Kathmandu, February 10
National Assembly lawmakers have raised concerns over the controversy surrounding the proposed cable car project in Pathibhara, blaming the promoters for disregarding local sentiments.
Speaking during the ‘special hour’ in Sunday’s National Assembly session, CPN (Unified Socialist) lawmaker Jayanti Devi Rai stated that the project moved forward without local consent, turning the religious site into a protest zone. She urged the government to resolve the issue through dialogue and prioritize essential infrastructure like roads, water supply, and education over concrete structures at sacred sites.
Similarly, CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Renu Chand highlighted that the Pathibhara area, a significant religious and cultural site for indigenous communities, has been disturbed by the project. She also alleged that the local administration used force against demonstrators and demanded free treatment and compensation for injured protesters.
Other lawmakers raised various issues, including delays in earthquake relief efforts in Jajarkot, police interference in an inter-caste marriage in Sarlahi, and the lack of basic health services in Karnali province. Meanwhile, Tulasa Kumari Dahal, President of the Legislation Management Committee, defended the government’s use of ordinances to boost investment and governance.
