Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province, Kamal Bahadur Shah, has emphasized the urgent need to promote the province’s rich tourism potential at both the national and international levels. Speaking at the Annual Progress Review Workshop of the fiscal year 2081/82, organized by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment, Shah said that Sudurpaschim carries immense opportunities in tourism, and its identified destinations must be introduced globally.
According to him, the province government has been working with high priority on developing infrastructure in tourist areas, ensuring that local attractions not only receive recognition within Nepal but also gain exposure on the international tourism map.
Infrastructure Development as a Foundation
Chief Minister Shah highlighted that physical infrastructure development is the cornerstone for tourism growth in Sudurpaschim. He underlined that the provincial government has been focusing on improving access roads, amenities, and basic facilities in key tourist destinations.
He particularly stressed on the importance of making travel to Badimalika, one of the region’s most revered religious and tourism destinations, more convenient. “Badimalika has already gained recognition at national and international levels, but the province must focus on enhancing accessibility to ensure more pilgrims and tourists can visit comfortably,” he said.
Mourning the Loss of Pilgrims
During his address, Chief Minister Shah expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragedy in which two devotees lost their lives while visiting Badimalika. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by pilgrims due to inadequate infrastructure and reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving such challenges.
To address this, Shah directed the deployment of a technical team to carry out immediate works aimed at improving the ease of movement in the area. He assured that these works will be completed within this year to prevent further tragedies and ensure safe travel for pilgrims.
Role of the Nepal Army in Development Efforts
The Chief Minister extended gratitude to the Nepal Army for their active involvement in physical infrastructure construction at Badimalika. He remarked that the Army’s efforts have been instrumental in advancing road development and facility improvements in this difficult terrain.
Shah described Badimalika not only as the religious heart of Sudurpaschim but also as a heavenly destination with immense tourism value. “Badimalika is the spiritual center of Sudurpaschim and, from a tourism perspective, it is a paradise,” he noted, stressing that the site’s development would help position the province as a major religious and adventure tourism hub.
Linking Religious and Nature-Based Tourism
Sudurpaschim Province is endowed with diverse tourism attractions, ranging from religious sites such as Badimalika, Khaptad, and Ugratara to natural landscapes including rivers, lakes, and hills. Chief Minister Shah pointed out that linking these attractions through sustainable infrastructure and integrated tourism promotion campaigns would significantly boost the local economy.
He further explained that promoting tourism would not only create employment opportunities for local communities but also contribute to preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the region. The province government, he added, is committed to balancing development with environmental conservation.
Emphasis on Policy and Resource Mobilization
During the workshop, Shah also highlighted the need for transparent and efficient resource mobilization. He instructed the Ministry to expedite the auctioning of timber collected from forest areas through public tenders. “The ministry must manage the sale of timber through a tender process to ensure transparency and generate revenue for development works,” he said.
This, according to him, would provide necessary funds that could be reinvested in infrastructure projects, including tourism-related development. By mobilizing local resources effectively, the province can achieve sustainable growth and reduce reliance on external funding.
Future Vision for Tourism Development
Looking ahead, the Chief Minister emphasized that the provincial government will continue to prioritize infrastructure development in tourist areas, strengthen promotional campaigns, and foster public-private partnerships. He encouraged stakeholders to work collaboratively in showcasing Sudurpaschim’s unique attractions to both domestic and international audiences.
He also reaffirmed the government’s determination to integrate tourism development into the broader framework of economic growth. By doing so, Sudurpaschim could become a leading tourism destination, attracting pilgrims, trekkers, nature lovers, and international travelers alike.
The Annual Progress Review Workshop served as a platform to evaluate the achievements of fiscal year 2081/82 and outline future strategies for tourism, environment, and industry development in Sudurpaschim Province. Chief Minister Shah’s call for global promotion of Sudurpaschim’s tourism potential underscored the province’s vision to establish itself as a dynamic tourism hub.
With ongoing infrastructure projects, enhanced safety measures, and stronger promotional campaigns, the government aims to unlock the vast potential of Sudurpaschim’s religious and natural heritage. The development of Badimalika and other tourist destinations is expected not only to strengthen the cultural identity of the province but also to boost the livelihoods of its people by positioning Sudurpaschim on the global tourism map.
