Impressive Beauty Poojana Pradhan!

Poojana Pradhan is already an established name in the glamour circles of Nepal. She has been in the entertainment business for almost five years and now she informs us that her last name is actually not Pradhan but Gurung. She says, "My mother's name is Uma Pradhan and my father's Khadga Bahadur Gurung. They divorced when I was a kid and my dad married another woman. I started living with my mom and since the time I can remember I have always used Pradhan and not Gurung. However, on my citizenship and passport, I am referred to as Gurung!" Quite a dilemma one would reckon! She further informs, "I used to spell my name as Puja and it has just been only a few months that I have started writing my name as Poojana. Numerological effect you know!"

As of now, she is working on two movies simultaneously. "I am quite busy with the shooting of 'Kalo Baaz' directed by Deepak Basnet. The other one is 'Timi Ko Hau'. This is again directed by Deepak Basnet. Come Chait and I will be doing another movie called 'Champion' directed by Pradip Shrestha and produced by Maunata Shrestha," informs Poojana.

Things have been going pretty good for her lately. Only yesterday she completed the shooting of a music video -- "Mero Yaad Timilai", directed by Suresh Darpan Pokahrel and Dinesh Adhikari. And this is not where her hectic activities end. She just came back from a trip to Qatar where she had a show and come February 15, she will be leaving for Korea along with 1974 AD. This program is scheduled for February 20. As soon as she returns back from Korea, she will be leaving for Belgium, UK and Australia, for performances for which the dates have already been finalized. "I shall be performing on songs from Nepali films as well as remixed numbers!" states Poojana. Impressive!

Udesh Shrestha's Rahasya

Udesh Shrestha had released his second solo album 'Rahasya' about five months and now he is already working on the third tentatively titled 'Rahasya Vol II'. He mentions that he will be releasing it within three months time, for which he has already started working on the details. He says, "So far, I have recorded five songs! They are called "Pagal Banayou Malai", "Timi Bina Garo", "Jiundo Manche", "Ma Ta Haarharu" and "Nachocha Timi". This album will be in the market under the label of Reeyaz Music Company. My last album was also released from the same company. After the recording is over, we will start working on a music video as well as on the promotion of this album," further adding, "As soon as we are done with the promotional activities of 'Rahasya Vol II', we intend to go back to 'Rahasya' and make a new video from it. Then on, we will promote both the albums together." That is quite a strategy!

Besides all this, he has also been contributing for a collection album titled 'Speed' by DJ Yuva. I have sung a number called "Timilai Chahera" and "Naam Leyera". Both the songs have been visualized. The former one is already released and the latter one is going through some editing." According to information provided by him, he has also sung in an album -- 'Rap Game' -- by Aago Jwala who resides in the UK but is in the country at the moment. "'Rewind II' is scheduled to hit the stands shortly and I might sing in this album as well. Talks are going on!"

Pramod Kharel…New Kid On The Block

Aspiring and talented new artist Pramod Kharel is all geared up to release his second solo album very soon. His first album 'Prapti' released some two years back did receive lukewarm response with the song "Lagcha Timi Sagar Sari" doing the rounds frequently at various countdowns.

He informs us that this second album will be in the music stands under the label of Dhaulagiri Cassette Centre. "I had made up my mind to name this album 'Realize' but an astrologer suggested that I name the album with the initial 'S'. Hence, I have still not been able to figure out the name!" Any suggestions?

Because he had an infection to his throat, he relates that he was not able to release this album much earlier. "I took my own time to prepare this album and during all this while I didn’t do any stage shows as such. In fact, I won't be signing at any shows till 2063 BS is over!" confirms Pramod.

On his previous album, he had just incorporated adhunik songs with a touch of classical flavor. However, this time round, he has worked on "total melodious numbers". "I have eight songs on it and each one of them is different from the other. The songs are of high pitch and have a base of classical but are presented in a ‘westernized format’. (Whatever that means) Most probably, this album will be released by the first week of Falgun and together with it, a music video will also be premiered. The song is called "Bacheko Thiye" and will be directed by Alok Nembang. The shooting of this video is scheduled to happen very shortly!"

