AGP Executive Report

Supreme Court Pushes Waste Reform: The Supreme Court has issued a mandamus ordering Kathmandu Valley agencies to fix solid waste management, set up a coordination committee, enforce mandatory segregation of biodegradable vs non-biodegradable waste at source, and improve collection schedules and composting. Protected Areas Go Digital: Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park has successfully tested e-ticketing for tourist entry, with formal operation planned from Panimuhan and Nagarjun gates next week, aiming for faster, more transparent revenue handling. Monsoon Disrupts Roads: Heavy rains and landslides have blocked six major highways, while the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology warns of more intense rainfall over the weekend. Wildlife Conservation Under Pressure: Chitwan National Park reported 21 one-horned rhino deaths in and around the park in FY 2025/26, including electrocution cases, alongside other natural and human-linked causes. Zoo Reopens After Bird Flu: Jawalakhel’s Central Zoo reopened after a month-long bird flu closure, following treatment, sanitation, and negative environmental test results. Climate Heritage Hit in Solukhumbu: A GLOF in 2024 damaged Buddhist heritage sites in Khumbu, sweeping away centuries-old stone manes and harming homes, lodges, and public facilities. Farmers Face Post-Harvest Losses: Farmers say poor cold storage and monsoon road obstructions leave produce rotting or sold cheaply, while many cold storages remain unused. Disaster Toll in Jhapa: Jhapa recorded 359 disaster cases in the last FY, with 11 deaths and damages near Rs 220 million, including fire, flooding, storms, lightning, and human-wildlife conflicts.

Wildlife & Health: Chitwan National Park reported 21 one-horned rhino deaths in FY 2025/26, with electrocution, quagmires, injuries, tiger attacks and old age among causes—another reminder that conservation gains still face hard risks. Zoo Updates: Jawalakhel Central Zoo reopened after a bird flu closure, with infected enclosures cordoned off and visitors urged to follow safety rules; Nepal’s Central Zoo also reopened after 27 days following H5N1, after environmental tests turned negative. Climate & Culture: In Solukhumbu, locals say climate change and the 2024 GLOF damaged centuries-old Buddhist heritage along the Namche–Thame route, sweeping away manes, shrines, and homes. Disaster Risk: Nepal’s disaster agency reported 163 deaths and one missing in 3,347 incidents over three months, with snakebites and lightning among the deadliest. Policy & Forests: Lawmakers pushed to link forest policy with production and the economy, while the agriculture ministry flagged reforms, human-wildlife conflict management, and fertilizer distribution monitoring. Energy Cooperation: Nepal and India advanced plans in Pokhara to expand electricity trade and cross-border transmission, aiming to boost clean exports. Connectivity for Resilience: Nepal Telecom launched 4G in remote Mugu and Bajura, improving access to services for isolated communities.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: Nepal’s Central Zoo in Lalitpur reopened after a 27-day bird flu closure, with environmental samples from the site testing negative for avian influenza; the outbreak (H5N1) killed 41 animals and led to culling of 21 birds to curb spread. Disaster Risk: Nepal recorded 163 deaths and one missing person in 3,347 disaster incidents over the past three months, with snakebites and lightning among the deadliest hazards. Forest, Farming & Wildlife Conflict: Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary told lawmakers the ministry is pushing long-delayed legal reforms, including an Agriculture Act, updates to forest laws, and renewed recruitment of forest guards, while prioritizing human-wildlife conflict management and fertilizer availability. Forest Policy vs Economy: MPs urged linking forest policy directly to production and the national economy, including forest product industries and better climate adaptation, while calling for effective Chure conservation and indigenous crop promotion. Energy & Environment Governance: Nepal’s energy stakeholders renewed calls to streamline forest-related rules for hydropower and transmission, warning that legal complexity and infrastructure gaps are slowing projects and raising costs. Rural Connectivity: Nepal Telecom expanded 4G to remote Mugu and Bajura villages, improving access to internet, voice and SMS for isolated communities. Climate-Resilient Health: Panasonic and UNFPA provided solar lanterns to maternal and newborn care facilities and community health volunteers in climate-vulnerable districts, aiming to keep services running during outages and disasters.

