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The annual traditional festival of Ghode Jatra, which is also known as Horse Racing Day, is being celebrated in the country's cultural hub of Kathmandu Valley on Wednesday.

The festival is being celebrated annually as per mythology which relates the genesis of the festival after the death of a demon named Tundi.

Public belief has it that the demon who lived on a meadow, which is now at Tundikhel, used to unleash terror among the Kathmandu denizens, particularly children. After his death people rejoiced by dancing on his body by riding horses. There is also a belief that the parade of horses at Tundikhel keeps the demon’s spirit away.

The faster the horses run, the better Tundi’s spirit is dispelled. As per another legend, the Ghode Jatra is held to mark the start of New Year. The festival is celebrated on the day of Krishna Aunsi, as per the lunar calendar, which is a day before the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada and this day is taken as the start of the New Year.

The horse parade, known religiously known as Aswa Yatra, is organized to welcome the New Year. The day before Ghode Jatra is also known as Pichas Chaturdarshi, as per lunar calendar. On the day, the Nepali Army cavalry team performs different artistic stunts riding on their horses. The Jatra is also being marked in Lalitpur today.

The government has declared public holiday to celebrate the festival. 

The air quality index (AQI) measured the Kathmandu Valley pollution as the second worst in the world on Wednesday. 

The weather has been deteriorating in the valley and many parts of the country for some days. 

Director General at the Department of Environment, Gyan Raj Subedi, has argued that lack of rainfall and strong wind caused the deposit of polluted air in the bowl-shaped valley. He urged all not to go out of residence except essential work and use mask while going out of residence.

"For some days, most of the places including the Kathmandu Valley witnessed gloomy weather. Even the rains are not in sight, nor the sunny weather. With strong wind in short supply, the polluted air is choking the valley," he said, adding, "Once the weather improves, the air pollution subsides." 

Meteorologist at Meteorological Forecasting Division, Sanjiv Adhikari, however, informed that the weather would improve gradually with gradual disappearance of haze.

The AQI measured Kathmandu Valley's air quality at 174, placing it as the second worst polluted city in the world till 4 pm today.

Environmental campaigner Bhushan Tuladhar said preparedness is imperative for air pollution. Massive public awareness against air pollution is needed together. 

The AQI notches from 150 to 200 are categorized 'hazardous to every ones' health', while the reading from 201 to 300 signals 'very unhealthy' and above it 'very harmful'. The measurement from 0 to 50 indicates the air quality as 'good'.

With the peaceful conduction of elections to the House of Representatives (HoR), the vote counting in all 10 constituencies of Kathmandu is beginning after a while.

Chief Returning Officer in Kathmandu Churaman Khadka said that all ballot boxes would be collected at the respective Election Officers' offices in each constituency within the next two hours. Vote counting is expected to begin after it.

Preliminary estimates indicate that the voter turnout in Kathmandu district ranged between 60 to 65 percent. 

Voting, which started at 7 am and ended at 5 pm, was conducted peacefully across all constituencies, with an estimated voter turnout around 60 to 65 per cent, informed Chief Election Officer Khadka.

He, however, added that it would take some more time to ascertain the exact figures of the total votes cast. 

India has been closely engaging with the Sushila Karki-led interim government since its formation. New Delhi was the first to welcome her leadership. On Sept 18, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Karki, expressing India’s readiness to “work closely to further strengthen the special ties between the two countries” and reaffirming India’s support for Nepal’s efforts to restore peace and stability.

Although the Karki government is interim and time-bound, New Delhi is working with it as a full partner: signing key agreements, convening bilateral mechanisms, and facilitating high-level exchanges. Ministers have been traveling to New Delhi, and diplomatic activity in Kathmandu has intensified. 

This week, Munu Mahawar, additional Secretary at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, visited Kathmandu, the first high-level foreign official to do so after the Sept 8–9 GenZ protests.  He met Prime Minister Karki and all cabinet ministers, pledging India’s logistical support for the March 5 elections. Notably, Mahawar did not meet leaders of the major political parties, even though the Indian Embassy continues to quietly engage with the broader political spectrum. 

Many members of the international community in Kathmandu remain hesitant to meet political leaders publicly. According to leaders, New Delhi has been encouraging them to view the March 5 elections as the only credible path to ending the current political deadlock. 

