AGP Executive Report

Flood Recovery & Budget: Nepal has ended the search-and-rescue phase for the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods, with 1,455 confirmed dead and 5,285 still missing, and is shifting to rehabilitation and reconstruction; the government is proposing Rs 559.18 billion for 504 recovery projects. Land Reform Push: PM Balendra Shah says land ownership certificates have reached 5,737 families and landlessness will be tackled district-by-district, with legal and procedural hurdles to be amended to resolve the issue within 1,000 days. Power Sector Moves: NEA has extended deadlines for 27 hydropower projects totaling 540 MW and is pushing more systematized digital electricity bill payments. Nepali Congress Convention: The NC’s 15th general convention closed-door session has started, and the amended statute passed sets a 297-member CWC arrangement. WHO Leadership Bid: Nepal plans to nominate Dr Sangeeta Kaushal Mishra for the WHO SEARO regional director post, with elections expected in January. Sports & Events: Karnali is finalizing the Tenth National Games venues and has set up a secretariat in Surkhet; Lumbini Lions retained Tinu Yohanan as head coach for NPL Season 3. Border & Trade: Locals in Birgunj demand compensation over land acquired for the dry port, staging an indefinite sit-in that is disrupting freight movement.

Nepal Floods: Nepal has officially wrapped up search and rescue after the Aug 26 Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods, confirming 1,455 deaths and leaving 5,285 still missing; the government is shifting focus to reconstruction and rehabilitation, with a proposed NPR 559.18 billion budget for 504 programmes. Nepali Congress Convention: At its 15th General Convention, Nepali Congress endorsed a political report calling for party restructuring, youth participation, and no pre-election alliances, while also approving constitutional changes—adding a senior vice-president and a woman vice-president, expanding the CWC, and proposing state funding tied to votes and audits. Local Elections Prep: Parties are gearing up for local elections likely in mid-next year, with RSP launching a nationwide campaign and UML prioritising electoral preparations. Infrastructure After Disasters: The Department of Roads plans tougher bridge and road standards, including long-span designs without river pillars and revised flood design assumptions; officials also discussed advance ticket booking for Dashain and festival travel. Energy & Power: The stalled Hetauda–Dhalkebar 400kV transmission line is set to come into operation right after Dashain, and the energy ministry pushed for wider digital bill payments. Weather: Rain and light snowfall are expected to continue across several provinces into the Ghatasthapana period. Foreign Policy: FM Shisir Khanal is in Fiji for the Pre-COP Leaders’ event, then heads to Australia for bilateral talks.

Ground Risk & Displacement: Heavy rain triggered ground cracking and sinking in Makawanpur, displacing 15 families from Morangedhap and Thulojyamire; 80 nearby houses are flagged as vulnerable, with families sheltering at a community school. Nepali Congress Convention: Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa opened the 15th General Convention at Khula Manch, stressing open forums for citizens’ questions and warning against “musical chairs” politics; the convention is low-key due to flood losses, with leadership elections scheduled for Oct 7-8 amid a widening Deuba rift. Internet Costs: ISPAN warned it may discontinue low-priced internet packages from Monday, citing higher operating costs including fiber prices and fuel impacts, even as the government pushes digital expansion. Power & Energy: ADB signed deals to support Nepal’s power transmission and battery storage via PPP, targeting over US$200 million in private investment; separately, the long-stalled Hetauda–Dhalkebar 400 kV line is set to resume charging right after Dashain. Transport & Markets: Kathmandu open markets saw a Dashain shopping surge; CAAN also warned against kites, drones and balloons near Tribhuvan Airport for flight safety. Climate Watch: Meteorologist Binod Pokharel cautioned weather may deteriorate from Oct 16-18.