Urban Flood Risk: Kathmandu’s monsoon flooding keeps recurring—roads and drains fail fast, travel turns dangerous, and stagnant water raises mosquito-borne disease risks, with citizens questioning why even newly built roads still flood. Telecom & Rural Access: Nepal Telecom rolled out 4G to remote Mugu and Bajura villages (including Soru-6/Sorukot and Neta Bichchhya-Kuwadi routes), promising faster internet, voice and SMS for isolated communities. Hydropower Watch: India’s Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal inspected the under-construction 900MW Arun-III project, urging quality, safety and environmental sustainability while reviewing powerhouse and dam-site progress. Energy Finance & Forest Hurdles: Nepal Rastra Bank eased rules to support hydropower/energy lending, while IPPAN pushed for Forest Act and regulation amendments, citing delays from complex approvals and land/forest constraints. Climate-Linked Health Support: Panasonic and UNFPA provided solar lanterns to climate-vulnerable maternal and newborn care sites in Jajarkot and Rautahat to keep services running during outages and disasters. Disaster Pressure: Nepal recorded 3,296 disaster incidents in the last three months of FY 2082/83, with 160 deaths and widespread injuries and displacement. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Chitwan’s tusker Dhurbe was tranquillised and fitted with a satellite collar again to prevent further human deaths; meanwhile, Nepal’s birdwatchers are urged to share sightings to close biodiversity data gaps. Soil & Farming: In Sunsari, farmers are shifting away from compost and green manure, increasing chemical fertiliser dependence and weakening soil fertility. Tea Export Strain: Ilam tea producers warn that weak lab/testing support and limited trade agreements are holding back organic tea exports beyond India.

Microplastics in the Himalayas: A new study finds microplastic pollution in Tilicho Lake (4,917m), with an average of 42 particles per liter—showing how tourism and plastic use are reaching even remote, snow-fed ecosystems. Tourism waste at high altitude: At Bukipatan in Dhorpatan (4,200m), locals report rising non-biodegradable litter from growing visitor numbers, alongside damage to wildflowers—adding pressure to Nepal’s fragile mountain conservation areas. Wildlife protection via insurance: Nepal Insurance Authority says Wildlife Risk Insurance will be sold from July 17, with coverage for accidents, disability, medical costs, and losses to homes, livestock, and crops linked to wild animals. Energy and climate resilience support: UNFPA and Panasonic will donate 198 solar lanterns to health facilities and community health volunteers in Jajarkot and Rautahat to keep maternal and newborn care running during power outages and climate emergencies. Regional cooperation (security + disasters): BIMSTEC NSAs in New Delhi backed stronger maritime security and adopted maritime HADR guidelines, while Ajit Doval urged decisive regional action against cyber, terrorism, and climate-related disasters. Hydrogen vehicle prep: Nepal’s transport ministry has started stakeholder consultations to set policies, laws, and safety standards for hydrogen vehicle operations.

Wildlife Risk Insurance: Nepal’s Insurance Authority approved a Wildlife Risk Insurance Policy starting July 17, letting licensed insurers cover losses from wild animal attacks (premium Rs. 1,500; benefits for death/disability, medical care, and damage to houses, livestock, and crops). Climate-Resilient Maternal Care: UNFPA and Panasonic will donate 198 solar lanterns to health facilities and female volunteers in Jajarkot and Rautahat, helping keep maternal and newborn services running during power outages and climate emergencies. Mental Health Systems: Nepal and UN agencies launched a 2025–2028 Joint UN Mental Health Support Programme, funded by Switzerland, to expand mental health and psychosocial support across federal, provincial, and local levels. Monsoon Safety Tech: Nepal Telecom and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology agreed to send early warning SMS alerts (via 1155) for floods, landslides, and severe weather, using vulnerable-zone info and river maps. Urban Environment & Risk: A government directive orders a time-bound plan to remove tangled, unused internet/telephone/TV cables from Kathmandu Valley streets to cut safety hazards and improve urban aesthetics. Himalayan Rangelands: A feature highlights how Nepal’s highland rangelands (Khark) support livelihoods, biodiversity, and watershed protection—key to the Himalayan economy. Heat & Wetlands Under Pressure: Another piece warns that Tarai heatwaves and shrinking wetlands are worsening climate impacts, with local lakes in Bhajani Municipality facing sedimentation and biodiversity loss.

