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Govt will build Nijgadh airport if investors not interested: Minister Bhattarai

Yogesh Bhattarai assumes office as the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

Kathmandu, August 13

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai has said that if foreign investors do not wish to build Nijgadh International Airport, the government will do it on its own.

Speaking at the national concern and coordination committee of the National Assembly, Bhattarai said that if the Investment Board of Nepal does not secure funds to build the airport, the government can invest Rs 20-25 billion on the airport every year.

“The funds required to build this airport can be given by the government. Spending Rs 20-25 billion per year should not be that difficult,” added Bhattarai. The minister’s comments come a day after tourism ministry officials held talks with the Investment Board to discuss the issue. Bhattarai last week had said that he wanted to lay the foundation stone to the airport by December.

He said that laying the foundation stone was important as it would spread a positive message. “It will show that the government cares. It will show that we are focused to make sure that his pride project is a success,” he said.

Minister Bhattarai further added that an afforestation campaign would be launched before cutting down trees for the airport. “People need to realise that I want build an airport. I’m not here to cut down trees. I am here to construct a good airport,” he said.

The tourism ministry is also holding talks with the forest ministry to discuss the issue on Wednesday.

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