Nepali Congress Convention: Thousands of delegates are streaming to Kathmandu’s Khula Manch for the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention, with the opening set for 2pm and elections for Oct 7-8 after rain forced a two-day delay; the party says 7,700+ delegates will attend, with parking and hotel bookings arranged across the capital. Foreign Policy Debate: As the convention begins, senior leaders and foreign policy experts are urging Congress to adopt a clearer, more specific foreign policy—especially on relations with neighbours and major powers—rather than broad non-alignment language. Party Politics: Dr Shekhar Koirala will skip the convention, while UML chief KP Sharma Oli will not attend the inauguration; meanwhile, JSP Nepal leaders have resigned en masse to focus on the “Hunkar Madhesh” campaign. Housing Push: The government has tabled a Building Bill to guarantee housing support, including grants for low-income families and subsidised smart homes for middle-income households. Disaster & Climate: Madhesh recorded 459 disaster-related incidents with 92 deaths in two months, and climate activists protested in Kathmandu’s Darbar Square demanding faster carbon cuts after the floods. Economy & Daily Life: Nepal Oil Corporation kept fuel prices unchanged despite higher procurement costs ahead of Dashain/Tihar; gold and silver prices fell in the domestic market.

Flood Aftermath & Forensics: Nepal’s flood victims’ DNA identification is still a massive task, with only 112 bodies identified so far and thousands more missing; experts warn matching fragmented remains to families could take weeks as two Kathmandu forensic labs process thousands of samples. Public Safety & Transport: The Besisahar–Chame road has reopened after six days of flood and landslide blockage, while separate bus crashes in Nawalparasi East (six dead, 10 injured) and Daunne (six dead, identities of five confirmed) underline ongoing road risks. Health: Japanese encephalitis cases have reached 131 this year, with 28 deaths; most patients reportedly were not vaccinated, and campaigns are underway in affected districts. Politics: The Nepali Congress is set for its 15th General Convention at Tundikhel/Khulamanch with youth and diaspora representation; meanwhile, the Rastriya Swatantra Party has formed committees to select local election candidates and prepare central departments. Economy & Prices: NEPSE fell 1.62% last week, investors reportedly losing Rs 73 billion in market value, while gold dropped Rs 3,800 per tola and Nepal imported Rs 5.61 billion worth of paddy and rice in two months. Energy & Infrastructure: Kulekhani hydropower dam is declared safe after heavy rains, and the government is pushing to clear hurdles on transmission line projects.

Flood Relief & Missing Persons: One of 55 Malaysians reported uncontactable after the Nepal-Tibet floods has been found safe and returned home after 37 days, while 54 still remain unaccounted for; banks are preparing support for affected families. Disaster Response: Nepal is moving to drain four high glacial lakes to cut future flood risks after the deadly glacier collapse, with design work starting this fiscal year. Public Safety (Festivals): Kathmandu police plan to mobilise about 3,500 personnel for Dashain, Tihar and Chhath, with tighter checks at entry points, CCTV and sniffer dogs, plus a 13-point advisory for people leaving the Valley. Road Accidents: Two separate bus crashes in Nawalparasi East and Daunne killed at least six and injured around 10–12, with brake failure cited in one case. Health: Japanese encephalitis confirmed in 131 people this year; 28 deaths reported, and vaccination campaigns continue in affected districts. Politics (Nepali Congress): Hotels across Kathmandu are booked for around 10,000 delegates for the 15th general convention; nomination registration for the Central Working Committee is set for Monday. Energy & Infrastructure: Energy Minister inspected the Kulekhani dam after heavy rains; government also plans to shift irrigation under the Infrastructure Development Ministry. Culture & Heritage: Over 800 historical Nepali manuscripts and documents (13th–20th century) were handed to Nepal’s National Archives.