Wildlife Insurance: Nepal Insurance Authority will start a wildlife risk insurance policy from July 17, offering coverage for deaths, disabilities, medical costs, and damage to houses and livestock caused by wildlife attacks. Urban Safety & Pollution: Government has set a time-bound plan to remove tangled, unused internet, telephone and TV cables from Kathmandu Valley streets, starting with six key areas in the first phase. Tourism Push: PM Balendra Shah told hotel entrepreneurs tourism promotion is moving ahead fast, urging legal compliance, registration of small hotels, and PPP collaboration as arrivals remain far below capacity. Governance & Public Trust: Lawmakers in the House of Representatives pressed the government on landless squatters, controlling price hikes, and strengthening rule of law and parliamentary functioning. Himalayan Climate Research: A new study using sensors in frozen high-altitude lakes suggests Himalayan snowfall has been underestimated, with improved estimates for the west-central Himalayas. Procurement Reform: Nepal has amended the Public Procurement Act to move away from awarding contracts purely to the lowest bidder, aiming to curb unrealistically low bids and improve project quality. Smart Settlements: A policy discussion highlights the need for safer, resilient “smart settlements” to manage Nepal’s rapid urbanization and disaster risk.

Public Procurement Reform: Nepal has abolished the “lowest bidder” rule for public contracts, replacing it with an average-price approach under a Second Amendment to the Public Procurement Act—aimed at cutting unrealistically low bids that lead to poor quality and project delays. Construction & EIA Link: Contractors’ groups welcomed the change, while officials said the new approach should push more careful project study, including land acquisition and environmental impact assessment. Capital Market Shake-up: SEBON chair Dr. Gopal Prasad Bhatta says short selling will be implemented soon to let investors manage falling markets and reduce one-sided “market must always rise” pressure. Karnali Political Fallout: Nepali Congress ministers resigned en masse after the Karnali government moved to abolish or restructure provincial offices, raising concerns about service delivery. Monsoon Disaster Pressure: In the past day, 73 natural disaster incidents were recorded nationwide—floods, landslides, snakebites and wild animal attacks—leaving two dead and one missing. Food & Water Security: Paddy planting is about 50% complete nationwide, with faster progress expected if monsoon conditions hold. Wildlife & Conservation Lens: A rare white Bengal tiger cub was born in Cuba, highlighting ongoing conservation pressures tied to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Energy for Industry: Frequent power cuts in Ilam are disrupting tea and dairy production, damaging machinery and hurting output quality. Tourism Governance: Nepal Tourism Board appointed five members through open competition, citing transparency and a push for sustainable tourism.

Monsoon Disaster Watch: Nepal recorded 73 natural disaster incidents in the past 24 hours, including 40 landslides across 26 districts (two deaths), 14 flood incidents across 10 districts (one missing), plus snakebites, fires, and wild animal attacks as heavy rain hit most of the country. Hydropower Accountability: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said the government will review long-stalled hydropower projects that hold licences but have made no progress, classify them by status, and take action—while backing genuine investors and pushing clearer rules under the new Electricity Act. Weather Information for Risk Reduction: The government launched the “Nepal Weather Official” app with real-time forecasts and severe weather alerts (including lightning and floods), developed by DHM with NITC to help people plan during monsoon impacts. River Erosion Protection: In Panchthar, embankments along the Hewa River (and additional work along the Kabeli) were completed to protect Majhitar settlement and farmland after years of erosion and damaged irrigation and drinking water sources. Human-Wildlife Conflict: A wild elephant that repeatedly returned to the same settlement over 14 years killed four family members, renewing calls for better wildlife management as conflict grows around protected areas. Food Security Pressure: Farmers across paddy regions report severe chemical fertilizer shortages during the planting season, with lawmakers questioning government supply timing and distribution failures. Pedestrian Safety Upgrade: Lalitpur Metropolitan City installed smart safety barriers in Jawalakhel that open/close with traffic lights and use sensors to reduce accidents by stopping unsafe crossings. Governance & Civic Space: Nepal’s new government’s first 100 days have been shadowed by public anger after a ride-hailing driver’s self-immolation and a monsoon inundation of a squatter holding centre, highlighting gaps between promises and on-the-ground delivery.

