KATHMANDU: Mayor Tirtha Raj Bhattarai of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality in Khotang has begun an indefinite hunger strike in Kathmandu after his earlier three-day fast failed to bring any response from the authorities.

The indefinite strike started at 9 AM on Wednesday, July 30, at Maitighar Mandala. Bhattarai had previously staged a hunger strike from July 27 to 29, fasting daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Dissatisfied with the lack of government action, he escalated his protest into a fast-unto-death.

Among his key demands are the need for a policy-level framework to manage monkeys and other wild animals, the development of building codes and standards (NAMs) to promote the use of bamboo and raw materials in government offices, and the formulation of laws to regulate and penalize crusher industries and others exploiting natural resources irresponsibly.

He has also called for the legal authority for local governments to impose an additional 10 percent tax on industries producing plastic waste and polluting the environment.

Another major demand is the prosecution of contractors who have abandoned road and bridge construction projects between Kathmandu and Khotang.

He insists these projects must be completed without further delay. Mayor Bhattarai has stated that his movement is a peaceful form of ‘satyagraha’ and made it clear that he will not break his fast until all his demands are fulfilled.