Ash-Abhishek's wedding plans

A classical singer from Varanasi is currently on an extended practice session these days in preparation for the most talked about marriage of Bollywood couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.

Channulal Mishra said that he has been invited by Amitabh Bachchan to perform at Abhishek's wedding.

"Amithabh Bachchan said that he wanted to organise a programme on the occasion of the wedding of Abhishek and Aishwarya. He said the date for the wedding was not fixed, but I have come to know that it will be sometime in March," Mishra said.

Families of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai on Monday said that both had got engaged at a private ceremony. Abhishek reportedly placed a diamond ring on Aishwarya's finger.

Speculation of a formal link gained ground after both families visited several temples to pray for them, as their stars were reportedly not in harmony.

Reports of an impending marriage were earlier fuelled after Ajitabh Bachchan, the younger brother of Amitabh, who met a Bangalore based astrologer Chandrashekhar Swami, to see if the couple's horoscopes matched.

The planets also seem to be blessing the couple. They were declared to be perfect by matched by the astrologer.

Abhishek was earlier engaged to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor in 2002, but the marriage was called off for unexplained reasons. Abhishek (30) and Aishwarya (33) have starred together in Hindi films like Dhai Akshar Prem Ke, Kuch Na Kaho, Umrao Jaan and Dhoom II as also Mani Ratnam's "Guru". Aishwarya, who has acted in over 40 films, was crowned Miss World in 1994. Abhishek too has acted in about 40 films.

Rupak Memorial Week

Former FIFA (Federation of International Football Association) referee Late Rupak Sharma was one of the most prominent personalities in the History of Nepali sports. To commemorate his 53rd birth anniversary, Rupal Memorial Foundation (National Talent) shall be hosting Rupak Memorial Week to honor this respected person.

Late Rupak Sharma was not only actively involved in promoting sports in Nepal but was equally active in encouraging education, art and social deeds. Magh 10 will henceforth, be celebrated for which the event has already been planned together with various other programs throughout the week.

On Magh 7 and on Magh 8, Friendship Global Award Writing Competition (School Level) is taking place at Rupak International Higher Secondary School, Kupondol at 11 am. On Magh 9, again Friendship Global Award Writing Competition (School Level) will be held at Rupak Smriti Pratisthan Bhawan, Satdobato at 11am. On Magh 10, Rupak Smriti Pratisthan Bhawan at Satdobato will be inaugurated at 11am and on the same occasion, his statue will also be unveiled. On Magh 10 itself, Aasish Malla, veteran play artist will be honored for his contribution to the development of theatre. An art exhibition on the life and times of Rupak Sharma has also been scheduled. On Magh 11, a friendly football match is planned at the Stadium as well. This match will start at 1:00 pm. Come Magh 12, and there will be a cultural event taking place at Hotel Annapurna, Durbar Marg. This program will commence from 5 pm onwards. On Magh 13, Rupak Memorial Peace Walk will take place. This will start at 8 am from Jawalakhel, Lalitpur Ground and will end at Rupak Smriti Pratisthan Bhawan, Satdobato. On the other hand, at the Rupak International Higher Secondary School, sports week has already started and will last till Magh 6.

Welcome Back Deepak Thapa

After the overwhelming success of the yesteryear hit "Bidesh Janey mayalu Timilai" (Included in the Collection album 'Avisekh' and released way back in 1995), Deepak Thapa seemed to have got rid of his microphone. The song became an instant hit and a regular chart topper. People waited anxiously for more music from him. However, he wished not to make anymore music and was even considered ‘a one hit wonder’!

We decided to talk to him and he shares that he is a "busy man" these days. He admits, "I have been tied up in doing guitar works and music arrangements. On an average I do about 22 guitar takes everyday. The entire day I am busy with it and in the evenings, I am engrossed in doing music arrangements especially for new artists." He also cares to share that he is planning to release his solo album very shortly. "This album will feature songs from my previous album 'Avisekh' along with some other songs. The songs that I have chosen from 'Avisekh' are "Bidesh Janey Mayalu Timilai", "Tesaile Mayalu", "Mera Nayanka Sagar" and "Timi Mero Maya Bani". Since I have a hectic schedule, I can't say right now when this album will be released. One thing which is definite is that I will release it some day soon since my family and my friends are keen to see me do it. I too want to go ahead as soon as I can take the time out to do so." states Deepak.

