the country
Police on regular patrol have arrested five individuals from different parts of the country on drug-related charges. According to the Central Police Newsroom, 24-year-old Niklesh Godia of Gulariya Municipality-1, Bardiya, was arrested from Nagdhunga in Chandragiri Municipality-2 with brown heroin.
128 arrested in two-day drug crackdown ‘sweep operation’ in Jhapa
Police have arrested 128 individuals in a two-day sweep operation targeting drug abuse and trafficking in Jhapa district. The operation, conducted by the District Police Office Jhapa with special deployment in Damak and other areas, resulted in 62 arrests on Friday and 66 on Thursday, according to police. Information Officer Khagendra Bahadur Khadka said 12 individuals arrested with drugs are being investigated under the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, while 116 others linked to drug addiction are also under investigation.
Health Ministry reshuffles senior officials, reassigns key responsibilities
The Ministry of Health and Population has reshuffled responsibilities of 11th-level officials under the health group, including transfers and deputation recalls. Health Minister Nisha Mehta made the decision at the ministerial level on Friday, reassigning several division chiefs across the ministry, departments, and central units. According to Divas Acharya, chief of the ministry’s Employee Administration Division, Dr. Anuj Bhattchan has been appointed as head of the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the Department of Health Services, a position that had remained vacant.
President emphasizes building a harmonious and civilized society
President Ram Chandra Paudel has emphasized the need to further strengthen unity among Nepalis and inspire all to build a civilized society marked by social harmony. Extending best wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Sita Jayanti today, the President said it is a matter of pride for the country that Goddess Sita—revered as the mother of the world—was born in Mithila, Nepal.
One person dies in lodge fire in Kailali
A laborer died last night after a fire broke out at a lodge in Ghodaghodi Municipality-1, Sukhad, Kailali. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Ramesh Dutta Awasthi of the Area Police Office, Sukhad, the deceased has been identified as 50-year-old Min Bahadur Bohara of Gangkhet, Alital Rural Municipality in Dadeldhura.
Over 2,900 drivers penalized in Kathmandu Valley in 24 hours
A total of 2,903 drivers have been penalized for violating traffic rules in the past 24 hours, generating Rs 2.556 million in revenue for the state. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, 127 drivers were booked for drink-driving, while 281 were penalized for operating ride-sharing services against regulations. Similarly, 200 drivers were fined for violating traffic signals and 176 for overspeeding.
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