The Karki government has also signaled goodwill toward India by not recalling Nepal’s Ambassador to New Delhi, Shankar Sharma, despite recalling ambassadors to 11 other countries, including China, the US, and the UK. 

Oli’s exit from power may also have been welcomed in strategic circles in New Delhi, where he had long been perceived as leaning toward Beijing. As Kathmandu’s engagement with Beijing has slowed and the US has taken a low-key approach to Nepal’s internal political developments, Nepal–India ties have grown significantly stronger.

Police have arrested four individuals for their alleged involvement in the robbery of gold, cash, and other valuables from a woman in Nepaltar, Tarakeshwor Municipality, Kathmandu.

The woman, a banker by profession, was reportedly robbed of her jewelry, cash, and valuable documents.

The suspects, who were made public today, have been identified as Ishwor Budhathoki (27) of Syangja; Bishal Rai (20), Sajan Tamang (18) and Samir Tamang (19) all from Nuwakot and currently residing in Tarakeshwor.

According to Superintendent of Police and spokesperson for the District Police Range Kathmandu, Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, the incident took place on the evening of November 24 while the woman was returning home.

The suspects, who arrived on motorcycles, allegedly stole earrings weighing 12.630 grams, ear tops weighing 0.98 grams, Rs 2,500 in cash, and other belongings.

Police have sought a five-day remand from the District Court Kathmandu for further investigation against the accused.

As air pollution continues to choke the Kathmandu Valley, concerns over another major environmental crisis—plastic waste are mounting. Despite a series of ambitious government pledges to eliminate single-use plastics, implementation remains ineffective, and the problem is only getting worse.

Nepal first announced a ban on plastic bags in 2015, aiming to reduce non-biodegradable waste and protect major rivers. According to the government’s official gazette published on 1 April 2015, the production, import, sale, and use of plastic bags smaller than 20 inches wide, 35 inches long, and thinner than 40 microns were prohibited within the valley. The decision came into force on 14 April 2015, with plans to extend it nationwide. For a brief moment, the effort seemed successful—many citizens began carrying reusable bags, and plastic use in city markets visibly declined.

However, the devastating earthquake in 2015 and the subsequent Indian blockade derailed the momentum. The government’s focus shifted toward disaster relief and survival logistics, and plastic bags once again flooded the market. Relief efforts relied heavily on plastic packaging, further entrenching its use. In the years that followed, plastic bags made a full comeback, undermining years of environmental advocacy.

Since then, the government has made the same promise multiple times. In its annual budget speech for the fiscal year 2021/22, then Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel declared a complete ban on plastic bags thinner than 40 microns. This was the third such announcement by the federal government. “I have made arrangements to use cotton, jute or paper bags instead of plastic bags in all business houses including shopping malls and department stores,” Paudel stated, adding that companies replacing old plastic manufacturing machines would receive grants.

Yet, like previous declarations, the enforcement never materialized. Industrialists remained largely silent, with some expressing doubts about the feasibility of such a ban. Even the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) had pledged to make the city plastic-free within a year in its 2019/20 policy plan. That commitment, too, was abandoned without a single round of market monitoring.

Implementation efforts have been repeatedly hindered by external and internal factors. Apart from the 2015 disasters, protests by plastic industrialists and legal challenges have struck enforcement. In 2018, a writ petition filed at the Supreme Court by Explore Nepal Pvt. Ltd. temporarily halted the new ban. The court issued an interim order preventing the government from implementing its decision, leaving plastic production and use unchecked once again.

The Department of Environment’s monitoring drives have also been inconsistent. Local governments and district offices have often turned a blind eye to ongoing violations, making the ban little more than a paper directive. In 2023, the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration once again announced a ban on plastic bags below 40 microns. The ministry’s secretary, Krishna Hari Pushkar, urged citizens to stop using thin plastic bags and called on all levels of government to enforce the rule.

According to a 2020 World Bank report, Nepal generates an estimated 4,900 tons of solid waste each day, with plastic waste accounting for about 13 percent of the total. According to the Waste Management Baseline Survey 2022, plastic accounted for 12 percent of household waste, 21 percent of institutional waste, and 22 percent of waste generated by commercial establishments. Yet, no tangible progress followed the 2023 announcement either. 

According to a 2024 World Bank report, Nepal generates around 60,000 tons of plastic waste annually, with a significant portion—nearly one-third—ending up in rivers that eventually flow into India and Ocean. Globally, about 8bn tons of plastic have accumulated in oceans, making the water increasingly acidic and threatening aquatic life. This pollution also affects the planet’s oxygen cycle, as oceans produce nearly 50 percent of the Earth’s oxygen, which is now under threat.

