Kathmandu: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has slapped a fine of Rs 100,000 on the ruling CPN (UML) for environmental pollution caused during a mass demonstration held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Durbar Marg, the city’s downtown.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, leader of the CPN-UML, delivered a speech at the event.
The fine was levied in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Act, 2011, and the Economic Act of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, 2081. According to the statement from the Metropolitan Corporation, the penalty was due to the littering of solid waste on the open road, which led to environmental pollution during the demonstration.
Mayor Balendra Shah, who contested the last local elections as an independent candidate, has been a vocal critic of political elites, especially CPN-UML chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Shah has repeatedly targeted the Prime Minister Oli over various alleged corruption scandals, including the Giribandhu scam, the Dharahara project, and the case involving CPN-UML provincial assembly member Rekha Sharma who was accused of child abuse.
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s decision to fine CPN-UML, the party leading a two-thirds majority government in coalition with the Nepali Congress, is seen as a significant move. Despite the potential political fallout, Mayor Shah remains resolute in his stance against political corruption and the dominance of political elites.
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