Nepal Roundup: Nature threats, Hyundai car assembly plant, Mount Everest permits

Economic advisor quits

Nepal's presidential economic advisor, Chiranjivi Nepal, has resigned following his contentious remarks regarding the government's decision to introduce new hundred-rupee notes featuring a map incorporating three Indian territories—a move that has already been rebuffed by India. According to India Today, the President accepted Nepal's resignation on Sunday, as confirmed by a press release from the Office of the President. “I made the remarks as an economist and a former governor of the central bank but some news media have twisted it in an attempt to unnecessarily drag the respectful institution of the president into controversy, which made me feel sad,” Chiranjivi Nepal PTI on Monday.

Hyundai opens first car assembly plant in Nepal

Hyundai has opened its first car assembly plant in Nepal in partnership with Laxmi Group. The plant has an annual capacity of 5000 units and has rolled out the first Made-In-Nepal vehicle, the Hyundai Venue. The company hopes the plant will promote localisation and employment generation in Nepal, reports Car and Bike. Regarding the initiation of vehicle assembly in Nepal, Unsoo Kim, Managing Director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India Limited remarked: “We are immensely grateful to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Pushpa Kamal Dahal and the Government of Nepal for their unwavering support. We look forward to more encouraging policies and incentives from the Nepal Government aimed at developing a conducive environment for local assembly.”

Number of climbing permits for Mount Everest reduced

The Supreme Court of Nepal has directed the government to restrict the issuance of mountaineering permits for Everest and other peaks, addressing public apprehensions regarding environmental impact and overcrowding. As per France24, the ruling also confines helicopter usage solely to emergency rescues. The complete ramifications of these restrictions remain uncertain. Nepal has granted permits to 945 climbers for its mountains this year, including 403 for Everest.

Resigned health minister replaced

Nepal's Prime Minister appointed Pradip Yadav as the new Health Minister after the former minister quit and withdrew support. The President administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new Health Minister and State Minister for Health and Population. According to Ani News, the appointment comes after a split in the Janata Samajbadi Party led to the formation of a new party.

Nature threats

Conservationists in Nepal are concerned about new regulations allowing hydropower and hotel projects in protected nature reserves, stating that it could harm the habitats of endangered animals. Malay Mail explains that the government's decision to allow infrastructure projects in national parks and conservation areas has raised criticism from wildlife conservationists and experts. They believe it could hurt the thriving population of tigers and one-horned rhinos in the country. Despite the government's plan to balance environmental protection and development, some experts believe that the decision prioritizes development over environmental concerns.