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While Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML have argued that the decision of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) to extend no-construction zone along riverbanks by an additional 20 meters will displace people, Mayor Balendra Shah aka Balen has stated that houses along riverbanks will not be demolished under the new guidelines.

Also, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal has also called for a review of the Supreme Court’s decision. Speaking to officials of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce on Sunday, he emphasized the need to revisit the Court’s ruling. “Some aspects of the ruling are difficult to implement, and the government is working on that matter,” he added.

In a post on his social media page on Sunday, Mayor Shah said that the government would need to provide compensation if houses falling within the guidelines were to be demolished. “Be assured that no house falling under the new guidelines will be demolished,” Shah wrote. “If demolition becomes necessary, the government must provide compensation.”

The decision, however, has faced obstacles, with both ruling parties Nepali Congress and CPN-UML urging the KMC to reconsider the decision.

The CPN-UML Kathmandu District Committee submitted a seven-point memorandum to Mayor Shah, demanding the scrapping of the decision. UML has argued that the decision affects hundreds of thousands of people living on the riverbanks and warned of severe consequences if the decision is not reversed.

The Kathmandu District Committee of the NC has also opposed the decision. Issuing a joint statement, NC Kathmandu District Committee President Nilkaji Shakya and leader Srijana Singh claimed that the KMC’s decision puts numerous religious and historical sites, including Pashupatinath, Guhyeshwari, Teku, Pachali Ghat and Shobha Bhagwati temples, at risk. The party said that the decision not only causes distress in the economic, physical, cultural and social lives of people living in the metropolis, but also infringes upon the fundamental right to housing as guaranteed by the Constitution.

In a post on his social media page on July 31, KMC Mayor Balen Shah said the metropolis has decided to prohibit construction within an additional 20 meters from riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley, doubling the buffer from riverbanks to 40 meters. Shah said the decision was based on a Supreme Court verdict.

The opposition to Balen’s decision is not limited to external political parties. Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol has also expressed her disagreement with the manner in which the notice was issued. During the 35th Municipal Executive meeting, Dangol criticized the mayor for causing panic among the citizens.

Meanwhile, the government has formed a committee under Padma Kumar Mainali, joint-secretary at the Ministry of Urban Development, to study the issue, giving it until September 10 to submit its report. 

The committee will study all aspects of the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the prohibition on construction within an additional 20 meters from the banks of the Bagmati river and its tributaries in the valley.

The demarcation of riverbanks in the valley dates back to 2008 when the then cabinet had decided to prohibit construction within 20 meters of the banks of Bagmati, Bishnumati and Manohara rivers and within 4-20 meters of rivulets. The Supreme Court order on 18 Dec 2022, extended this to 40 meters.

The world celebrated the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies on Sept 7. Yet, nearly 99 percent of the global population breathes polluted air. According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), air pollution causes approximately seven million premature deaths annually, making it the leading environmental threat to human health and one of the top preventable causes of death and disease worldwide.

Air pollution doesn’t respect borders—it travels great distances and worsens environmental degradation, economic strain, and social inequalities. Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly are disproportionately affected, and ecosystems suffer severe damage. Many pollutants also drive the climate crisis, meaning that improving air quality can contribute significantly to climate change mitigation.

A 2019 World Bank report estimated the global cost of air pollution-related health damage at a staggering $81trn, accounting for 6.1 percent of the world's GDP. However, in Nepal, the right to breathe clean air is enshrined in our Constitution. Article 30 guarantees every citizen's right to a clean environment, stating that individuals have the right to live in a healthy and clean environment and that polluters must compensate those harmed by environmental degradation.

Yet, this same article includes a clause allowing legal provisions to balance environmental protection with development for the sake of national growth. While this enables industries and infrastructure projects, it has also been used to manipulate laws in favor of vested interests, often at the expense of the environment and public health.

In cities like Kathmandu, where air pollution is a chronic issue due to dense populations and heavy traffic, public health is severely compromised. Numerous reports show that prolonged exposure to hazardous air quality has forced residents to sacrifice their health, economic opportunities, education, and overall well-being. As the monsoon season ends, air pollution in Kathmandu worsens, leaving residents struggling for fresh air—a fundamental right recognized by our Constitution.

It is critical that we assert this constitutional right to clean air, which is being undermined by pollution. While many human rights defenders and organizations are working to safeguard environmental health, it is time for us to collectively recognize the violation of our basic rights and take decisive action to prevent further deprivation of clean air.

Amid several global crises, now is the moment to ensure air pollution does not become another overwhelming threat. Governments, INGOs, NGOs, industries, and individuals must unite to promote stricter environmental regulations, support green energy, and reduce vehicular emissions. By implementing these measures, we can ensure cleaner air for ourselves and future generations. Moreover, we must leverage technology, knowledge, and innovation to create sustainable solutions that preserve air quality and safeguard our health for the long term.

The third edition of the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival concluded on Sunday at Hotel Himalaya in Lalitpur. The two-day event, themed “Nepal: The Gateway to Asian Art, Culture, and Literature,” featured over 50 sessions and ended on a high note, with the announcement that the fourth edition will be held on 13-14 Sept 2025.