Environmental expert Ujjwal Upadhaya explains that globally, around 360m tons of plastic are produced each year, of which about 1m metric tons end up producing daily. When a plastic is formed, 6.1kg carbon emission is produced. 

Upadhaya further noted that studies in Brazil found microplastic particles in the brains of 33 deceased individuals, highlighting serious global health concerns. Similar research has yet to be conducted in Nepal. He added that the average person in Nepal carries an estimated 15 grams of microplastics in their body.

Moreover, the open burning of plastics releases dioxin gas, one of the most toxic pollutants, which remains concentrated at low altitudes, directly harming both humans and animals.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) also announced a ban on the open burning of waste and plastic materials to curb worsening air pollution during the winter months. According to the KMC Environment Department, the decision aims to reduce environmental and health risks linked to smoke and toxic emissions from burning plastics. Department Chief Sarita Rai emphasized that offenders will face a fine of Rs 10,000 per violation, noting that air pollution in the Valley spikes each winter due to widespread open burning. The ban prioritizes protecting vulnerable populations—especially children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions. To ensure effective enforcement, KMC has launched awareness and monitoring campaigns under the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Environment and Natural Resources Conservation Act, 2020, and the Fiscal Act, 2025.

Plastics pose significant threats not only to the environment but also to public health. There are seven main types of plastic, each with distinct uses, recyclability, and health impacts. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is commonly used in water and mineral bottles and can be recycled; however, once recycled, it should not be reused for drinking purposes as it may release harmful chemicals. Recent tests even found 75–85 units of microplastic particles in some water jars, raising serious health concerns. 

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), found in shampoo and detergent bottles, is recyclable and safer for reuse in non-food products. LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), used in plastic wraps and carry bags, is also recyclable but often poorly managed in Nepal. PP (Polypropylene), used for grain sacks (bora), bottle caps, and food containers, can be recycled if proper facilities are available. 

However, MLP (Multi-Layered Plastic)—commonly seen in chips and instant noodle packets—is known as “ugly plastic” because it is non-recyclable and harmful to both human health and the environment. Chemicals from such packaging can leach into food, posing risks especially to children, and Nepal currently lacks a system to monitor food packaging quality. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), used in pipes and wires, is difficult to recycle and releases toxic gases when burned. Finally, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), found in toys and electronic products, is one of the most hazardous plastics, as it is non-biodegradable and can release toxic substances that endanger both humans and animals.

Upadhaya said, “Burning of these plastics releases microplastics into the air, which we inhale. Some particles can enter the olfactory bulb—the part of the brain responsible for smell—potentially increasing the risk of brain strokes. Microplastics also travel down to the lungs, affecting vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart.” He also said that when the body tries to cope with such damage, it can trigger the development of cancer, which ultimately harms our health.

According to a report by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, plastic does not biodegrade but breaks down into microplastics—particles less than 5 millimeters in size. These have been found everywhere, from the depths of the oceans to Antarctic snow, and even inside human lungs and bloodstreams.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has confirmed microplastic traces in human organs such as the liver, kidneys, and placenta, raising alarm over potential health consequences. Similarly, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that carcinogenic chemicals from plastics can leach into tap water, posing severe risks to human and ecological health.

Upadhaya said, “At present, Nepal mainly consumes salt imported from the ocean, which contains around five grams of microplastics per kilogram. People who regularly eat seafood tend to have even higher amounts of microplastics in their bodies.” He also noted that plastic pollution contributes to urban flooding by blocking drainage systems. According to him, “We cannot live without plastic, as it has become part of every aspect of our lives. However, the key is to reduce the use of the most harmful types, such as ABS plastic, and ensure that any plastic produced is properly recycled and responsibly disposed of.”

Recycling has often been promoted as a solution, but the challenges are alarming. Contamination from food residue, high processing costs, and limited infrastructure make large-scale recycling inefficient in Nepal. It reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources like petroleum, prevents environmental contamination, and decreases marine pollution. Recycling also mitigates microplastic formation and promotes public health by reducing exposure to toxic substances.

