Kathmandu: Mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, Tirtharaj Bhattarai, ended his hunger strike on Sunday. Bhattarai had been protesting at Maitighar area in Kathmandu since July 30, advocating for the promotion and consumption of bamboo goods and other locally-available agricultural products.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Bhattarai concluded his hunger strike after reaching an agreement on his demands with Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel and Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri. The agreement included actions such as the Urban Development Ministry finalizing the bamboo building code to facilitate the use of bamboo products in construction.
Additionally, it was decided that Khotang district would be designated as a hub for bamboo, promoting it as a zone for bamboo study and promotion. The agreement also involves prioritizing the purchase of bamboo products within agencies under the Ministry of Forest and Environment in the initial phase and implementing guidelines approved by the government for the purchase and use of domestic goods.
Previously, Bhattarai had presented a 7-point demand to the federal government, which included removing legal barriers that restrict the use of bamboo in furniture and buildings. He sought a policy-level decision from the federal government to promote the use of multi-purpose bamboo, compelling local levels to adopt and promote it. Additionally, he demanded that plastic companies pay a 10 percent tax to the local levels.