Diktel mayor satyagraha demands local resource policy reform

KATHMANDU: Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, Mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality in Khotang, has launched a peaceful satyagraha at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu, protesting against federal laws that he says hinder the proper utilization of local raw materials.

Under the slogan “Policy, Not Money”, Mayor Bhattarai shaved his head, wore white garments, and sat cross-legged on a straw mat covered by a blanket. Bamboo sticks have been placed around him as a symbolic protest, and placards bearing messages like “Protect Nature, Don’t Destroy It”, “Climate Change and Unchecked Crusher Industries”, and “Build a Self-Reliant Society” surround his protest site.

Mayor Bhattarai argues that federal legal barriers are obstructing the use of locally available natural resources like bamboo, stone, and clay — essential for creating a sustainable, self-reliant economy.

He said his intention was to hold the protest in front of the southern gate of Singha Durbar, the main government administrative complex, but had to relocate to Maitighar Mandala due to protest restrictions in the area.

Local leaders and elected representatives from Khotang have joined Bhattarai in the capital, expressing solidarity and emphasizing that the movement is focused on securing the rights of local governments and pushing for sustainable development through policy reform.

Key Demands of Mayor Bhattarai:

1. Amendment of Federal Acts – Review and revise federal laws that restrict the use of local resources, particularly bamboo.

2. Declare Khotang as the “Bamboo Capital” – Introduce policies to promote bamboo-based development and economic growth in the region.

3. Prioritize Local and Eco-Friendly Materials – Enforce the mandatory use of sustainable, locally sourced materials like bamboo, timber, and natural fibers in public construction through building codes and procurement policies.

4. Environmental and Farmer Protection – Strict action against unregulated crusher industries harming the environment; proper compensation and solutions for farmers affected by wild animals like wild boars and monkeys.

5. Tackle Climate Change and Pollution – Enact strong climate laws and grant local governments the authority to impose additional taxes on plastic-producing industries.

6. Complete Incomplete Infrastructure Projects – Immediate completion of stalled road and bridge projects along the Kathmandu–Khotang corridor, and action against negligent contractors.

7. Preserve Cultural and Biological Diversity – Draw central government attention toward the protection of Diktel’s ecological and cultural richness.

A History of Prior Efforts

Before starting the satyagraha, Bhattarai had already submitted his demands to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers during the months of Jestha and Ashar. Earlier in the year, he also hosted the First National Bamboo Conference in Diktel, which brought together government officials, experts, and entrepreneurs, resulting in 23 policy papers emphasizing bamboo’s economic and environmental importance.

Despite these efforts, the government failed to take any action, compelling him to seek peaceful protest in the capital.

Mayor Bhattarai announced that his current satyagraha will last for three days in the form of a hunger strike.

If the demands are not addressed by then, he has warned of launching an indefinite hunger strike (Aamaran Anshan) starting on Shrawan 14.