The government has announced the closure of the fully state-owned Udayapur Cement Industry Limited in Jaljale and the Triyuga River Management Office, triggering strong criticism from local residents, political leaders, and civil society.
Udayapur Cement, established in 1987 with full grant support from the Japanese government, is best known for producing the popular Gaida Chhap cement brand. Locals argue that the government’s decision is part of a deliberate strategy to bankrupt the enterprise in order to privatize it under the guise of reform.
Similarly, the Triyuga River Management Office — which had been working to protect 42.5 kilometers of riverbank from floods and erosion using eco-friendly embankments — is also set to be dissolved. Only 30 percent of the project has been completed to date. Project Chief Engineer Rajendra Prasad Dev confirmed that the Udayapur-based office will shut down by mid-July, with its remaining functions to be transferred to Biratnagar.
These closures are part of a broader Cabinet decision to privatize seven public enterprises. The move has sparked widespread backlash. Community members, workers, and local leaders have submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister demanding an immediate reversal of the decision and warning of protests if their concerns are ignored.
