Kathmandu/khotang, July 28 -- Tirtha Raj Bhattarai, mayor of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality in Khotang district, is widely known as the 'Bamboo Mayor.' Whenever he visits government offices at Singh Durbar, officials greet him, saying, "Here comes the Bamboo Mayor," because he consistently raises the bamboo issue and demands policies to promote its use and production.

Since his election in 2022, Bhattarai has actively pursued government support for local bamboo industries. He has visited ministries and related departments multiple times, meeting ministers and secretaries, pushing for policy formulation. Yet, no official policy or programme has been adopted.

He submitted a seven-point demand letter to Prime Minister KP Sharma O...