Aviation service to be decentralized: Minister Dhakal

Kathmandu :  Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhanubhakta Dhakal has said the government would mull the decentralization of province-level aviation service in the flights like Biratnagar-Lukla. At a discussion programme organized by Industry Organization Morang, and Morang Trade Association on the problems of tourism entrepreneurs here today, Minister Dhakal informed that he would make policy level efforts to this regard after visiting Nijgadh, Lumbini and other places in Sudurpaschim Province.

Reminding that he was aware of the tourism business subsided in the wake of Covid-19, Dhakal expressed belief that he would take initiative to solve the problems facing the entrepreneurs being their guardian. He suggested the private sectors to help create favourable atmosphere in Lumbini for the tourists come from China and India. Religious tourism could draw more tourists from India, the Minister argued.

According to him, Province-1 is in the front with several religious, historic and archaeological places, where he said, had low tourists’ arrival as compared to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Sauraha. He also sought assistance from the private sectors to extend the tourists’ stay with creation of physical infrastructures.

Various people including Organization Chair Bhim Ghimire, Association Chair Prakash Mundada, and tourism and hotel entrepreneurs demanded the government to make systematic and safe the border operation for more arrival of Indian tourists; conduct air service from province to neighbouring countries from ATR plane; provide loan to the entrepreneurs at minimum interest; conduct religious fair in the places like Barahachhetra and end the hassles meted out by the security persons to Indian tourists.

Ratopati