Kathmandu Metropolitan City

The Nepali film 'Elephant in the Fog,' directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, has won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a historic achievement for Nepali cinema. Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, stated that Nepal's presence and recognition at the festival have elevated the stature of the nation's film and creative industries on a global stage.

Millions of rupees worth of murals commissioned by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City are deteriorating due to a lack of preservation and maintenance. Dust from construction, spitting of paan and gutkha, and vandalism have damaged the artworks, with the Sundhara area murals suffering the most. The Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, responsible for the murals, claims maintenance was not part of its agreement, while the metropolis argues otherwise.

Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel announced that the government is introducing a new guideline and law to regulate colleges affiliated with foreign universities due to numerous complaints. He also pledged to address local concerns regarding infrastructure and services in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City honored Guru Yagya Man Pati Bajracharya for his contributions to Charya dance, while a separate theatre production, 'Lucifer Rising,' was abruptly halted in Kathmandu due to alleged government pressure. Organizers of 'Lucifer Rising' cited pressure from political individuals and groups, fearing negative impact on Prime Minister Balen Shah's image.

Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel announced that the government will introduce a new guideline and law to regulate colleges affiliated with foreign universities due to numerous complaints. He also pledged to address local concerns regarding infrastructure and public services in his constituency, Kathmandu-5, during a public hearing.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is undertaking a significant greenery promotion and lawn construction program on approximately 61,263 square meters of land on the southern side of the Army Pavilion. This initiative aims to level the ground, add fertile soil, and plant grass to create a comfortable public space, with an estimated project cost of Rs 42.5 million.

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office anticipates a reduction in river-based disasters during the upcoming monsoon due to the removal of settlements along riverbanks, particularly in wards 11, 14, 31, and 32. Senior Superintendent of Police Bishnu Prasad Joshi stated that while sporadic incidents may still occur, the overall risk is expected to decrease. A strategic plan is in place to manage potential water-induced events and enhance urban safety.

Continuous rainfall has triggered landslides and floods across Nepal, resulting in the displacement of four families in Yangworak Municipality and damage to multiple hydropower projects, including Harirhudulaya Mevakhola, Iwakhola, and Arun Kabeli. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority reported that 70 people have died in various disaster incidents nationwide over the past 40 days, with floods accounting for the highest number of fatalities.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol stated that the selection of a Nepalese feature film at the Cannes Film Festival is a proud milestone for the nation. Dangol, who attended the film's premiere, highlighted this as a significant breakthrough for the domestic film industry on the global stage. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has also passed a directive to systematically support and promote the creative sector.

A five-day crystal bead ornament-making training concluded in Kathmandu, with participants and organizers emphasizing the need for enhanced skill-based and mental wellness programs to foster economic empowerment and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Organizers stated the program aimed to equip participants with practical skills for self-reliance and income generation, while attendees highlighted the positive impact on confidence and the desire for continued support.