Bhotekoshi Flood Relief: Nepal’s government says it will provide long-term care and support for five children orphaned in the Bhotekoshi floods, covering education and upbringing until they turn 18, after a ministry team assessed their situation. Himalayan Disaster Update: Rescuers recovered eight more bodies from the Himlung avalanche site, bringing the death toll to 15, with one person still missing. Parliament Watch: The National Assembly wrapped up its 21st session after 52 meetings, adopting a disaster-management resolution and condolence motion for flood victims; meanwhile, the House of Representatives forwarded several bills to committees for clause-wise review. Nepali Congress Convention: The 15th Nepali Congress general convention is set for Oct 4–8 at Khula Manch, with about 7,500 delegates expected; the party says it will not use panels and delegates will vote independently. Climate Justice Push: Activists held protests in Kathmandu after the Rasuwa floods, demanding climate justice and action on carbon emissions. Infrastructure in Rasuwa: Work has started on a Bailey bridge at Betrawati along the flood-damaged Galchhi–Betrawati road to restore connectivity. Sports: CAN named Nepal’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League-2 in Oman, and Nepal Police Club and Sabhapokhari reached the final of the Madan Bhandari Cup volleyball tournament.

Flood recovery & missing Malaysians: Nepal’s PM Balendra Shah assured Malaysia it will cooperate on verifying the status of 54 Malaysians still unaccounted for after the Aug 26 floods, with Malaysia pushing discussions through its attorney-general; meanwhile, one of the 55 reported missing Malaysians has been confirmed safe and returned home. Flood impacts on health: With roads and local services still disrupted, 33 pregnant women from Rasuwa and Nuwakot have travelled to Kathmandu for delivery, including airlifted cases. Avalanche update: Rescuers recovered eight more bodies from Mt Himlung, raising the death toll to 15, while one person remains missing and recovery is paused due to hazards. Climate justice push: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal urged climate justice to be put into practice, calling for grant-based climate finance and stronger implementation as Nepal’s delegation highlights flood risks at the UN. Public health: Kathmandu Metropolitan City is preparing a detailed immunization plan for routine services, and an expert team is set to study scrub typhus spread in Salyan after rising deaths. Economy & markets: NEPSE fell 11.90 points to close at 2,587.25 with turnover above Rs 4.29 billion. Energy & policy: Nepal opened its national transmission grid to private access via wheeling charges, and the government is preparing to let security agencies distribute LPG during shortages. Tourism: International arrivals rose 12.1% in September despite the floods, reaching 88,248 visitors.

Himlung Avalanche Update: Search teams recovered eight more bodies from the Himlung Himal base camp in Manang, bringing the death toll to 15; one worker remains missing as operations continue. Electricity & Winter Supply: Bhotekoshi-Trishuli disasters knocked out at least 640MW, pushing Nepal to rely more on imported power for winter, though officials say there will be no nationwide load-shedding during Dashain/Tihar. Parliament Clock: President Ramchandra Paudel prorogued the current Federal Parliament session from midnight Oct 2, while the HoR sent three economic bills to committees for clause-wise discussion. Civil Service Overhaul: The government registered a Federal Civil Service Bill proposing a shift in retirement and career rules, including raising mandatory retirement age from 58 to 60. Telecom & Consumer Watch: NTA moved to recover over Rs 8.052 billion from UTL after its license cancellation, and DoCSCP fined Salt Trading Corporation Rs 300,000 for stock transparency violations. Climate Agenda: Kathmandu Climate Week opens Friday with climate justice discussions tied to COP31, and a remembrance session for Bhotekoshi disaster victims. Energy Market Opening: Government set criteria for private access to the national transmission grid by fixing wheeling charges. Local Politics: Opposition leader Angdembey criticized the PM for not informing Parliament about UNGA activities, and raised concerns over accountability.

