The Gandaki Province Government has allocated a budget of NPR 15 million for the fiscal year 2080/81 to develop infrastructure at various religious and tourist destinations across the district. The budget is part of 11 different plans, with NPR 12 million earmarked for 10 projects under the Tourism and Industry Office, and NPR 3 million allocated for one project under the Directorate of Tourism, Commerce, and Consumer Rights Protection in Pokhara.
According to Chief Poshannath Sharma, the budget allocation for these projects has already moved forward with surveys, cost estimations, the formation of consumer committees, and the contract procedure. The Dhaulagiri Circular Trek project, located in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-4, will be implemented through the Directorate of Tourism.
The budget breakdown for specific projects includes NPR 20 million for tourism infrastructure development at Khopra Lake in Annapurna Rural Municipality-5 and the trekking route leading from Kali Barah Temple in Raghuganga Rural Municipality to the Dhaulagiri Icefall.
Other projects receiving a budget of NPR 10 million each include the conservation of Nagi Devi Temple in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-4, the Gayatri Temple in Ward No. 3, the trek from Majhkharka-Okharbot to Sājhpani, infrastructure development at Shanti Park in Beni Municipality-7, Dhyankuti infrastructure in Ward No. 2, the Masindhunga-Thaknapokhari single track in Ward No. 6, the trek from Malkwang Dhadakateri to Gaskhar in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-5, and the trek from Bim-Tallogau in Malika-7.
While the region has abundant tourist attractions, there has been a concern about the relatively low allocation of budget for tourism-related projects compared to other districts in Gandaki Province. Rajesh Shakya, Senior Vice President of the Myagdi Industry and Commerce Association, pointed out that there is a persistent issue of insufficient funding and the incomplete nature of the plans.
In the previous fiscal years, Myagdi received the following allocations: NPR 20 million for eight projects in fiscal year 2078/79, NPR 192 million for 21 projects in 2079/80, and NPR 156 million for 18 projects in fiscal year 2080/81. However, only four out of the 18 trekking route projects that began in the fiscal year 2080/81 have been completed, and most of the plans, including the Kali Barah Trek, have not been continued into this year.
Stakeholders have emphasized the need for continuous budget allocations for unfinished projects, as incomplete infrastructure hinders local citizens from benefiting from the developments.