LDT unveils Rs. 775.92 million budget

By Our Correspondent,Bhairahawa, Nov. 13: The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) has announced a budget of Rs. 775.92 million for the current Fiscal Year 2024/25. The budget was approved during a meeting of the Trust chaired by Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, who also serves as the Trust's chairperson.

Treasurer of the LDT, Dhundiraj Bhattarai (Siddhicharan), presented the budget, which includes Rs. 325.92 million in internal revenue and a grant of Rs. 450 million from the Government of Nepal.  Member Secretary of the Trust, Sanuraja Shakya, outlined the LDT 's policies and programmes for the upcoming year, both of which were approved with suggestions.

The proposed budget focuses on increasing revenue by attracting more visitors, expanding the oil lamp services, managing donations and gifts, auctioning timber, and prioritising parking fees, land leasing, and the production and distribution of promotional materials. On the expenditure side, key programmes include implementing the Lumbini Master Plan, carrying out recommendations from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, constructing infrastructure, listing Tilaurakot as a World Heritage Site, and collaborating with local governments.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Pandey pledged strong support from his ministry and himself for the development and improvement of Lumbini. He also highlighted the benefits of the newly launched international flights at the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, emphasising the positive impact on tourism in Lumbini and surrounding areas.

State Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Ministry,  Arun Chaudhary urged the need for efficient use of time to accelerate work.

 During the meeting, Vice-Chairperson of the LDT, Dr. Lharkyal Lama expressed concerns about the lack of adequate support from the ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, and Tourism. He noted that with more consistent cooperation, the Lumbini Master Plan could be completed even without government grants, provided there is more flexible policy support.

The meeting also decided to form a study task force to review the underutilised monasteries and temples in Lumbini, reassessing their contracts and timelines. Additionally, it approved a plan to restructure the organisation to better meet the changing needs of its workforce.