'Chor Sipahi' Running To Full Houses

Sovit Basnet's movie 'Chor Sipahi' is running to full houses in theatres outside the valley. He opines that this is the first time in the history of Nepali Films that a movie is being shown at 20 theatres simultaneously. "Altogether, we released out seven prints and distributed it to various theatres. Besides this, 13 other theatres are showing the movie on LCD projectors. Previously, the trend was to release out just six prints. The reason for going ahead with my idea is because people in general would be able to watch the movie at the same time and financial logistics can be handled much better without waiting for a long time. This is also the beginning of an “all Nepal release concept”, which is going to help the industry in the long run." shares Sovit.

'Chor Sipahi' is made at a budget of 40 lakhs and the actors in this movie are Bhuwan KC, Ramit Dhungana, Bijaya Lama, Nikhil Upreti, Rejina Upreti and Sanchita Luitel. This movie revolves around a deaf, a blind and physically handicapped men, and the way they fool the world. The flick is said to be comedy based and full of action and entertainment.

So far this movie has not hit the theatres in Kathmandu. However, according to Sovit, 'Chor Sipahi' will be released in the valley within two months. He says, "The movie has been really well received, loved and enjoyed by moviegoers. I am sure that viewers from Kathmandu will also like it since this can be categorized as a paisawasul movie." emphasizes Sovit.

'Lal Salaam' The movie

Everyone is aware of the fact that the Maoist have now joined mainstream politics and now they intend to take one step further (at least we would like to believe so) is that they are all geared to make a movie. According to information just received, this flick shall be titled 'Lal Salaam' and will be directed by Shivajee Lamichane.

As stated by the man himself, shuvamuhart of this movie was held today at the Academy Hall, Kamaladi. He elaborates, "This movie revolves around the struggle that the Maoist went through for the past 10 years. There will not be any typical hero as such in it or some melodrama to witness. Since this flick is based on real life tragedies and finally victory, it is going to be very different! The actors in this movie are the ones who had actually participated in real wars that the Maoists had initiated. Former brigade commander and a company commander will be seen in this movie and will portray incidents that occurred during the time of their right to speech." He also states that some of the actors however will be the professional artists. The names of the people who will be in this movie are Rajan Bam, Chhintan from the Maoist front and the professional actors involved are Ganesh Upreti, Sushil Pokharel and Chet Bahadur Singh among others. "Within ten days time, the entire crew of 'Lal Salam' is scheduled to leave for Baglung for the shoot. They will also be going to the Terai region and Jumla," informs Shivajee.

'Lal Salaam' will be presented by All Nepal Janasanskritik Mahasangh and will be produced by Chalchitra Ekai. Information has it that the movie will be released before the promulgation of the Constitutional Assembly. 'Lal Salam' is said to be completed at a whopping budget of one crore Nepali rupees.

Shivajee has so far produced four Kollywood movies. They are 'Kancha', 'Aago', 'Juni Bhari Lai' with the latest being 'Lal Salaam'. This particular movie is going to be his first flick as a director. He is the central member of All Nepal Janasanskritik Mahasangh and is the coordinator of Chalchitra Ekai and also the chairperson of Ganatantrik Chalchitra Karmi Morcha. Here's wishing luck to the 'Lal Salaam' crew!

Kiran Pradhan’s 'Gurudakshina'

Respected yesteryear singer and prominent musician Kiran Pradhan had established a music studio -- Music Network -- some months back. So, what’s the big deal? According to Kiran Pradhan himself, "Work at Music Network is getting such a response that though I own the company, I myself have not been able to record my songs on time. I am working on my fifth album 'Gurudakshina' but somehow have not been able to slot in time for my songs. I have only complete five songs so far! I intended to release it during Tihar but due to the time constraints at the studio I am definite that this is going to take longer."

