Nepal roundup: Snowfall, 2027 election, animal safety, border

Severe Snowfall blankets Nepal's mountain districts, posing challenges for earthquake survivors

In the high hills of western Nepal, including Far West, Karnali, and Lumbini province, there has been a combination of snowfall and rainfall since Sunday night. Meteorologist Saroj Pudasaini, speaking to local media outlet Online Khabar, described the precipitation as "light snowfall and light rain influenced by the western wind." Pudasaini mentioned that the impact is expected to diminish by this evening. Currently, Jumla district registers a minimum temperature of 3.9 degrees Celsius. Despite rain in Jajarkot, an earthquake-affected area in western Nepal, survivors are facing increased challenges due to the cold weather. The district experienced a 5.7 magnitude earthquake on November 3, 2023, resulting in 154 fatalities and at least 375 injuries.

All photos by: National News Agency-Nepal

Nepal's opposition launches grand campaign kickoff in preparation for 2027 Elections

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, leader of Nepal's UML party, has launched the "Jhulaghat-Chiwa Bhanjyang March for Prosperity," a 19-day campaign covering 1,771 kilometers in Baitadi district. The initiative, part of "Mission 27" for the 2027 general elections, aims to engage with communities along the Mid-Hill Highway, addressing local concerns. Oli, emphasizing the march's role in policymaking, connects with the grassroots in the 26 districts connected by the highway. The UML government initiated the highway, coinciding with the diamond jubilee of the Nepal Communist Party. Oli's previous grassroots campaign in April had limited impact, leading to poor election performance.

Photo by: UML Party

Rising park safety concerns: Smugglers kill two rhinos, prompting serious questions about conservation efforts

A committee investigating the recent killing of two rhinos by smugglers near the Chaparchuli security post in Chitwan National Park has raised alarming concerns about park security. The report points to low joint patrols, ineffective measures from park offices, and a lack of focus on core areas. It also highlights deficiencies in long-range patrols, inadequate monitoring of released offenders, and a need for new strategies against poaching. The incident, where smugglers killed rhinos by digging them into holes and extracting horns and hooves in the middle of October. The day after the incident became public on November 17, the Ministry of Forests and Environment formed a five-member investigation committee. This committee submitted a report on November 28 that raised serious questions about the security arrangements of the national park.

Nepal-India border post repairs commence for enhanced bilateral relations

Armed Police Force Begins Repair of 317 Border Pillars from Mechinagar to Gaurigunj in Koshi Province Along Nepal-India Border. Maintenance Covers 144-km Stretch, Involving Restoration and Painting of Odd-Numbered Posts.