On 19th February 2023 Bikalpa an Alternative collaborated with the Biratnagar Metropolitan Office and organized an Interaction program with the Mayor of Biratnagar, Mr. Nagesh Koirala, to discuss the development of the City. The program’s objective was to introduce the Bikalpa Fellowship Members to the Mayor and discuss our local government’s current plan, policies, and working strategies.
The program started with an introduction to each other and was moderated by Mr. Basanta Adhikari from Bikalpa. During the program, Mayor Mr. Nagesh Koirala asked the audience to share their perspective regarding their ward-level issues. Following that, bikalpa fellowship members raised concerns regarding ongoing cleaning campaigns, footpath control, tax collection, a big project the city plans to build, and programs to deal with flooding and squatter problems. In response to all the issues raised by audience members, Mr. Koirala addressed the topic from different perspectives. At first, he talked about civic participation at the ward level. He told us we must promote civic engagement by encouraging our fellow citizens to participate in local activities, attend events, and volunteer for community initiatives. They can also help to raise awareness about important issues that affect the town.
After that,He also shared that we have been heavily working on improving public services, including healthcare, education, public safety, and community development, over the past few months. Our roads and highways have been upgraded and expanded, making getting around the city easier. We, as local governments, are also identifying local requirements and resources for upcoming local projeInteraction Program with Honorable Mayor of Biratnagarcts and policy implementation. He said there are challenges in reaching a consensus of mainstreaming national and regional priorities, and local governments may need more technical capacity, for example, to identify potential stakeholders to partner with, and many more. He also outlined his vision for the city’s future, including becoming more sustainable and livable.
The program then shifted to discussing opportunities for public involvement in the city’s development. The mayor emphasized the importance of community engagement and encouraged attendees to get involved in upcoming projects and initiatives. He also highlighted several current projects that require public input, such as developing a new park and establishing a waste management system.
In conclusion, the interaction program with the Mayor of Biratnagar provided a valuable opportunity for our Bikalpa Fellowship members to engage with the city’s leadership and discuss the city’s development. Attendees better understood the city’s current state, growth priorities, and public involvement opportunities. The mayor’s commitment to community engagement and sustainable development was evident throughout the program. Overall, the program was a success, and attendees left feeling optimistic about the future of Biratnagar. 36 participants attended the program.