His fourth album 'Saugat' was released in 2061 BS. However, no music videos from it were made and now he has three music videos from this new album in the pipeline. The songs are "Timilai Bhetne Rahar", "Arkai Maya Laune Bhaye" and "Sodhna Ma Aaya". The latter video has been directed by himself and the former were shot in London before last Dashain while he was there. "The reason for the delay concerning the music video is because of my hectic schedule!" shares Kiran Pradhan. He also has added responsibility as the principal of Holy Garden School located at Balaju.

The Shadows Still In A Limbo

Everyone is aware of the fact that the band 'The Shadows' have been changing their members constantly! However, it was just a few months back that they had settled down with new members and this time round everyone of us were pretty sure that they would stick with the lineup. After the changes, they had even toured some parts of Nepal.

It seems that 'The Shadows' have the habit of confusing all of us or is this some kind of a publicity stunt? Information now has it that the previous band members (Amit and Prakash Rasaily. Prakash on lead guitar was first replaced by Regan Tuladhar and then by Sunny Manandhar and Amit on the bass was replaced by Aman Tamrakar) who left the band and went to Australia for further studies have in fact not left the band but is still very much making music together. Prakash who is now is Sydney says, "Though we are abroad, we are still making music and working for the benefit of 'The Shadows'. In fact, Amit (who is now in Melbourne) and I have been composing music for 'The Shadows' upcoming third album”. Amit and I meet occasionally and we have been practicing together for this upcoming album."

For a better insight into the matter, we tried to contact the band manager of 'The Shadows' -- Rupesh Sen. His mobile was switched off and when we tried to contact Swopnil (vocalist), he was not reachable. We shall keep trying though and will definitely update you on further developments.

Mampi Ghosh, The New ‘Pawankali’

'Pawankali' a popular program being broadcast from Katipur Television, has managed to get quite a lot of viewer ship lately, thanks to the new anchor . This program was first hosted by Luniva Tuladhar followed by Tara Kandel and now the Bengali beauty Mampi Ghosh has taken up the mantle of continuing the presentation of this very show.

Mampi replaced Tara as 'Pawankali' since Tara had to quit to pursue her further studies abroad. "When I was offered to do the show at first I hesitated, but later decided that I should give it a shot! Initially, I had a little difficulty in getting the accent as well as the typical attitude of Pawankali right. I watched the earlier episodes continuously for almost two days at a stretch. It was only on the third day that I was all geared up to face the camera as the new Pawankali. Taking up 'Pawankali' was a challenge in itself. Now, that I have started, I am also learning a lot of things everyday! I take comments and suggestions in good stead and I make sure not to repeat my mistakes." She further adds, "It is only natural for people to compare me with the previous Pawankalis and at times this new Pawankali might not have the same effect on people but I promise to work hard and not to disappoint the 'Pawankali' fans and well-wishers in the days to come."

Pawankali aka Mampi Ghosh also works as a radio jockey at Radio Nepal. She has been presenting programs like 'Fool Times', 'Nishana Achuk', 'Gharsangi' and 'Bollywood Express' for quite some time now. She started her career as an anchor at Hits FM where she worked for two years. She then worked at Green Productions and hosted programs for Nepal FM. She also did the show 'Timro Sur Mero Geet' for Nepal Television.

Gyanu Rana’s New Remixed Album!

Prominent adhunik and an accomplished bhajan singer Gyanu Rana who has been in the Music industry for almost 30 years now informs us that she intends to re-mix some of her old numbers and incorporate them in an album titled 'Best of Gyanu Rana'. She says, "There will be altogether eight to ten full fledged re-mixed songs on it and I will be singing all of them! The reason for going ahead with this is I believe one should move according to the times. The work regarding the arrangements and mixing has been taken care of by DJ Santosh and Buddha Sayami. It should be released by February 2007."

