Seven Province Chiefs Convene in Biratnagar for Koshi Declaration as City's Industrial Decline Deepens

Biratnagar is hosting a two-day Inter-Provincial Chief Ministers Conference bringing together the chief ministers of all seven Nepali provinces under Koshi Province's organisation to discuss federalism, economic integration and development partnerships, with a Koshi Declaration expected on day two. The gathering comes as a separate report reveals the city's once-dominant industrial base continues to erode, with factories relocating to surrounding rural municipalities. Meanwhile, twenty-four South Korean nationals were detained in nearby Sundarharaicha after they were found conducting religious activities and proselytisation on tourist visas.

All Seven Province Chiefs Gather for Federalism Summit

A two-day Inter-Provincial Chief Ministers Conference designated as Conference-2083 opened in Biratnagar, with chief ministers from all seven provinces of Nepal participating in the event organised by the Koshi Province government. The conference agenda covers strengthening federalism, inter-provincial coordination, economic integration, utilisation of natural resources, disaster management and development partnerships. On the first day, the seven provincial governments were to exchange experiences about their respective achievements and successful governance practices, alongside the presentation of working papers on federalism, institutional development and inter-provincial economic partnerships. An interaction session with local industrialists and businessmen was also scheduled, focused on production and export promotion. On the second day, the conference is expected to issue a document designated the Koshi Declaration-2083, representing a common commitment by all seven provinces to development partnerships. The chief ministers were scheduled to sign the declaration at ten in the morning, followed by a press conference in the afternoon to publicise the agreed course of action. The conference is intended to advance effective inter-provincial coordination and cooperation and to develop shared development plans that can be pursued jointly across provincial boundaries. Hosting the summit in Biratnagar reflects the city's status as the principal urban centre of Koshi Province and eastern Nepal's most significant regional hub. [7]

🏢 Factories Leaving Biratnagar as Industrial Base Continues to Shrink

Chandra Shiva Rice and Oil Mill, one of Biratnagar's oldest industrial establishments, has relocated from its longstanding site at Thulo Mill Chowk to Hattimuda in Budhiganga Rural Municipality, illustrating a broader pattern of industries departing the city. The mill was among the earliest factories in northern Biratnagar, and the urban settlement that grew up around it gave the nearby intersection the name Thulo Mill Chowk — a name that persists even though the factory is gone. Biratnagar has a deep industrial history: Biratnagar Jute Mill, Nepal's first major industry, was established in the city's southern area, followed by Morang Sugar Mill, Ashok Textile, a match factory and several others. The southern Rani area retains the name Mills Area in memory of this industrial heritage. These factories transformed Biratnagar into Nepal's first significant industrial centre and also made it the birthplace of the country's labour movement, when workers at Biratnagar Jute Mill launched strikes demanding their rights; the site associated with those protests is known as Hadatali Haat. Early factories processed locally produced jute, cotton, rice and oilseeds from Morang and neighbouring districts, encouraging farmers across the region to expand agricultural production. The city's industrial growth helped establish it as eastern Nepal's economic engine. The relocation of Chandra Shiva Mill represents the continuation of a decline that began several decades ago, as industries have been leaving the city for areas where land and operating costs are lower. [3]

24 South Koreans Detained in Morang for Illegal Religious Activities

Twenty-four South Korean nationals were taken into custody from Sundarharaicha in Morang district on charges of engaging in religious activities, training and proselytisation while holding tourist visas, and were sent to the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu for legal action. Local administration and security agencies had increased surveillance on the group following secret information that religious activities were being conducted under the guise of teaching, training and convocation ceremonies at Nepal New Covenant College, located at Sundar Danda in Sundarharaicha Municipality-7, Morang. Investigation found that the visitors had come on tourist visas but were directly involved in religious classes, training and proselytisation contrary to the stated purpose of their visas. Assistant Chief District Officer of Morang, Pawanraj Koirala, stated that the twenty-four Koreans were handed over to the Department of Immigration via air route for investigation and deportation proceedings under sub-sections of the Foreign Citizen Monitoring Directive, 2075. The South Korean nationals had arrived in Sundarharaicha via Biratnagar Airport in two groups, sixteen people on October 6 and eight on October 7, travelling from Kathmandu on Buddha Air or Yeti Air. Six were staying at Nepalarika Hotel and eighteen were housed in the college dormitory. Among those detained was Love Nepal Mission President Dr. Park Gui Hwan. The group had planned to stay in Nepal until October 12 and conduct various religious programmes. [2]

🎉 Biratnagar Kings Train Against Ranji Players in India for Nepal Premier League

The Biratnagar Kings cricket franchise, preparing for the third edition of the Nepal Premier League, are conducting training sessions at the Purvanchal Cricket Academy in Uttar Pradesh, India. The training camp began on September 29, with all players taking part except captain Sandeep Lamichhane, who was away with the national team for the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series in Oman. Lokesh Bam was scheduled to join the camp from October 11. At the academy, the Biratnagar Kings have been playing practice matches under floodlights against Indian players who have competed in the Ranji Trophy, giving the squad high-quality competitive preparation ahead of the domestic T20 tournament. The team is being coached by head coach Dhammika Prasad and spin bowling coach Dinuka Sulakshana. Prasad spoke positively about the India camp, saying the players were receiving good training and using the practice matches to strengthen their preparation for the NPL. With the third edition of the Nepal Premier League in view, the squad has prioritised match practice alongside regular training sessions. Playing against experienced Ranji Trophy cricketers under match conditions and floodlights offers the kind of preparation that is difficult to replicate in Nepal, and the Biratnagar franchise appears committed to arriving at the NPL in strong form. [5]

Sources: [7] Ratopati · [3] myRepublica · [2] Ratopati · [5] OnlineKhabar English News