1. Expanding Madhesh–Terai Expressway: PM Oli Steps In to Resolve Khokana Dispute
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has begun direct talks with local leaders to resolve the long-standing dispute over the starting point of the Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Expressway. The controversy centers around the proposed starting location at Phudol in Khokana, Lalitpur, an area deeply rooted in Newar cultural heritage.
During a recent meeting, representatives from Khokana and nearby Bungmati voiced strong opposition to the plan. They fear the expressway will damage their ancient settlements and displace families without proper consultation. In response, the locals have proposed Dukuchhap in Godawari Municipality‑8 as an alternative location for the project’s starting point—arguing it would protect both cultural landmarks and residents' rights.
Prime Minister Oli assured the community that the government is committed to moving the expressway forward without harming local people. He also promised to conduct a site visit before making any final decisions.
The Indigenous Nationalities Commission has backed the community’s demands. In a formal report, it recommended relocating the starting point to avoid cultural harm and called on the government to ensure proper consent from indigenous groups before moving ahead.
Meanwhile, the expressway project—seen as vital to connecting Kathmandu to southern Nepal—has made around 38% physical progress. But land acquisition issues, especially in Khokana, remain a major roadblock. If unresolved, they could once again delay the project, which is now expected to be completed by April 2027.
The coming weeks will be key. A decision on the starting point could not only ease tensions with locals but also unlock faster progress on one of Nepal’s most important infrastructure projects.
2.Water Crisis in Birgunj: Monsoon Rains, But Taps Still Dry
Even as monsoon rains pour down across Nepal, residents of Birgunj are facing an alarming shortage of drinking water. The situation has become so dire that it’s been flagged by The Rising Nepal, drawing national concern over how a city can be so water-starved during the rainy season.
Despite the downpour, taps remain dry in many parts of the city. People are lining up for water tankers, collecting rainwater in buckets, or depending on unreliable hand pumps—many of which draw from contaminated sources. For thousands of households, just getting enough clean water to cook or bathe has become a daily challenge.
“It’s raining outside, but there’s no water at home. We wait hours for the tanker, and sometimes it doesn’t come at all,” says Sita Devi, a mother of three in Ward-7.
Officials say Birgunj needs over 16 million liters of water every day, but barely half that is being supplied. Years of poor maintenance, growing demand, and failing infrastructure have left the water system stretched to its limit. Old pipelines leak, pumps often go down due to power cuts, and many areas have no access to treated water at all.
The Nepal Water Supply Corporation and the Birgunj Metropolitan City have acknowledged the problem. Some stopgap measures—like bringing in more tankers and drilling deeper tube wells—are in progress, but for residents, it’s too little, too late.
Doctors are now warning of a growing public health risk. With no clean water and poor sanitation, cases of diarrhea, skin infections, and water-borne illnesses are already rising—especially among children.
Many believe the crisis is not just about natural scarcity, but years of mismanagement and neglect. Locals are now demanding urgent upgrades to the water supply system and better planning to ensure this doesn’t happen again—even in dry seasons, let alone the monsoon.
Birgunj’s struggle is a stark reminder: water security in Nepal's growing cities needs to be taken far more seriously—because rainfall alone isn’t enough.
3.Dhorpatan Sees Tourism Boost: Over 23,000 Visitors in a Year
Perched between the districts of Baglung, Rukum, and Myagdi, Dhorpatan is quietly turning into a sought-after destination for eco-tourism. In the past year alone, more than 23,000 tourists made their way to this remote hill region—an impressive figure that signals growing interest in Nepal’s lesser-known natural escapes.
Dhorpatan, known for its alpine meadows, peaceful villages, and dramatic mountain backdrops, has long been off the beaten path. But now, things are changing. Once mainly known for its hunting reserve—the only one of its kind in Nepal—the area is gradually redefining itself as a hub for sustainable travel, trekking, and cultural exploration.
“We’re seeing more Nepali and foreign visitors who come not to hunt, but to hike, explore, and experience local life,” says a local tourism officer. “It’s a big shift.”
Most of the visitors were domestic travelers, a trend that’s been rising especially after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed people to explore within the country. But international tourists, particularly adventure trekkers and nature lovers, are starting to return as well.
Locals say the tourism growth is bringing opportunities. Homestays are expanding, young people are taking up jobs as guides, and small businesses—from tea shops to lodges—are beginning to thrive. At the same time, challenges remain, especially around road access, internet availability, and sustainable infrastructure.
“We still lack good roads and reliable electricity,” says a Dhorpatan homestay owner. “But we’re hopeful that with more visitors, the government will invest more here.”
Looking ahead, local authorities and communities are focusing on eco-friendly tourism—not just to bring in visitors, but to protect what makes Dhorpatan so special in the first place: its untouched nature, its wildlife, and its traditional way of life.
For travelers looking to go beyond the usual Annapurna or Everest routes, Dhorpatan offers a peaceful, authentic alternative—a place where tourism is just beginning to bloom, and where every visit can make a real difference.
