More than 207,000 passengers departed from Kathmandu’s New Bus Park between October 3 and 11 as the annual Dashain exodus gained momentum, despite road disruptions affecting transport operations.
The Nepal Oil Corporation and Nepal LP Gas Industry Association have expanded the number of LPG gas exchange centers in Kathmandu Valley from six to 11 to prevent shortages during the Dashain festival.
The Tanahu Hydropower Project has conducted a disaster preparedness and emergency response drill at its main dam construction site to minimize potential risks and improve worker safety. The project has also installed 17 sirens and information boards at 10 locations to warn downstream communities of potential flooding and other emergencies.
Mantra Thakali, a restaurant in Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, has been fined Rs. 250,000 following a surprise inspection prompted by a complaint about insects in food. Inspectors reportedly found cockroaches, poor sanitation, and fried potatoes stored in newspaper. The restaurant has been ordered to make improvements within seven days.
To prevent cooking gas shortages during Dashain, a week-long LPG distribution and cylinder exchange service has been introduced at six locations across the Kathmandu Valley. Consumers can reportedly exchange an empty cylinder from any brand for a filled cylinder without paying an additional exchange fee, although complaints have emerged that some distributors are accepting only their own branded cylinders.
A landslide-triggered blockage on the Uingulung stream in Gorkha’s Chumnubri Rural Municipality appears to have burst, sending a sudden surge of water into the Budhi Gandaki River. Five sheepfolds near Siringe Himal have been swept away, and the people staying there remain out of contact. Rescue teams have been mobilized, with 47 people reportedly rescued from the affected area so far.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has urged residents living along the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district to move to safer locations immediately as rising floodwaters threaten riverside settlements. Several houses in Ghattekhola have been inundated, while a bridge connecting Nyakchet and Philim Bazaar has reportedly been swept away.
Reports claim that the Trump administration has suspended Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) processing for eight major technology companies, including TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Microsoft, Adobe, Cognizant, and Capgemini. If confirmed, the move could delay employment-based green card applications for some Indian IT professionals working in the United States. However, the reported suspension and its scope require official verification.
As Dashain approaches, activity has increased at the Gaddachauki border crossing in Kanchanpur, with Nepali migrant workers returning from various Indian cities to celebrate the festival with their families. Authorities have strengthened security, established passenger assistance desks, and introduced health screenings to ensure safe and convenient travel during the festive season.
Navratri begins today with Ghatasthapana, the sacred ritual of sowing barley seeds to grow Jamara, a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and blessings. Devotees across Nepal perform special prayers to Goddess Durga, marking the beginning of nine days of religious observance and worship.
A sudden surge in the Budhi Gandaki River has caused widespread destruction in Gorkha’s Chum Nubri Rural Municipality, washing away around 35 houses, damaging Machhikhola Bazaar, and destroying a suspension bridge to Kerauja. Rescue teams and helicopters have been deployed as authorities warn of potential flooding downstream toward the Trishuli confluence.
Rising floodwaters in the Budhi Gandaki River have swept away a vital bridge near Arughat Bazaar, completely disrupting transportation between Gorkha and Dhading. The latest incident follows the destruction of three bridges and dozens of homes and sheds across northern Gorkha, raising further concerns about flooding and riverbank erosion in downstream areas.