Mayor Balen Accuses Federal and State Governments of Hindering Development Initiatives

In a bold and impassioned address, Balen Shah, the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), has raised serious concerns over the alleged obstruction of the city’s development initiatives by both the Federal and State governments. Speaking at a program in Lalitpur, Mayor Balen lamented the legal challenges he has faced while attempting to implement crucial projects for the city.

Mayor Balen expressed disappointment at the hindrances encountered, stating that his efforts were met with lawsuits when attempting to take action on various projects. He emphasized the importance of supporting local governments in their endeavors rather than impeding them, underlining the vital role they play in carrying out essential tasks for the community.

One of the mayor’s key grievances was the government’s lack of initiative in formulating necessary laws for waste management in the Kathmandu Valley. He accused the federal government of neglecting tasks that could be swiftly addressed, such as those related to waste management, which he argued could be accomplished in minutes to an hour.

In a direct call to action, Mayor Balen singled out Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, urging him to address the legal hurdles hindering the waste management project in Bancharedanda, Nuwakot. He stressed the urgency for proactive measures to ensure the rivers of Kathmandu remain free from encroachment, noting that resolving river encroachment is a task that can be accomplished promptly with the right commitment.

Mayor Balen pleaded for coordinated development, highlighting the importance of synchronizing the growth of all metropolitan cities in the Valley. He identified conflicting federal and local laws as a major barrier to progress and expressed dismay that the state government had resorted to legal action instead of supporting efforts to enhance the brightness of Kathmandu metropolis.