During the event, legendary poet Dr. Bhuwan Dhungana was honored with the Yashaswi Sahitya Samman and Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, Sanjeev Sanyal, and Achyuta Samanta were honored with the Yashaswi Samman. Additionally, the Yashaswi Book Award 2081 was presented to six books across five categories. 

The awardees include Devvrat for his poetry collection ‘Aswasthamako Nidharbata Bagmati Bagchha’; Muna Chaudhary for her fiction ‘Laar’; and Momila Joshi for her non-fiction work ‘Prashnaharu Ta Baki Nai Rahanchhan’, an award she shares with Arun Gupta for ‘Sanskriti Chintan’. Additionally, Rohini Rana’s ‘The Nepal Cook Book’ (English) and Yagyaraj Upadhyay’s research work ‘Kali-Karnaliko Lok Sahitya Tatha Sanskriti’ were also recognized. Each recipient received a prize of Rs 20,000 along with the award.

The festival brought together over 300 writers from Nepal, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian nations, fostering a rich exchange of literary and cultural traditions. “It was a grand celebration of literature, art, music, and culture, further strengthening Nepal’s role as a central hub for Asian cultural dialogues,” says the organization.

At the Festival, during the session titled ‘Life Dedicated to Nepalese Films,’ Rajesh Hamal, in conversation with Rupesh Shrestha, dismissed the notion that the Nepali film industry is stuck. “The Nepali movie industry is in its own moment, and when something is in the moment, there will, of course, be challenges ahead,” he said. “Some people may like the journey, others may not, but the industry is moving forward.”

Reflecting on his career, Hamal shared that when he first entered the film industry, very few movies were being made. “That period was crucial for expanding the industry, as it was necessary to grow the market to ensure sustainability,” he said, adding that his contribution to this expansion is one of his greatest achievements.

In the session titled “Nepal: The Gateway to Asian Art, Culture, and Literature,” the panelists included Dr Abhi Subedi, Uday Prakash, and Rohini Rana, with Chandra Dev Bhatta as the moderator. Dr Subedi highlighted that the people of this land have performed miracles in architecture since the Lichchhavi period, noting that “the architecture back then was inspired by faith and religion.” Meanwhile, Rohini Rana emphasized that food is also an essential part of art and culture.

During the session titled ‘Rethinking Development and Diplomacy in the Digital Age’, former Indian ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae, emphasized the importance of credibility in diplomacy. He noted that people play a central role in influencing government decisions, pointing to recent events in Bangladesh and the 2006 people’s movement in Nepal. “People are at the center of everything. Public diplomacy has played a huge role in India-Nepal relations, not always positively. It can work both ways,” Rae remarked.

Reflecting on his tenure as ambassador during a challenging period, Rae recalled, “I was in Nepal during the constitution-writing process and the protests in Tarai.” He also mentioned his book, ‘Kathmandu Dilemma: Resetting India-Nepal Ties’, which he wrote to address misconceptions about India’s role in Nepal.

In another session titled ‘Writing as Aspiration’, Rae stressed the importance of self-research on regional history and heritage. “What is written about us in the West need not align with our own narratives. It is up to us to research and write about our history,” he said.

In the session titled ‘The Art of Storytelling in Film’, Sujit Bidari, director of ‘Ainaa Jhyal Ko Putali’, shared his experiences and offered advice to aspiring filmmakers. “You have to revise the same film a thousand times. You can’t judge what’s happening at the moment. It’s impossible to remain objective after watching repeatedly,” he explained. “So much energy, budget, and time have been spent. If you can’t make a judgment even at that point, what will your state of mind be?” Bidari emphasized that to become a filmmaker, the more content you consume, the more creative ideas you generate. He noted, “The more you reflect and look inward, the more creative content you uncover. Detachment from oneself is the first condition. Once you’re detached, you start seeing stories everywhere.”

In the session titled ‘Voices of Tomorrow: Emerging Literary Talents of South Asia’, panelists included Badri Narayan, Ranjan Adiga, Sumit Sharma Sameer, and Mahendra P Joshi, with Prof. Kamala Kanta Dash moderating. Ranjan Adiga addressed common misconceptions about younger generations: “I won’t generalize today’s generation, but there are variations in all generations. The idea that Gen Z isn’t reading much is a myth.” He added, “While attention spans may have decreased, platforms like social media and Netflix have actually helped this generation engage with literature, art, and culture. Literature has always struggled to find an audience, but that’s not new.”

Sumit Sharma Sameer emphasized that today’s generation still enjoys movies and books, but only those that stand out. “Writers and producers must ensure they are creating exceptional works. The same old methods might not attract audiences like they used to.”

Badri Narayan noted that while education and social concerns are evolving, writers still hold importance and credibility. Mahendra P. Joshi highlighted the significance of marketing to capture the attention of younger readers. “Writers should understand what the new generation likes,” he said. “Writing about the US for a young American audience might not resonate, so in my book ‘Rockin’ Rollin’ Rolpa: Know America, Explore Nepal’, I focused on Rolpa, Nepal. The story follows a 24-year-old from rural Rolpa on his travels, connecting rural Nepal with America, and it struck a chord with the audience.”