As of now, she has completed the recording of "Changba Oi Changba" and "Kasailey Bujhena Mero Mann Ko Bahalai". If you think that the re-mixed version of "Changba Oi Changba" done by DJ Raju is the ultimate and that another re-mix of the same track may not materialize…maybe we are underestimating Gyanu Rana. She opines, quote “the version Mausami did is quite artificially done and the way I have re-done it is far better than that!" Not only this, but she is confident that this album is also going to do wonders in the market commercially. "I have sung around 1200 numbers and I am 100 per cent sure that this album of mine is going to surpass all expectations. I can say this because of my years of experience in the music field."

She also informs that the music video of "Changba Oi Changba" is being worked out and DJ Santosh will be singing along with her as well.

All said and done, she has just completed yet another bhajan album, which is scheduled for release very shortly under the label of Purnima Cassette Centre. Lastly, she shares, "the compositions are all done by me except for two songs, which has been done by Krishna Devi Ranjit and Dhundi Raj Koirala."

MUTU POLCHA....

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Riff Raff, a new band in nepali music field

Riff Raff (Pravakar on vocals, Keshab Subba on bass guitar, Sharad Thapa on drums, Satyam Rai on lead guitar, Sunil Pradhan on vocals and rhythm guitar and Aseem Lama on keyboard) is a band which was formed in Kurseong sometime during 1997. They had released their critically acclaimed debut album 'Anyolma' some two years back from Indreni Cassette Centre. Now, they are all geared up to take the music industry by storm with their second album -- 'Sammohan'.

They say, "We are in Kathmandu for the final mixing, mastering and to look for a music company who would be interested in releasing our album. The songs on it have flavors of rock pop and were recorded at Antara Recording Studio, Kurseong. One of the songs on it "Ridaya" speaks about Nepal and the rights of the people after loktantra. The rest talk about the environment of Nepal and the present situation here. Three music videos ("Kohilai Rijhauney", "Ridaya Bhari" and "Mero Maya") have already been made." They further inform us, "Initially, we only sang English numbers and slowly changed our track and started singing Nepali numbers as well. We are here to look at a wider market that Nepal can provide and hope for support and exposure in the Music industry of Nepal. We are hopeful that we shall be accepted by people here and we also believe that the media’s help now will go a long way in encouraging other Nepali musicians from across the border to set their foot in doing something worthwhile in the music field."
Well said!

Mausami Gurung Speaks Out

Looks like things are going really great lately for the talented Mausami Gurung who is one of the most sought after female singers in the country today.

Some months back, she had gone on a tour of Australia along with other Nepali artists and it has just been a couple of weeks since she come back after a series of events in the UK. While she was busy performing abroad, some of our readers got back to us saying that "Mausami, instead of singing Nepali songs to Nepali audience abroad sang Hindi Bollywood numbers. Quote, “If we wanted to hear Hindi songs why would we call her here!". We often hear about Nepali artists entertaining their audience with Hindi numbers while touring abroad; not that we want to make an issue out of it. After all, artists are required to entertain the crowd and give them their money’s worth irrespective of what language they sing in. Nevertheless, since it was one of the burning issues plaguing some of our readers, we decided to talk to Mausami herself and get her thoughts on it.

She admits that she did sing a Hindi number ("Dummaru Dum") while she was performing in Australia. She says, "Music is something which is very broad. My opinion is that at the end of the day music is music. It is not something which can be chained by a nationality or language. It is so diverse and everyone should be open about it. I did sing that Hindi song since the audience was asking for more encores from me. I had sung "Changba Oi Changba" a zillion times and I thought they might get bored of it. James Pradhan who was also performing at the same event asked me to go ahead with it and I saw no reason not to. There are people who like me or anyone else for that matter, singing a Hindi number and there are people who don't like it. Now what are we supposed to do? As I said before, music is music and people should be open about it!" It’s loud and clear Maushami! Hope you are reading this from Australia.

Now, that our questions were answered, more so of one of our readers from Australia, we decided to change the subject and ask her about her next project. She says, "Well, I am working on my second album and I have made an effort to make it different from my previous venture 'Unforgettable'. My plan is to release this new album by the end of January. It has different flavors of songs on it starting from Latino to selo, romantic to R&B. I am also doing a duet with Sugam Pokhael. The song is called "Lyauna Ta". This song was incorporated in my first album as well but this time round we have made many changes on it!" Way to go Maushami! Keep it up and good luck with your second album!

