KATHMANDU, JUNE 18

The Indigenous Nationalities Commission today called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, urging that the starting point of the Kathmandu–Terai/Madhesh Fast Track (Expressway) be shifted from Phudol in Khokana, Lalitpur, to Dukuchhap in Godavari Municipality-8.

During the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, Commission Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar presented a study report to the Prime Minister.

The report states that the proposed zero point of the project at Phudol in Khokana, Lalitpur Metropolitan City-21, poses a serious risk of displacement for the indigenous Newar community and infringes on the human rights of local residents.

It also highlights Khokana's identity as a center of religious and cultural heritage for the Newar community, underscoring why it is inappropriate to implement the road construction project in the area.

Furthermore, the report recommends that the government obtain the free, prior, and informed consent of local indigenous communities before implementing any development projects.