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Number of birds has increased in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve this year.

The birds count recently undertaken in and around the Reserve has revealed the rise in the number of birds this year.

According to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Office, a total of 9,250 birds of 76 species have been found in the count conducted under the Midwinter Water Word Census 2025.

Last year, 5,527 birds of 53 species were found.

During the census, the highest number of 1,068 birds of the Chakhewa species and the lowest number of white eagles, panichaha, chitrangada and tiktike were found this year, said Senior Conservation Officer at the Reserve, Ramdev Chaudhary.

Chief of the National Trust for Conservation of Nature Koshi Conservation Center, Birendra Gautam said that the number of birds visiting the wetlands will increase with arrangement of safe habitats, adequate food, conservation of wetlands and reducing human movement.

He said that the trend of tourist birds coming from other places to the wetlands continues from mid-September to mid-December.

The birds normally return after mid-April.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve located in Sunsari, Saptari and Udayapur has become the prime habitat of birds. 

US Congressman Suhas Subramaniam has officially recognized Annapurna Media Network-USA (AMN-USA) with a formal acknowledgment letter.   The letter highlights Annapurna Media Network’s significant impact, stating: “Annapurna Media Network is a prominent and influential media organization in Nepal. The network has not only become renowned and respected within Nepal but also globally recognized for its commitment to delivering authentic news, cultural representation, and entertainment.”

Calling it a great honor, the recognition further praises the network’s contributions: “I commend Annapurna Media Network and AMN-USA for their efforts and dedication to excellence in media. Their work uplifts the Nepali diaspora and enriches the cultural fabric of our global community. Thank you for joining me in recognizing this extraordinary achievement and supporting the ongoing mission of AMN-USA.”

Issuing the statement, Subramaniam added that the network has not only become renowned and respected within Nepal but also globally recognized to a broader audience with its demonstration of commitment which also reflects the deep cultural relationship between Nepal and the US.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has installed 'on-demand pedestrian crossings' (Pelican system) at 36 locations to prioritize pedestrian safety.

This system was first implemented in Babarmahal and has since been expanded to other locations in the current fiscal year.

According to Jagatman Shrestha, traffic management advisor at the KMC Office, although the system has been set up at 36 locations, it is currently operational at 13.

Technical work is going on to make the system functional at the remaining sites.

Areas such as Thamel, Maharajgunj, Naxal, Baluwatar, Gaushala, Exhibition Road, Bagbazar, and Tahachal are among those featuring this system.

For the current fiscal year, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has allocated a budget of Rs 20 million for the implementation of this project.

The Pelican system works by displaying a green signal for pedestrians at the zebra crossing when they activate the button.

The green light lasts for 30 seconds, while the vehicles are shown a red signal.

After 30 seconds, the system can be activated again after a two-minute waiting period.

This system primarily targets pedestrian safety in areas near schools and hospitals, it is said. 

The World Health Organization South-East Asia Region has thanked Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population for contributing Rs 1.54m, approximately $11,000, to the South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF), a unique funding mechanism to support member countries in the region to prepare for and respond to health emergencies.

“WHO thanks Nepal for its contribution to SEARHEF. Nepal has championed the regional health emergency fund at various forums. The country has been demonstrating great leadership in building capabilities and responding to emergencies, with many lessons for the region and the world to emulate,” said Saima Wazed, WHO regional director for South-East Asia, in a letter addressed to Health Minister Pradip Paudel.

Nepal’s contribution is a testament to its support, ownership and commitment to SEARHEF, which is transparently managed by WHO for member countries of the region.

Established in 2007 as part of lessons learnt after the Indian Ocean tsunami that hit multiple countries in the region, SEARHEF was set up with the aim to fund immediate health sector response during health emergencies, which is critical to save lives.

Till date, the SEARHEF has supported 49 emergencies across 10 countries with disbursements over $8m.

The scope of SEARHEF was expanded in 2016 to include emergency preparedness, with three countries using this funding mechanism to strengthen their health emergency operations centres and rapid response teams.

Prone to natural disasters, Nepal has utilized SEARHEF for responding to Koshi floods in 2008 and the earthquakes in 2015 and 2023. The funds were used for coordinating health response to provide life-saving services and minimize disabilities through deployment of medical teams; prevent and respond to impending outbreaks; and support continuity of essential health services through establishment of temporary healthcare facilities.

Recognizing the critical role played by SEARHEF in public health response in the region, at the annual governing body meeting of WHO South-East Asia Region in October 2024, the member countries agreed to increase the corpus of the fund from $1m to $3m.

Nepal is the fourth country, after Thailand, India and Timor-Leste, to contribute to the enhanced corpus of SEARHEF. The WHO regional director said the health organization stands committed to supporting member countries to build resilient health systems that are well prepared for responding to public health emergencies of any magnitude.