Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh has expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated “Tourism Year 2082” by Koshi Province will significantly contribute to the national economy. Speaking at the official launch ceremony held at the RR Garden in the picturesque TMJ (Tinjure, Milke, Jaljale) region, Singh highlighted the importance of coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments to uplift the living standards of the people.
The event was organized by the Main Organizing Committee of Koshi Province Tourism Year 2082. Addressing the ceremony as its chair, Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki pledged to correct past shortcomings in the tourism sector and work toward building national capital through the development of tourist destinations.
The TMJ area, renowned as the capital of rhododendrons, has seen the development of several tourist-friendly infrastructures. During the blooming season of rhododendrons, both domestic and international tourists frequent this scenic region. Thousands of tourists from Eastern Terai, and Indian states such as Bihar, Sikkim, and Darjeeling visit this area annually.
Indian Lok Sabha member from Bihar, Ramprit Mandal, who also addressed the event, assured support in sending more Indian tourists to Nepal. He emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties between Nepal and India and lauded the contributions of Nepalis serving in the Indian Army.
The TMJ area lies at the tri-junction of Tehrathum, Taplejung, and Sankhuwasabha districts and is home to 28 species of rhododendrons. The event was coordinated by Laligurans Municipality of Tehrathum. Mayor Arjun Babu Mabuhang shared his belief that developing infrastructure and increasing promotion in such regions will help revitalize the hills and contribute significantly to tourism growth.
Notably, the RR Garden, located in the heart of the rhododendron forest, was conceptualized by Mayor Mabuahang himself. Additionally, Chotlung Park, built in traditional local style, has added to the growing tourist appeal of Basantapur in the Laligurans Municipality. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi, Speaker of the Koshi Provincial Assembly Ambar Bahadur Bista, and Members of Parliament Sita Gurung and Rajendra Rai, among others.
