Lawmakers grill CAAN leadership over rising air accidents

Kathmandu, July 25: In the wake of casualties in the fresh air accident that occurred in the federal capital itself, the regulatory body of aviation sector, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), has been censured by the lawmakers.     

They said why the major stakeholders were mute spectators while the plane crashes were on rise in recent years, which ultimately dents the nation's image.     

During the meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee under the House of Representatives on Thursday, the lawmakers questioned who were responsible behind the air crashes Nepal witnessed, resulting into huge loss of human life and property. They underlined the need for rigorous study and effective enforcement of the study reports. However, non-implementation of the reports was another worrying trend, the parliamentarians voiced.     

Those found guilty behind the incidents must be booked, they were vocal.     

The government has been made aware to run the two international airport- Gautam Buddha and the Pokhara- left idle out of the federal capital.     

On the occasion, lawmaker Uday Shamsher JB Rana was loud that CAAN is the most responsible entity behind the Saurya Airlines plane crash. So, its certain officials warrant legal action, he voiced.     

The trading barbs between the regulatory body, CAAN and the functionary, Nepal Airlines Corporation, must end to seek solution to the problems that is earning infamy to the nation. "A separate entity is required for air safety," he demanded.     

Similarly, Sishir Khanal viewed air safety was becoming a pressing issue, so concerned bodies must be brought to legal ambit. Under the present leadership of CAAN in two and half years alone, seven fatal air incidents were witnessed, that claimed the lives of 118 people. Time has come for moral responsibility, he stressed.     

Sudan Kirati suggested forwarding a bill on splitting CAAN in order for air safety.     

Bimalendra Nidhi wondered why our initiatives were in short supply to get Nepal removed from blacklist of EU's air safety.     

However, CAAN Director General Pradeep Adhikari responded that it would be difficult to vouch reasons behind air crash until the investigation report is released.(RSS)