1974 AD’s' On Air

'1974 AD' is no doubt one of the most popular bands in the country today but when it comes to releasing their album, it seems that they prefer to take their own time. Their seventh album On Air was supposed to be released a couple of months back and the halla created then by them had always been "very shortly" but it never saw the light of day! On the other hand, this very album was released in Germany at the Buntay Republic Festival in June 2006.

On Air is already in the market under the label of Santana Records however, '1974 AD' is scheduled to formally release it on January 5 at Moksh, Pulchowk together with a press release.

They say, "When we had released this album at the festival we had made a special cover design of the album. The reason behind the delay regarding its release in Nepal is because when we had a talk with Santana Records, we agreed to release it only after we complete the promos and the music videos. We were already done with the shooting for the video but since the director behind the making of it -- Simosh Sunuwar -- had not completed his work, we had to hold the release of the album in Nepal. The video has not been completed as yet! However, since we are already late, we do not want to hold it any longer and have decided to go ahead with the release of the album now."

They also inform us that the money collected from the CDs of On Air that were sold in Germany and a huge chunk of the proceeds collected from the shows they performed at while they were there have been passed on to a school in Bhotekoshi. The organizers who were responsible for the Buntay Republic Festival were here. "Some time back during August 2006, they were here and together with them we donated the money to the school," claims the AD's. Great gesture!

Anil Singh Makes A 2007 Headstart

Lately, Anil Singh has been keeping a low profile and he reasons that he chose to do so because of his involvement in his own personal affairs and work related to his fourth album. He says, "In 2006, I really was very inactive concerning my music. However, now I am back in business and very shortly I shall resume my work…my music!"

True to what he is saying, he will be leaving for India sometime during the second week of January for a concert in Shillong and Gauhati. Altogether, he has three solo programs fixed for which the dates have already been finalized. The first event is going to kick-start on January 28 followed by another one on January 29. The date for the last program has not been worked on as yet, as per information provided by Anil himself.

Besides this, he has also completed the recording of his fourth album. He informs, "There are altogether 10 songs on it, each of it varies from the other, and I did so as an experiment. The beats range from fast to slow, sentimental to funky and techno to hip-hop. As of now, talks regarding its release is going on with Music.com but nothing has been decided yet on paper. Anything can happen in the last moment and I may or may not release this album under the label of Music.com!" just to let you know his previous album 'Priyatama' was released under the banner of Samjhana Audio Video (SAV).

Butwal Gets Its Share Of Music

After entertaining the fans at the Industrial Trade Fare, Butwal, together with other well known artists, Hemanta Sharma is now in Rajapur, Bardia. Today, he shall be performing at a solo event organized by Lucky Dance Centre scheduled at Rajapur. Local artists from Bardia will also be sharing the limelight with him. "This is the first time that an event of this magnitude has been organized here," states Hemanta. He will be coming back to the capital on January 7.

Giving us more details of his earlier program held at Butwal he says, "Around 40,000 people attended the show on the day of the programs. The other artists who performed at this event with me were Suresh Adhikari, Badri Pangeni, Bhagwan Bhandari and Purushottam Neupane." He further informs, "Sugam Pokharel and Kamal Man Singh will be the highlights of the shows today and tomorrow at the Industrial Trade Fair. Sources from Butwal say that organizers are planning more events of this nature in the near future because of the tremendous response that they have received so far.

Maya Meri Maya, once again....

According to yesteryear pop star Sanjay Shrestha, veteran filmmaker Deepak Rayamajhi is all set to make a movie titled 'Maya Meri Maya'. Shedding more light on the matter, he states that the title of this movie has been taken from his song "Maya Meri Maya", which was a very popular song during its time. He says, "This flick is going to be directed and produced by Deepak Rayamajhi. One of the songs in this movie is going to be the same track i.e. "Maya Meri Maya" and the rest of the numbers will be composed by me." "Maya Meri Maya is a song included in the first album of Sanjaya Shrestha -- 'Mode'.