Experts argue that government policy alone cannot solve the plastic crisis. Consumers must adopt more sustainable habits—using reusable shopping bags, avoiding over-packaged goods, and participating in recycling programs. Supporting eco-friendly businesses and community-led recycling initiatives can also foster long-term change. Sangita Tamang, a grocery shopkeeper said she is compelled to use plastic bags despite knowing their environmental impact. “Clothes bags are expensive, and customers don’t want to pay extra for them,” she explained. “People are willing to pay for reusable bags in big malls, but when small shopkeepers like us charge for them, they accuse us of trying to make more money. So, we are forced to keep using plastic bags,” she added with a note of frustration.

The number of animals consuming plastic waste is also on the rise, as many ingest it unknowingly and die as a result. Upadhaya cited an example from the National park, where wild animals died after choking on plastic. He explained that plastic pollution not only harms land animals but also affects aquatic life, leading to a decline in fish populations. This, in turn, impacts the livelihoods of people who depend on fishing. Species such as the gharial and dolphin are also declining as their food sources diminish due to increasing plastic contamination in rivers and water bodies.

Globally, plastic production has skyrocketed—from 1.5m metric tons in 1950 to 359m metric tons in 2018—with between 4.8 and 12.7m tons ending up in oceans annually, according to PlasticsEurope.

Several organizations in Nepal including Doko Recyclers, Khalisisi, Upcycle Nepal, and Eco Sathi Nepal are actively promoting recycling and sustainability. Through their initiatives, they aim to reduce waste and encourage environmentally responsible habits. However, their efforts alone are not enough. True change requires collective action—every citizen must understand the importance of sustainability, adopt eco-friendly practices, and help raise awareness to protect the environment for future generations.

By minimizing plastic use and promoting recycling, communities can move toward a cleaner and healthier environment. Moreover, a cleaner environment free from plastic waste greatly enhances overall quality of life. Upadhaya said that by minimizing the production of toxic plastics, we can slowly reduce the risk of the plastic. Recycling also plays a vital role in reducing environmental contaminants and fostering sustainable, healthy communities where people can live and thrive in harmony with nature. Nepal’s repeated failures to enforce its plastic bans reveal deep systemic weaknesses—from political will and industrial pressure to inadequate alternatives and public awareness. Strict enforcement, providing viable alternatives, and mobilizing citizens toward behavioral change. Without such collective effort, Kathmandu’s rivers, air, and soil may continue to bear the brunt of plastic pollution for generations to come.

Traveling from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi on a clear day feels like passing through a magnificent gallery of mountains.

While looking north from around Kathmandu Valley, it seems that the peaks of Ganesh Himal and the Langtang Himalayan Range are bidding farewell to us.

The mountains look so close and clear like a huge painting of white snow has been hung in front of us.

We can see an exotic view of central Nepal while moving ahead towards the west. The view of Mt Manaslu, towering over 8, 000 meters, flanked by Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli, is truly priceless.

Apart from that, the peaks of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, II, and III, refresh our mind.

In clear weather, when the sun shines, these peaks shine like silver, and their beauty touches the heart.

On top of that, the beauty of Dhaulagiri and its white glittering appearance make the journey even more exciting.

The sight of the mountains brings a wave of serenity and joy to the mind long before arriving in Dhangadhi.

Two roads connecting Hetauda and Kathmandu have reopened this morning.

The Hetauda-Kulekhani-Phakhel-Pharping road and the Hetauda-Palung-Naubise road had been disrupted earlier by the landslides, according to District Police Office, Makawanpur's police inspector Thakur Sapkota.

He said that another route connecting Heatuda and Kathmandu: Bhimphedi-Kulekhani-Sisneri road and the Kanti Highway that connects Hetauda and Lalitpur Metropolis are yet to be restored for the traffic operation.

The Dodhare river had swept away the parts of the Bhimphedi-Kulekhani-Sisneri road.

Efforts are underway to reopen the roadway. 

Similarly, the landslide has blocked the Kanti Highway.

Efforts are underway to clear the debris and repair the damaged segments, police said.  

High mast lights have been installed at various locations, including the New Bus Park area, under the ‘Bright City’ initiative launched by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC).

According to information shared by Mayor Balen Shah on social media, the city government has begun installing a total of 62 high mast lights. So far, 12 have already been installed.

The remaining lights are expected to be installed before the Dashain festival.

The project is estimated to cost Rs 100 million, fully funded through KMC’s internal sources. 

Public transport services in the Kathmandu Valley, which had remained halted since Tuesday due to Gen Z demonstrations, resumed on Saturday.     

