KATHMANDU: Mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality in Khotang, Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, has begun a satyagraha (non-violent protest) at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu starting Sunday morning (July 27), putting forth a set of seven demands.

His primary demand is for the government to recognize bamboo, which he says is being wasted, as a tool for economic prosperity. He is calling for a national policy to promote income generation through the use of bamboo and bamboo-based raw materials.

Mayor Bhattarai traveled from Khotang to Kathmandu on July 20, bringing with him traditional bamboo mats, straw-made mats, and woolen rugs, to emphasize the potential of local products.

He began his protest today with a three-day hunger strike from 9 AM to 5 PM daily at Maitighar Mandala. If his demands are not addressed during this period, he has announced he will begin an indefinite hunger strike starting 9 AM on July 30.

Symbolically shaving his head and walking barefoot, Mayor Bhattarai initially reached the southern gate of Singha Durbar with bamboo in hand, but was redirected by police to Maitighar Mandala, where he now continues his fast with bamboo and traditional mats laid out around him.

His demands include creating a conducive environment to utilize bamboo and local raw materials for income generation, which he claims the federal government has repeatedly ignored despite written and verbal appeals.

He also urges the government to formulate a federal law encouraging the use of locally sourced raw materials, introduce building codes and national standards for bamboo-based furniture in public offices, and mandate eco-friendly construction using materials like bamboo, wood, and traditional fabric.

One of his symbolic demands is to declare Khotang as the “Bamboo Capital” of Nepal.