Storm damages winter crops in Pokhara
The storm coupled with rainfall has damaged winter crops in the Pokhara Valley and vicinity.
Creeper vegetables and corn were damaged by the storm and rainfall occurred for some days.
Two weeks back, the hailstone that took place during evening perished cucumber and watermelon, while the storm recently damaged maize farming.
Some farmers also lost livestock due to lightning.
Owner of Tikhedhunga Livestock and Agriculture Farm Ramesh Acharya said that lightning struck a buffalo to death on Tuesday.
Thunderstorms with rain likely from Wednesday evening, high alert measures advised
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has urged one and all to adopt high alert measures, indicating chances of thunderstorms, lightning, hail and rain in various parts of the country from Wednesday evening.
Meteorologist at the Department, Sanjeeb Adhikari shared that the likelihood of strong winds in Dadeldhura and Doti in Sudurpashchim Province; Bardiya, Banke, Dang and Arghakhanchi in Lumbini Province; Dhanusha and Bara in Madhesh Province, and Morang and adjoining districts in Koshi Province on Wednesday.
The Department has stated that the windstorm is expected to start at 5:45 pm Wednesday and end at 7:45 am Thursday.
As the westerly system moves eastwards, the Department has indicated the possibility of rain with thunderstorms, lightning, windstorms and hail in many parts of the country.
In view of possible effects on livelihoods, agriculture, transport and electricity services due to adverse weather, the Department has urged for necessary precautions.
Lalitpur Metropolitan City declare Wednesday a public holiday
The Lalitpur Metropolitan City has declared a local holiday tomorrow, Wednesday, on the occasion of the 'Coconut Dropping' day under the Rato Machhindranath Rath Jatra.
All the offices of the Metropolitan City and its subordinate offices will remain closed as the residents of the metropolis will participate in the Jatra on the day, said Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan.
The work of pulling the chariot with Rato Machhindranath seated on chariot at Pulchowk in Lalitpur began on April 21.
After the chariot is taken to Lagankhel via Gabahal, Mangalbazar, and Sundhara, the Bali Puja is performed and the coconut is dropped from the top of the chariot the next day.
The 'Coconut Dropping' tradition, which takes place in the Lagankhel area as part of the Rath Jatra, is linked to religious beliefs and cultural significance.
The Metropolitan City has stated that the holiday has been declared in respect of tradition as there will be significant participation of the city residents on this day.
Traffic Police take action against 2,746 people in last 24 hours
Traffic Police have taken action against 2,746 people in the last 24 hours.
As of this morning, during checks conducted by traffic police at various locations in the Kathmandu Valley, 79 drivers were penalized for driving under the influence of alcohol, 225 for violating ride sharing rules, 175 for running red lights, 148 for speeding, 324 for lane crossing, 149 for driving on footpaths, 55 for no-horn violations, 54 for U-turns and overloading, and 1,537 for other offences, totalling 2,746 drivers, said Traffic Police spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Naresh Raj Subedi.
"In the past twenty-four hours, 2,746 vehicle drivers were penalised for violating traffic rules in the Kathmandu Valley. A total revenue of Rs 2. 96 million has been collected from these penalties," he added.
Driving under the influence of intoxicants is illegal and punishable, and the Traffic Police have urged passengers to immediately report it to the nearest police station, the traffic control room hotline number 103, or the police hotline number 100, if they suspect that the driver has taken intoxicants or drugs.