Superintendent of Police Deepak Giri, Spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, confirmed the resumption of services this morning.     

Only a few public vehicles were seen on the roads on Friday. However, there has been a noticeable increase in both vehicle movement and passenger activity today. Public buses have already left for Kathmandu from Chitwan, and more vehicles are expected to depart the Valley for other districts later this evening, he added.     

Following the violent turn of the Gen Z demonstrations, a curfew was ordered by the Nepal Army on Tuesday, along with subsequent extension and prohibitory orders. The curfew was officially lifted this morning. (RSS)

Authorities have clamped curfews in different areas of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts on Tuesday.

The Kathmandu District Administration has imposed an indefinite curfew.

The curfew, which was previously imposed in various parts of Kathmandu until 5 am on Tuesday, has been extended from 8:30 am on Tuesday until further notice.

Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabilal Rijal has issued a curfew order prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving the designated restricted areas within Kathmandu Metropolitan City and from holding any kind of gathering, procession, demonstration, assembly and meeting.

The Kathmandu District Administration has imposed a curfew in the entire area inside ring road from Balkumari Bridge to Koteshwor Chowk, Sinamangal, Gaushala, Chabahil, Narayan Gopal Chowk, Gongabu, Balaju, Swayambhu, Kalanki, Balkhu and Bagmati River Bridge.

Similarly, the Lalitpur District Administration Office has clamped a curfew in some areas of Lalitpur Metropolitan City.

Chief District Officer Suman Ghimire has issued a curfew order from 7 am to 12 midnight today in accordance with Section 6 (a) of the Local Administration Act, 2028.

The District Administration Office has imposed a curfew in various places of wards 2, 4, 9, 18 and 25, including Bhaisepati, Sanepa and Chyasal.

Likewise, the Bhaktapur District Administration Office has imposed an indefinite curfew in Bhaktapur.

Chief District Officer of Bhaktapur Nawaraj Ghimire has issued a curfew order prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving the designated restricted areas within four municipalities of Bhaktapur and prohibiting any kind of gathering, procession, demonstration, assembly and meeting.

The administration has designated various places in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality, Bhaktapur Municipality, Suryabinayak Municipality, and Changunarayan Municipality as restricted areas.

Vehicular movement along the Kathmandu-Manthali road section has been obstructed after the road collapsed at Halede in Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality-7, Ramechhap on Wednesday.

Local Sanjiv Chauhan informed that the passengers heading to Charikot, Dolakha from Kathmandu have been stranded midway.

Meanwhile, Chief District Officer Shyam Krishna Thapa said that efforts were on to reopen the roadway after repairing the collapsed section.

A woman died in a fire that broke out at a house in Makhantole, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-24 on Wednesday.

Police said that the fire erupted due to cooking gas leakage.

Kathmandu District Police Range spokesperson Apil Raj Bohara said that the blaze broke out at a four-storey house belonging to Dayaram Shrestha.

The identity of the deceased person has not been ascertained yet.

Bohara said that efforts are underway to put off the fire.

The fire also spread to the neighboring house, according to police.

The temperature in the Kathmandu Valley is expected to fall from Sunday.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology stated that the temperature is likely to drop from Sunday after rainfall.

The Department said that the days in the Kathmandu Valley will be hot on Saturday as well. 

The maximum temperature in the valley is likely to remain from 31 degree Celsius to 34 degrees Celsius, according to the Department.

Likewise, the weather will remain fair in the country today except partly to generally cloudy in the hilly areas of Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces.

Chances of light rainfall along with thunder and lightning are there in one or two places of hilly areas of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali Provinces.  

Recent rainfall may have brought brief respite from the choking smog that blanketed Kathmandu and other urban areas, but the problem is far from over. The haze has settled—for now. But the plastic waste and air pollutants that fueled it haven’t gone anywhere. If anything, the clean skies may lull the public into forgetting a crisis that is both ongoing and worsening.

Plastic pollution has become a silent emergency in Nepal. According to a 2022 report by the Ministry of Forests and Environment and ICIMOD, Nepal generates over 60,000 metric tons of plastic waste annually. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of it ends up in rivers. This staggering volume exposes a stark reality: Nepal’s waste management systems are overwhelmed. Landfills are overflowing, open dumping is rampant, and in many municipalities, the default response is to burn plastic waste—releasing toxic fumes and microplastics into the air. The result is not only deteriorating air quality but also a serious public health threat.