On the second and final day of the festival, around 30 sessions were held, including ‘Diaspora and The Craft of Writing and Literature’, ‘Mythilak Nari in Cultural Communication’, ‘Charting the Future if Civilizational Dialogue’, ‘Child Psychology in Children Literature’, ‘Gorkha Identity: Opportunities and Blues Panelists’, ‘Beauty with Brains and Social Responsibility’, ‘Gajapati: The King without Kingdom’, and ‘How does literature empower women’ among others.

On the first day, 27 sessions took place, including ‘Laws for Women: Differences Between the Constitution and Treatment’, ‘To the Moon and Back’, ‘Bridging Heritage: Cultural Synergies’, ‘Media, Literature, and Social Responsibility’, ‘Bridging Worlds: The Art of Publishing and Translation’, ‘The Role and Future of Literature in the Age of AI’, ‘Recent Developments in Literature Translations from Nepal’, ‘How Significant are Literature Festivals?’, and ‘Nepal Bhasa Script and Literature: Past and Present’, among others.

According to Ranjana Niraula, Director and Founding Member of KLF-Kathmandu, “The Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival celebrated the longstanding cultural ties between Nepal, India, and South Asia, while offering a platform for deep discussions on the evolution of global cultures.”

Rashmi Ranjan Parida added that the festival serves as a common platform for cultural exchange between Nepal and India. He remarked, “It’s hard to pinpoint when Nepal and India’s shared journey began, and it continues today.”

It has been nearly two months since CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli assumed office as prime minister for the fourth time. His first foreign visit will be to New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). While the UNGA is a routine gathering of world leaders, it provides opportunities for Prime Minister Oli to hold significant bilateral meetings on the sidelines, provided the Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes a proactive approach.

Traditionally, Nepal’s prime ministers have commenced their foreign visits with a trip to India, but there are precedents of attending multilateral meetings first. This time, however, Prime Minister Oli has not yet received an invitation from India to visit New Delhi, which deviates from past practices where Nepali prime ministers were invited soon after, or even before, assuming office. Instead, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has repeatedly stated that preparations for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nepal are underway. Minister Deuba has already handed over the formal invitation from Prime Minister Oli to Modi.

Unlike his previous tenures, Prime Minister Oli has been relatively quiet about his foreign policy priorities, especially concerning India. Over the last decade, he has been vocal about various unresolved issues with India, and his relations with New Delhi have been strained, particularly after the 2015 blockade. As a result, foreign policy observers are keenly watching how Prime Minister Oli will engage with India this time. There were speculations that New Delhi was not eager to see Oli return as prime minister. However, a noticeable change is that Oli has been less confrontational on contentious issues with India, addressing them more subtly than in the past.

One such issue is the report prepared by the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG), which Prime Minister Oli has been raising in a more measured tone. The submission of the EPG report appears to be a priority for him in discussions with India. During his official visit to India last year, former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal chose not to raise the EPG issue, citing concerns that it could disrupt the improving bilateral relationship. Likewise, when Foreign Minister Deuba visited New Delhi recently and met with Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Modi, the EPG report was not discussed. The EPG was formed in 2016 and completed its work in 2018, with an understanding that the report would be submitted to both prime ministers. However, India has reportedly conveyed through various channels that the EPG matter is closed.

Despite this, Prime Minister Oli continues to publicly highlight the issue. Recently, while unveiling a book by former minister Kamal Thapa, he reiterated that India should accept the EPG report. Similarly, at the launch of another book by Surya Nath Upadhyay, Oli repeated his stance, saying, “We have not had the opportunity to receive and submit the EPG report. There was no delay on Nepal’s side. Perhaps India will find an appropriate time to receive the report.” His repeated statements suggest that the EPG report is a major focus for him in his dealings with India.

The EPG was established by the Oli-led government in 2016, following a four-month-long Indian blockade, with four members from each country. The expert panel was tasked with offering insights on bilateral issues, including revising the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty. While other major parties like the Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Center), and Madhes-based parties have distanced themselves from the EPG issue, the UML continues to push it. Senior UML leader Rajan Bhattarai has also spoken publicly on the matter. In official discussions, representatives from the NC and Maoists tend not to raise the issue, while Madhes-based parties have rejected the report, arguing that it was drafted without their representation. It remains unclear how India will respond if Oli brings up the EPG report in official talks.

On the issue of the border dispute concerning Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, Oli has been less vocal this time, although he mentioned it in Parliament. In 2020, under Oli’s leadership, Nepal issued a new political map that included these territories. In recent years, both countries have agreed to resolve the matter through diplomatic channels without politicizing it.

Oli has suggested that the issue could be settled through open and candid discussions at the highest political levels, emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue between the two countries. In recent years, top-level talks between Nepal and India have increasingly focused on economic development and partnership. The growing cooperation in power trade is often highlighted as a significant achievement in the bilateral relationship.