KMC deadlock ends, executive meeting today
Based on the consensus, the long-stalled executive meeting—which has not convened since Poush 8—has been scheduled for today at 2 PM.
KATHMANDU: After months of an internal stalemate, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is finally set to hold an executive meeting today, signaling an end to the prolonged deadlock between Mayor Balen Shah and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Saroj Guragain.
The breakthrough came after a high-level discussion on Thursday among Mayor Shah, Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, and other executive members.
Based on the consensus, the long-stalled executive meeting—which has not convened since Poush 8—has been scheduled for today at 2 PM.
Earlier this morning, Mayor Shah convened a meeting of the Resource Estimation and Ceiling Determination Committee to discuss the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. The meeting of the Revenue Advisory Committee, coordinated by Deputy Mayor Dangol, is also being held ahead of the full executive session.
Root of the Dispute
The long-running tension between Mayor Shah and CAO Ghimire stems from the controversial “Kathmandu View Tower” project at the Old Bus Park. Ghimire faces serious allegations of approving design changes—raising the height from 12 to 19 storeys—without conducting a mandatory environmental assessment.
The KMC had originally approved the tower in 2071 under a public-private partnership model. Mayor Shah has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of Ghimire’s actions, causing a rift between the two.
Due to the prolonged conflict, the city missed the legal deadline set by the Local Government Operations Act, 2074, which mandates local governments to present their budget by Asar 10.
This delay could negatively impact Kathmandu’s performance rating by the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, potentially resulting in a reduction of federal grants.
Both Sides Prepared for Meeting
Both parties now appear prepared for the scheduled meeting. CAO Guragain has confirmed his awareness and participation, while Mayor Shah’s press coordinator, Surendra Bajgain, stated that the meeting was called in full accordance with legal procedures. “Whether the CAO chooses to attend is entirely up to his discretion,” Bajgain added.
