Biratnagar, November 13:

Despite all odds, 12 newspapers are being published from Urlabari VDC of Morang district.

“Its a challenge for journalists of the capital and other cities that, despite many obstacles, Urlabari-based journalists are publishing 12 newspapers, regularly,” said Durga Prasad Khatiwada, publisher and editor of Alakapuri weekly.

There are no industries or many advertisers but journalists here have crossed all barriers to publish newspapers, which are circulated in Biratnagar, Madhumalla, Itahara, Rajghat, Sijuwa, Pathari, Mangalbare, Tandi and Damak.

In this context, local journalists, including editors have formed a Media Club, Nepal, to network themselves to ensure better coverages.

Editor Khatiwada said: “Yugbani is the first weekly paper in Urlabari, published by Ramesh Bhattarai Pakhe.” There is a great competition among newspapers here since 2002, president Prasai said. At present, Yugbani, Phewa, Pathivara, Digest Times, Alakapuri, Purba Jyoti, Ghardailo, National Samacharpatra, Divya Drishti, Dabo, Akhandadesh Prem and Urlabari online- newspapers are being published from Urlabari VDC. Some of them are receiving government facilities.

Ramesh Bhattarai, publisher and editor of Ghardailo weekly, has distributed his newspaper in rural areas also. Many of the rural villages here have good access to newspapers published in Urlabari.