Varied issues of public concern aired during HoR zero hour

Kathmandu- House of Representatives (HoR) members have raised several pressing issues ranging from the rescue of mules following the snap of the cable of a suspension bridge over the Karnali River to a growing shortage of drinking water in the Terai-Madhesh region.

They were airing their views during the zero hour of the lower house today. The MPs drew the government’s attention to various matters including the urgency to ensure compensation for the losses caused by a recent strong wind in the Madesh province, as well as the need to rescue those Nepalis detained in Tibet.

On the occasion, Prem Suwal demanded that the Prime Minister and ministers inform the House about the agenda of foreign visits prior to embarking on such trips. Basudev Ghimire apprised the House about soaring temperatures in the Terai region and the need to intensify afforestation and conserve ponds and rivers.

Bindhyabasini Kansakar highlighted the need to work more to promote mental health in society, urging the government to launch a dedicated hotline service towards that end. Bina Devi urged the government to ensure irrigation facilities in the Madesh Province while Binita Kathayat said around 1,300 households in north Mugu are grappling with the crisis of drinking water, demanding the government immediately address the problem.

Bimala Subedi utilised the time to call on the government to accelerate roadway construction endeavours in Nuwakot. Pushpa Bahadur Shah expressed his concern over the deaths of mules in wait for rescue following the snap of a suspension bridge over the Karnali River in Achham. A total of 24 mules were trapped in the snapped bridge and 12 were rescued alive.

He apprised the House that movement along the bridge had remained suspended after the incident. The halt of the people movement on the bridge has caused a significant inconvenience to the locals and it should be repaired promptly, he stressed. Purna Bahadur Gharti Magar expressed his concern over the negligence of contractors in the development projects in Baglung while Pratiksa Tiwari urged the government to focus on alleviating poverty in the Kathmandu Valley instead of evicting those belonging to the indigent community.

Pradeep Paudel stressed that service seekers deserve good treatment in government offices and fast service. Prabhu Shaha and Prabhu Hajara demanded that the government provide relief and compensation to those affected by the storm in Bara and Parsa a week ago.