15 die of epidemic in Dolakha

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CHARIKOT, Sept. 14: An epidemic of a strange disease that has spread Jhyakhu village development committee of Dolakha district has claimed the lives 15 persons including two children recently.
The patients suffering from severe headache, fever and running nose have fallen victims of the disease.
An average of 15 patients have been visiting the health post for treatment daily.

After receiving reports of the epidemic, the district health office has dispatched a team of health workers along with medicines to Jhyakhu VDC, according health technician Krishna Mijare.

Mahayagya begins wishing recovery of cancer patients

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KATHMANDU, Sept. 14: Minister for Health Sharat Singh Bhandari initiated Srimadbhagwat Gyan Mahayagya in aid of Bhaktapur Cancer Care Centre on Friday wishing a recovery of cancer patients all over the world as well as world peace coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Nepal Cancer Relief Society.

At the outset, a rally comprising a military band, scouts, religious organisations, students and a large number of devotees went around the town.

Rohini Baidya, a resident of Kathmandu Municipality-10 Naya Baneshwar provided 4 ropanis of land worth Rs. 4 million for the construction of Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital and a house for people who look after cancer patients in memory of her late husband Indra Narayan Baidya, this was informed at the conclusion of the rally.

Similarly, Bina Shrestha, a resident of Lalitpur Sub-Metropolis-18 Ikhalakhu handed over a cheque for Rs. 300,000/- for the same in memory of her late son Subin Shrestha and daughter-in-law Sajani Shrestha.

Dr. Ram Chhayaman Amatya also handed over a cheque for Rs. 5,000/- on the occasion.

Koshi erodes 2,500 bighas of land in 11 years

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RAJBIRAJ, Sept. 14: Koshi River has, so far, eroded about 2,500 bighas of land in the eastern part of Saptari district over last 11 years.

Yoginiya, Hanuman Nagar, Gobargadha, Ramapura, Malhaniya and Inaruwa are the VDCs which have been excessively affected by the erosion or inundation from Koshi River.

This year, about 400 bighas of paddy field have been washed away by Koshi River, Sitaram Mahato, an aggrieved farmer of Bhardaha says.

People of the VDCs that lie in the eastern part of the district are forced to grapple with these problems every year because of Koshi River which has diverted to the west side from its barrage that was constructed 8 years ago.

According to engineer Surya Narayan Yadav, hundreds bighas of land along Koshi canal and embankment come under flood water as a result of sedimentary that have amassed on south-eastern side of the barrage.

Local people have to put up with water-induced disasters every year owing to apathetic attitude towards finding a lasting remedy to the problems on the part the government of India, ex-chairman of Hanuman Nagar VDC Durgananda Jha said.

Ex-chairman of Bhardaha VDC complained that Nepalese farmers who have fallen victim are entitled to compensations against the erosion and crops damage in accordance with a bilateral agreement with India, no farmer has yet received such compensations.

Apart from this, no repair work has been done on a road from Bhardaha to Kunauli border under the bilateral agreement.

It is said that Nepalese labourers have now turned away from construction works as they failed to get wages from the provincial government of Bihar since last 11 years. Under the agreement, preference to any construction works pertaining to Koshi barrage needs to be given to Nepali labourers.

Ex-chairman Jha is of the opinion that since privileges and facilities which were being provided by the government of India have almost stopped, fresh talks should be initiated to activate all the provisions under the agreement.

Drinking water projects completed

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DOTI, Sept. 14: Othpakhari Drinking Water Project has been completed at a cost of Rs. 88,000 in ward No. 14 of Dipayal Silgadi municipality recently.

The municipality had provided a grant assistance of Rs. 66,000 for the project while the local people had donated voluntary labour worth Rs. 22,000 for construction of the Othpakhari Drinking Water Project.

The project has benefited 60 households of Othpakhari and Balasen VDCs, according to the municipality.

Likewise, the Chisapani Drinking Water Project has been completed at Belghato village development of sindhuli district at a cost of Rs. 779,000 recently.

The project implemented with the financial assistance of Nepal Environment and Sanitation Campaign provides potable water to 320 people of 57 households in the VDC.

Khwopa Live Museum opens in Bhaktapur

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BHAKTAPUR, Sept. 14: Central chairman of Nepal Workers and Peasants' Party (NWPP) Narayan Man Bijukchhe today inaugurated Khwopa Live Museum established at Byasi Tole of Bhaktapur Municipality-10 with a view to preserving historic arts, artefacts and culture.

Materials that are used in historic dances and festivities, attires, arts and artefacts which are now on the brink of extinction, materials that link with lifestyle of Newar community, traditional agricultural implements and things that are needed from birth to death as per Newari tradition are on display at the museum.

Historic and religious dances and festivities will be screened through video records at the museum that was built at a cost of Rs. 200,000/-.

In his inaugural address, president of NWPP bijukchhe said local people should be familiarised with art and culture which symbolise the identity of their ancestors by preserving such assets.

Bhaktapur Mayor Prem Suwal said status of the local people can be raised if this ancient town is developed as a rich town for its unique culture and festivities together with advanced knowledge and technology.

Budget overlooks women's issues: experts

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KATHMANDU, Sept. 14: Participants of an interaction programme Friday said appropriate programmes have not come on women's issues in the budget appropriation for Fiscal Year 2059/ 60 B.S.

Dr. Parthibeswor Timilsina while presenting a working paper prepared jointly by himself and gender equity expert Gajab Kumari Sharma at an interaction organised by the South Asia Partnership Nepal (SAP-Nepal) made this remark.

The working paper discusses that the programmes are limited only to sewing and weaving trainings, conferences and workshops, they said.

They also called for alternative budget appropriation on women issues, property rights to women and access to health etc.

At the programme presided over by Public Service Commission (PSC) member Urmila Shrestha, they said programmes on women were unsuccessful although introduced since the sixth five year plan.
Also speaking on the occasion were Dr. Biswombhar Pyakurel of the Nepal Economics Association, Dr. Abha Darshan Shrestha of the Equity and Dr. Puspa Shrestha of CEDA.

SAP-Nepal executive director Dr. Rohit Kumar Nepali said the programme was organised to discuss programmes in the tenth five year plan.

Also speaking at the programme attended by ex-ministers, economists and others were SAP-Nepal vice chairman Dr. Ganeshman Gurung and Rita Bhadra.