DPM Khadka vows prosperous Karnali in 10 years

KARNALI: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Purna Bahadur Khadka has pledged to make Karnali Province prosperous within a decade. "We will hand over a prosperous Karnali to the new generation in 10 years," he reaffirmed.

At the inauguration of Suntharali Airport in Naraharinath Rural Municipality-1, Kalikot district, on Monday, DPM Khadka stated that Karnali Province is the richest in terms of potential and opportunities. He highlighted the region's natural, religious, cultural and tourism potential, and emphasised the need for political unity for Karnali's development.

"Karnali has unique features. All parties must share a common vision for the development of agriculture, health, tourism, hydropower and medicinal herbs in this region," he said, adding that large-scale hydropower projects were being pursued to ensure prosperity for the new generation in the next 10 to 15 years.

He claimed that the promises made to the people in the last election have been fulfilled. "We've come here to convey that the commitment made during the election has been achieved," DPM Khadka said, urging the relevant local level to ensure regular flights from Kalikot to the provincial capital, Surkhet.

On the occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, said, "The Civil Aviation Authority currently needs six planes. We're purchasing aircraft to serve the sick, pregnant, elderly, students and those in need in Karnali."

He pledged to conduct a flight once a week in Kalikot. Minister Kirati also highlighted the natural beauty and tourism potential in the region, which could be enhanced through air service in Kalikot.

At the event, Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Raj Kumar Sharma, said it took nearly 40 years to realise the dream of having an airport at Suntharali, Kalikot. During this period, almost three dozen people died due to a lack of timely transportation needed in emergencies, especially for healthcare.

According to him, the federal government was urged to realise internal air service in Karnali Province. He sought special cooperation from the federal government for the smooth operation of flights.

Former Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, also recalled that Suntharali airport was realised after the tragic loss of dozens of lives due to a lack of air transportation. He reminded that immediately after the restoration of democracy - possibly in 2049 BS - then lawmaker Dharma Datt Upadhyay and then chairperson of District Development Committee, Dip Bahadur Shahi, had laid the foundation stone for the airport.

By RSS