This isn’t just about pollution—it’s about the systems’ failure. Government policies exist, such as the ban on plastic bags thinner than 40 microns, but enforcement remains weak. Most municipalities lack basic infrastructure like waste segregation units or recycling centers. There’s a wide gap between the demand for structured recycling solutions and the supply of services to meet it.

Experts say Nepal must urgently adopt a proven, practical solution: plastic recycling.

Recycling isn’t a novel idea. It’s a globally recognized, cost-effective method for reducing waste, cutting emissions, and recovering valuable materials. Countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas have shown that recycling can transform plastic from a threat into a resource—turning waste into opportunity.

In Nepal, however, recycling remains underutilized. Informal waste pickers form the backbone of the system, yet they work without safety gear, proper training, or fair compensation. Even so, much of the plastic they collect is eventually burned or dumped due to the absence of structured recycling systems and markets. Only around 15 percent of Nepal’s plastic waste is recycled, according to a 2023 UNEP assessment.

To bridge this gap, Nepal needs to invest in a formal, inclusive recycling infrastructure. This includes supporting municipalities with proper waste segregation systems, funding recycling facilities, and integrating informal waste workers into official supply chains—offering them fair wages, dignity, and protection. 

There are already small glimmers of progress. In some areas, plastic waste is being turned into eco-bricks or construction blocks. Others are piloting neighborhood-based recycling hubs. These initiatives demonstrate that localized, creative solutions can work—but they remain small-scale and isolated without broader government backing.

Another critical issue is the low level of awareness among policymakers. Despite the growing threat of plastic pollution, the topic rarely ranks high on political agendas. Experts believe a national-level behavioral shift is necessary—not just among citizens but also within local governments and decision-makers.

Public participation is equally vital. Recycling begins at the household level, with simple acts like separating plastic from organic waste. Civic education, school outreach programs, and mass campaigns are essential to build a culture where recycling becomes a norm, not a novelty.

On the regulatory front, Nepal can draw inspiration from global best practices. For example, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws—where producers are held accountable for managing plastic at the end of its life cycle—have driven recycling rates up in countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Such policies can provide funding for infrastructure, promote innovation, and shift the cost burden away from municipalities and informal workers.

Experts emphasize that while banning plastic outright might not be feasible in the short term, better management absolutely is. Recycling isn’t just an environmental solution—it’s a long-term strategy for resilience. It reduces pollution, conserves resources, and creates green jobs in the process.

But time is running out. The rain may have temporarily cleared the air, but unless Nepal changes how it handles plastic, we’ll be right back under the same toxic haze or perhaps even worse. We must stop treating pollution as a seasonal inconvenience and start addressing it as a structural failure that demands systemic, sustained action.

With the arrival of the summer-autumn flight season in 2025, China Southern Airlines will optimize its flight layout starting from April 10, further enhancing the capacity of the China-Nepal route and promoting economic, cultural, and tourism cooperation between the two countries to new heights.

According to the latest flight schedule, China Southern will resume its night flight from Kathmandu to Guangzhou from April to October. The planned departure time from Kathmandu is 23:30, with one flight per day, Southern Airlines reported.

At the same time, the daytime flight schedule will be adjusted, with the overall departure time pushed back by 50 minutes, resulting in the planned departure time from Kathmandu being adjusted to 12:50. This optimization will enhance flight connections and allow passengers to arrange their schedules more comfortably. It is worth noting that the operating frequency of China Southern's daytime flights has also been adjusted at different times as per Southern Airlines.

From April 10 to May, daytime flights will operate four times a week (on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday). From June to August, daytime flights will be reduced to two times a week (on Sunday and Thursday). From September to October, daytime flights will resume daily. The number of seats planned by China Southern Airlines for this season has significantly increased. Approximately 45,000 seats will be offered from Kathmandu to Guangzhou, and over 46,000 seats from Guangzhou to Kathmandu. Compared to the same period last year, this represents an increase of more than 6,000 seats, a growth of 16.5% on the Kathmandu-to-Guangzhou route, and over 13,000 seats, a growth of 39.9% on the Guangzhou-to-Kathmandu route. This adjustment not only provides passengers with more travel options but also further facilitates economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between China and Nepal, according to Southern Airlines.

This increase in transport capacity coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal and the "China-Nepal Tourism Year."