Fertilizer Crisis: Nepal’s paddy season is again hit by severe chemical fertilizer shortages, with DAP and urea failing to reach many districts on time; farmers report tiny supplies running out within hours, while border users face hurdles buying from India—sparking sharp questions in parliament. Hydropower Governance: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha says the government will study long-stalled hydropower projects that hold licences but show no progress, then classify them and take decisions—while promising support for genuine investors and pushing clearer rules under the Electricity Act. Human-Wildlife Conflict: A rogue elephant, Dhurbe, has killed four members of one family over 14 years, including a daughter-in-law and grandson after the family relocated near Chitwan—highlighting persistent gaps in mitigation around protected areas. Monsoon & Disaster Risk: With monsoon active, authorities warn of flash floods and landslides in multiple districts, urging people to follow DHM advisories as heavy rain meets fragile terrain and deforestation-linked erosion. River Erosion Protection: In Panchthar, completed embankments along the Hewa River are shielding the Majhitar settlement and farmland from ongoing erosion after years of damage. Climate Resilience Focus: ICIMOD-linked reporting underscores how warming threatens Himalayan glaciers, biodiversity, water security and disaster resilience across South Asia. Press & Telecom Appointments: Nepal appoints Arjun Ghimire as NTA chair and Umesh Shrestha as Press Council chair, while political parties condemn suspicious vehicles parked outside media offices, calling for impartial investigation. Energy Transition Lens: A global piece argues power is shifting from oil control to dominance over critical minerals, grids, batteries and renewable supply chains—relevant to Nepal’s climate-and-energy planning.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party condemned suspicious unidentified vehicles parked outside Onlinekhabar, Himalaya TV, and Kantipur Media House, urging an immediate, impartial police probe to protect journalists’ safety. New Media Regulators: Arjun Ghimire was appointed Chairperson of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, while Umesh Shrestha was named Chair of Press Council Nepal, with ministers stressing fair, result-oriented oversight amid misinformation concerns. Human-Wildlife Conflict: A killer bull elephant “Dhurbe” has been linked to the deaths of four family members over 14 years, reigniting debate on elephant memory and retaliation—experts warn revenge targeting across generations isn’t proven. AI for Crop-Raiding Monkeys: Nepal is testing AI-based detection and deterrence to reduce macaque crop raids in the mid-hills, as farmers report major losses and compensation delays. Energy & Climate Planning: The National Planning Commission begins work on “Vision 2050,” while also suggesting limiting “National Pride Projects” to 10 and prioritizing energy and food security. Clean Cooking Push: Belauri Municipality installed biogas plants in 250 households to cut firewood and LPG use, supporting forest conservation and better health. Global SDG Financing Call: PM adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir told UN ECOSOC that LDCs face climate shocks, debt, shrinking aid, and financing gaps—calling for stronger international solidarity.

Capital Spending Gap: Nepal’s development push is stalling again, with capital expenditure at just 44.52% (Rs 181.59 billion of Rs 407.88 billion) by July 11 in FY 2025/26, down from 59.59% last year—while recurrent spending is eating most of the budget. Clean Energy at Local Level: Belauri Municipality in Kanchanpur installed biogas plants in 250 households this fiscal year to cut firewood and LPG use, support farmers, and reduce smoke-related health impacts. Climate Risk for Livestock: In Jumla, lightning keeps striking highland pastures; 265 sheep have died in recent incidents, but government compensation averages just Rs 1,886 per sheep, leaving farmers exposed. Waste-to-Value Culture: Cafe Zero in Lalitpur is running a zero-waste model that turns food scraps into menu items, pushing the 3Rs through everyday dining. Human Rights & Accountability: UNICEF says children are largely invisible in corporate sustainability reports across emerging Asia, including Nepal—despite climate and nutrition risks. Labour Data Drive: Nepal’s fourth Labour Force Survey is underway, with enumerators already visiting about 18,000 households and results due by Feb–Mar 2027. Energy Security Debate: A new energy discourse argues Nepal must look beyond hydropower-only thinking toward a broader, climate-resilient energy mix.

Bangladesh Floods: At least 50 people died in Bangladesh in a week from monsoon floods and landslides, with tens of thousands displaced and Chittagong hit hardest—another reminder of how climate change is intensifying extreme weather. Nepal Mental Health: Nepal reports an average of 20 suicides daily, with psychiatrists linking rising cases to worsening mental health, stress, debt and social pressures—calls are growing for earlier support and counseling. Tripureshwar Tragedy: A ride-sharing driver’s self-immolation in Kathmandu after a parking fine has reignited debate on governance, policing discipline, and how the state treats ordinary people. Human Rights & Flood Displacement: Women’s human rights defenders condemn alleged assault and unlawful detention of activists monitoring flood-displaced landless squatters in Kirtipur, while ministers visited relocated families in Bhaktapur after Kirtipur flooding. Public Health Supply: Rabies vaccine shortages are pushing patients to Sukraraj Hospital in Teku, where limited stock is being overwhelmed—raising urgent concerns for monsoon-era healthcare readiness. Wildlife & Livelihoods: A new look at human-wildlife conflict argues animals aren’t “enemies,” and Nepal’s ongoing clashes—from elephant attacks to crop raiding—need political and management fixes, not blame.

