MPs urge action on Kerung border blockage, pollution, and women’s empowerment

KATHMANDU: Chief Whip of the CPN-UML, Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, has called on the government to take urgent action regarding the obstruction on the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung road section, which has disrupted the import of goods from China.

Speaking in Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Bartaula highlighted the growing challenges as major festivals approach.

He stated, “The devastating flood on Asar 24 damaged the Miteri Bridge at the Kerung border, leading to a complete halt in traffic through that route. All vehicles bound for Nepal via Kerung are now stranded, creating pressure on the Tatopani border point. However, only 8 to 10 containers are entering and exiting Nepal through Tatopani daily. I urge the government to resolve this issue.” He also emphasized the difficult transportation conditions along the Kodari section and urged government attention.

MP Meena Tamang raised concerns over the operation of pollution-causing industries in Panchkhal Municipality Wards 8 and 9 of Kavrepalanchok. She objected to granting permission to industries that could adversely affect the historically significant Shwovanishwor Mahadev Temple and the surrounding settlement, which dates back to the Lichhavi era.

Similarly, MP Maina Karki highlighted the plight of single women who have lost their husbands due to various tragedies or natural disasters in Nepal. She criticized society’s traditional and conservative outlook towards such women and urged the state to invest in their economic empowerment.

Several other lawmakers, including Mangal Prasad Gupta, Ranjukumari Jha, Rupa Shoshi Chaudhary, Rekha Sharma, Ram Kumar Rai, and Yogesh Kumar Bhattarai, also drew attention to various contemporary national issues.