Federal Civil Service Bill: The government registered the Federal Civil Service Bill in Parliament, aiming for a “paradigm shift” in accountability and performance, with key proposals including mandatory retirement at 60, a level-based structure, and 49% reservation for inclusive recruitment (50% of reserved posts for women, plus other targeted groups). Parliament & governance: Nepali Congress leader Vishmaraj Angdembey said the government’s first six months fall short despite a clear majority, while President Ram Chandra Paudel prorogued both Houses effective Oct 2. Kathmandu public safety: KMC began expanding vaccination micro-plans for public and private providers, and Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police is preparing to make fire extinguishers mandatory on public passenger vehicles. Economy & markets: NEPSE closed nearly flat at 2,599.15 with turnover of Rs 4.89bn; gold and silver prices stayed steady. Disaster recovery & climate: One month after the Bhotekoshi flood, focus is shifting toward recovery and reconstruction, with recovery needs estimated at about USD 4.77bn; meanwhile, heavy rain and landslides have again killed around 30 and stranded trekkers. Energy & connectivity: NEA approved selling 86MW to India during monsoon; Himalaya Airlines launched direct Kathmandu–Hangzhou flights. Sports: Nepal’s four judokas were eliminated in the Asian Games opening round, and Punam Shrestha also exited.

Aviation Security: An Indian captain on a Flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv flight fought off a co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash the plane, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; Israeli officials say the pilot was stabbed and passengers helped subdue the attacker. Disaster Aftermath: A month after the Bhotekoshi floods, survivors in Rasuwa still face broken roads and lost livelihoods, with relief easing danger but not enabling return to work. Road Safety for Dashain: Kathmandu Valley traffic police will strictly enforce the rule that long-distance night buses must have two drivers, citing fatigue-related accident risks as festive travel nears. Public Health Regulation: The government is drafting a separate law to regulate social media and introduce age-based restrictions for children, alongside planned strengthening of Press Council powers. Climate Push: MPs urged stronger climate justice and climate finance positions for COP-31, including early warning and safer housing linked to Loss and Damage funds. Markets & Economy: NEPSE slipped below 2,600 points as turnover rose; SEBON says capital-market reforms and investor protection measures are underway. Energy & Trade: NEA plans to sell up to 86 MW surplus electricity to India; FNCCI urges China to reopen Tatopani customs to ease trade disruptions. Legal & Environment: The Supreme Court ordered full nationwide enforcement of the 40-micron plastic bag ban, citing weak coordination.

Bhotekoshi Flood Aftermath: Nepal is still dealing with the fallout of the disaster, with 430 MW knocked out of the grid and the government/NEA working on alternative winter power supply, including additional underground transmission grids for Kathmandu’s Balaju and Chapali. Rain Disaster Toll: Authorities report 27 deaths and 4 missing from rain-related incidents since Sept 24, with hundreds of landslides, floods, and damaged houses and bridges. Capital Market Push: Investors and the Finance Committee are pressing for a new Securities Act, while SEBON unveiled a three-phase reform strategy and outlined risk-based regulation; NEPSE also slipped 4.82 points to close at 2,598.89. Civil Service Bill: The Cabinet decided to table the Federal Civil Service Bill in Parliament, ending the ordinance route. Politics & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said PM Balendra Shah’s India visit is planned but the date is not final; Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle returned from AIIB’s Doha meeting where Nepal was elected vice-chair. Sports: Nepal exited the Asian Games after a rain-washed cricket quarter-final; the karate team returned with Tenzing Sherpa winning bronze.

Disaster Response: Nepal’s monsoon death toll rose to 35 as landslides and floods keep disrupting roads and services, with highways into Kathmandu still affected and stranded trucks starting to move again. Bhotekoshi Recovery: Insurance claims linked to the Aug 26 Rasuwa floods topped about Rs 21 billion, while the Nepal Insurance Authority eased claim procedures and deadlines to speed payouts. Parliament & Governance: The Cabinet has authorized tabling the Federal Civil Service Bill, aiming to reduce retirement-age concerns by protecting benefits for those over 55, and lawmakers also pushed for faster reconstruction and stronger disaster-risk management. Communications: The communications minister ordered Nepal Telecom to restore flood-disrupted services, even where power is delayed. Politics: KP Sharma Oli warned UML cadres against indiscipline and said party unity talks are off the table, while the Supreme Court and police continue to trade statements over former CJ Cholendra Rana’s “rescue” and security. Transport & Economy: Himalaya Airlines resumed direct Kathmandu–Shanghai flights, and Kathmandu Valley traffic police plan tighter enforcement of the two-driver rule for night long-distance buses during Dashain. Media & Rights: Press Council Nepal condemned threats and mistreatment of its staff during a dispute involving print media ads. International: Nepal’s PM used the UNGA to press for climate justice and a Himalayan resilience mechanism involving Nepal, India and China.

