In its first 100 days, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has made significant strides, advancing legislation to divide the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and introducing key reforms related to tourism and cultural policies.
The ministry has set the groundwork for future progress by initiating both structural and policy reforms. Among the key actions taken, the ministry submitted a bill to the Council of Ministers to separate the Civil Aviation Authority into regulatory and service provider bodies.
Several legislative drafts have also been forwarded to the Council of Ministers, including the Tourism Act and Casino Regulations, as well as a draft of the Cultural Policy. Additionally, the draft amendment to the Pashupati Area Development Trust Act has been prepared.
The ministry reported that five kilometers of the Great Himalayan Trail have been constructed, and operational plans for Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport have been approved and are being implemented. Of the 920 archaeological heritage sites damaged by the 2015 earthquake, 800 have been reconstructed, with five more completed during this period.
Further, 57 additional peaks below 6,500 meters have been opened for climbing following a cabinet decision. The ministry has also submitted an organization and management survey for review by the Ministry of Finance.
Additionally, the mountaineering permit system has been automated, and progress has been made in drafting the Federal Language Act. Efforts to collect, list, and scientifically preserve national records are also underway, utilizing advanced chemical and physical conservation techniques.
The Lumbini World Heritage Site conservation plan is being actively implemented, and 163 stranded foreign tourists in Samagaun, Gorkha, were rescued by helicopter following heavy rains and landslides. The ministry also highlighted the full utilization of airport capacity to ensure maximum flight operations.
These achievements mark the ministry’s commitment to advancing Nepal’s tourism and cultural heritage sectors while strengthening aviation infrastructure.
Source: RSS