Human–wildlife conflict debate: A new Nepal-focused discussion challenges the label “human–wildlife conflict,” arguing animals don’t act from hostility and that policy and institutions shape these encounters more than blame does. Community livelihoods & conservation: Dadeldhura youths have launched the district’s first commercial coffee farming, planting 2,000 Arabica saplings on previously bush-covered slopes. Farm inputs bottleneck: The Agriculture Ministry has urged fertiliser dealers to collect their quota from depots and distribute it fast during paddy season, citing stock sitting idle while farmers face shortages. Elephant tragedy: A man in Chitwan says the same elephant that killed his parents 12 years ago has now killed his daughter-in-law and grandson, renewing calls for better risk management. Public health in monsoon: Guidance on preventing dengue stresses removing clean stagnant water breeding sites, while separate reports flag rising fever cases during monsoon. Wildlife protection stakes: India’s pygmy hog conservation push highlights the species’ move toward stronger protection as it remains critically endangered. Clean pilgrimage spaces: Pashupati Area Development Trust starts a Shrawan clean-up drive to keep temple premises cleaner for large crowds. Local governance & environment spending: Nepalgunj approved an Rs 1.76 billion budget with priorities including greenery, lake/park conservation, and monitoring of projects.

Energy & Regional Power Trade: The EU launched a €5 million Energy Connectivity in South Asia project in Kathmandu, aiming to link power markets across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka for cheaper, cleaner electricity and stronger energy security. Hydropower & Private Sector: PM Balendra Shah met IPPAN to discuss stalled hydropower, power purchase agreements, transmission and grid access, forest clearance, land acquisition and faster private participation in electricity trade. Clean Energy Diplomacy: Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha met the US chargé d’affaires to push Nepal–US cooperation on hydropower, transmission, energy security, investment and capacity building. Air Safety Reform: Nepal published draft bills to split the civil aviation authority into separate aviation regulation and airport/air navigation entities, inviting public feedback before parliamentary tabling. Public Health & Nutrition: MPs pledged stronger oversight and predictable funding to tackle child malnutrition, including nutrition-sensitive budgeting and better monitoring under Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan III. Environment & Community Action: Pashupati Area Development Trust began a Shrawan clean-up drive to keep temple premises cleaner for pilgrims. Wildlife & Biodiversity: Nepal’s Tarai birdlife gets a warning as the yellow-breasted bunting is reportedly disappearing from wetlands and farmlands. Climate & Land Management: A UN weather agency report links worsening sand and dust storms to poor water and land management, drought and environmental degradation. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary said Rs. 411 million is allocated for human-wildlife coexistence, including solar fences, ponds and training in buffer zones. Local Enforcement: Chaudhary also directed local governments to enforce the slaughterhouse and meat inspection law within three months.

Climate & forests: Parbat’s Division Forest Office says Nepal’s annual Sagarmatha Tree Planting Grand Campaign has planted about 2,500 fruit-bearing saplings (mango, jackfruit, litchi, guava, timur, amla) across community and public lands, aiming to boost livelihoods while supporting wildlife and carbon goals. Human-wildlife conflict: Agriculture, Forest and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary told lawmakers the ministry is continuing buffer-zone coexistence work with Rs 411 million for ponds, solar fences, grasslands, wildlife-handling gear and mesh wire fencing, plus required community training. Biodiversity warning: Researchers say the yellow-breasted bunting is vanishing from Nepal’s Tarai; sightings are dropping around Koshi Tappu and farmlands, raising fears for insect control and ecosystem balance. Energy for green growth: PM Balen Shah met IPPAN, calling energy central to transformation, jobs and green development, while discussing PPAs, stalled hydropower, grid access, forest clearance and licensing. Regional power ties: The EU launched a €5 million South Asia energy connectivity project in Kathmandu to expand cross-border electricity trade and renewable integration across Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Electricity & local tourism: Lamjung’s Harsingdanda got grid power via an extended transmission line, boosting evening lighting and domestic tourism prospects. One Health: Nepal’s rising avian influenza outbreaks are framed as a One Health issue linking people, animals and the environment—not just poultry losses. Policy & governance: NRB unveiled a cautiously flexible monetary policy for FY 2026/27, targeting 7% growth and 5.5% inflation with stable interest-rate tools and credit expansion. Mountaineering skills: Nepal Tourism Board and UNDP Nepal signed an MoU with the Nepal Mountaineering Association for specialized training in Api, Manaslu and Kanchenjunga to build international-standard manpower. Social crisis spotlight: Lawmakers demanded an impartial probe into Ganesh Nepali’s self-immolation in Kathmandu, questioning state silence and pushing for compensation and accountability.