Himalayan Disaster: Nepal has suspended the search for 12 missing Nepali workers after the Himlung avalanche; four bodies have been recovered so far, with rescuers saying survival chances are gone and operations will resume when snow conditions improve. Monsoon Toll: Heavy rainfall since Sep 24 has killed 27 people across 542 disaster incidents, with four still missing and eight injured; landslides and floods damaged homes, bridges, and infrastructure. Energy Worry: Officials warn winter load-shedding could return as hydropower and supply are hit by recent floods and ongoing infrastructure damage, with NEA planning imports to stabilize demand. Parliament Watch: The HoR passed the “Bill to Revive Provisions of Some Nepal Acts” and lawmakers pushed for faster reconstruction, safer settlements, and action against market price gouging. Environment & Courts: The Supreme Court ordered strict nationwide enforcement of the plastic bag ban and single-use plastic limits. Economy & Markets: NEPSE fell again, down 9.62 points, as turnover dropped to Rs 4.65 billion. Regional Ties: Nepal and China began talks to clear bottlenecks at the Kodari border checkpoint to improve trade flow. Tourism & Travel: Kanti Lokpath reopened for one-way traffic after landslides, while Himalayan Airlines resumed direct Kathmandu–Shanghai flights.

Disaster Response: Nepal logged 272 disaster incidents in 24 hours, with 21 dead, four missing and 1,181 rescued; landslides led the toll, while floods and continuous rain also disrupted roads and livestock. Flood Aftermath & Power: NEA estimates Rs 74 billion damage to power infrastructure after the Aug 26 floods, and projects importing up to 1,154 MW from India for winter supply. Mountain Tragedy: A Himlung Himal avalanche killed four and left 12 missing as rescue teams battled severe weather; separate reports also describe a landslide collapsing into the Kali Gandaki in Mustang. Health & Safety: Rabies remains undercounted, with a four-year-old death reportedly not appearing in government records; the DoHS also cites anti-rabies vaccine shortages and wastage. Parliament & Law: HoR unanimously approved a bill on security of health workers and a first amendment to the mother’s milk substitutes law. Economy & Business: FNCCI urges withdrawal of electricity VAT, warning it will raise costs for industry and tourism. Politics: Nepali Congress is weighing postponing its 15th general convention by 3 days to a week due to weather disruptions. Sports: Nepal faces Sri Lanka in Asian Games cricket quarter-finals, but rain could wash out the match.

Himlung Avalanche: Rescue teams recovered four bodies after an avalanche hit Mt. Himlung base camp in Manang, while 12 remain missing; helicopters airlifted survivors and the dead as weather improved after days of rain. Monsoon Disasters: Heavy rainfall across Nepal has killed 21 people, injured five and left five missing, with landslides and floods disrupting roads and power in multiple districts. Road Disruptions & Festival Travel: Parliament’s infrastructure committee ordered safer, smoother travel during Dashain, Tihar and Chhath, while highways remain blocked or partially open as authorities promise clearance before Dashain. NEPSE Slide: Nepal Stock Exchange fell 16.47 points to close at 2,613.33, with turnover hitting Rs 5.38 billion. AIIB Talks: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle met AIIB President Zou Jiayi, urging more investment and concessional financing for Nepal’s reconstruction. Rule-of-Law Row: Lawmakers from multiple parties questioned the midnight arrest and quick release of former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana, calling it state terror and demanding answers. Women’s Transport: A lawmaker raised the delay in implementing the women-friendly blue bus service. Tourism & Economy: FNCCI urged withdrawal of VAT on electricity tariffs; tourism officials pushed better coordination and digital skills for hotels and restaurants.