Recently, Sanjay has completed the composition for Raju Shah's movie 'Sapana Ko Naulo Sansar' and for Sovit Basnet's new movie. He mentions that his sixth album 'Timi Bina' under the name of 'Crossroads' will be released sometime during April this year; being released after a gap of five years. His last album was 'Jau Timi Jau'. "I am hopeful that today's youth are going to love the songs on 'Timi Bina' since I have incorporated music that they go for! The delay in the release of 'Timi Bina' is because I was busy with my personal work." shares Sanjay.

Since 1992, Sanjay has been releasing albums with the name of his one time band 'Crossroads'. A decade has already passed by since 'Crossroads' disbanded but Sanjay still prefers to use the name 'Crossroads'. When we asked him the reason for tagging the name Crossroads with his new music, he mentions, "The band members of 'Crossroads' as well as the band introduced me to the Music industry of Nepal. Now, though the band does not exist, I still have the sentiments and the emotional attachment to it. People do recognize me as an individual but I want the 'Crossroads' to be remembered for a long time. There was a time when I had thought of adding new members to the band and hit the road but so far nothing has been worked out!"

Middle Marsyangdi works to resume

Following written assurances by the government and the Maoists, the German-based consultants of the Middle-Marsyangdi hydropower project have given the green signal to resume its stalled works.

The Fischner JV – international consultant of the project – withdrew its suspension order on Friday paving way for the resumption of the project construction works, which were stalled a week ago.

All the eight contractors of the project had withdrawn their works citing threats by the pro-Maoist workers who reportedly compelled them to recognize their trade union by using intimidating and threatening tactics.

Soon after they suspended the works, the Maoist spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara wrote a letter stating that his party does not have any policy of threatening or using force against contractors or workers of the project. Similarly, the Home Ministry also issued a statement saying it would provide full security to the project workers.

Subsequently, the meeting held among the Nepal Electricity Officials, consultants and contractors on Thursday had decided to resume the project works. The decision was approved by the headquarters of the consultants, which is based in Germany, on Friday. Following this approval, the contractors have decided to resume works from Friday itself.

The 72 MW Middle Marsyangdi project is being financed by German government. Its completion has already been delayed by three years and its costs, too, have doubled due to the delay.

NWSC employees threaten to cut water supply of palace, PM’s residence

The protesting employees of Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC) have warned that they will stop the supply of water to the Royal Palace, Singh Durbar, Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar, minister’s quarters and Birendra International Convention Center from Sunday afternoon protesting the government’s move of amending NWSC Act.

The employees have said that they will divert the water being supplied to these places to taps of general people.

Gopi Khadka, chairman of NWSC Employees’ Association, said, “It is shameful that the all-party government has come up with the most undemocratic decision by passing the controversial bill, which was held back even by the royal regime.”

The employees informed that unlike common consumers, who receive water supply from half-inch pipes at low pressure, the palace, Singh Durbar and the Prime Minister’s residence receive water from five-inch pipes at full pressure.

The water supply to most parts of the country was hit Friday due to the strike called by the employees of the NWSC against the government’s move to privatise water supply.

The employees of NWSC has been protesting the parliament’s decision to pass the NWSC (Third Amendment) Bill, that will entitle the government to handover the government-owned water distribution mechanism to a foreign company.

They have also decided to halt the office work on Sunday and organize protest programme across the country.

They have been protesting stating that pivatisation of water a basic human need, will make it costlier and splitting of NWSC will damage the water supply system.

Khadka further informed that water supply was halted during the office hours.

Members of the Joint Struggle Committee of the NWSC Employees’ Associations shouted slogans against the government’s privatisation drive, burnt the copies of the Bill to Amend the NWSC Act and locked the NWSC office on Friday.

The amendment is a part of reform package under the Melamchi Water Supply Project. With the amendment the NWSC will cede control of Kathmandu valley’s water supply system to the recently registered Kathmandu Valley Water Limited in turn will contact out the management of the system to UK firm.

On Saturday, a struggle committee is presenting an appeal to the Speaker of the House of Representaitves, asking for repeal of the amendment, Khadka added.