Ministers Lekhak, Pande at Sagarmatha base camp to enquire on climbing, tourism

Solukhumbu, May 17: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Pande, arrived at Sagarmatha base camp today.     

The ministers arrived at Khumbu Pasanglhamu rural municipality-4 by helicopter.     

They arrived here to observe the issues relating to mountain climbers, tourism and peace and security situation. The Ministers were interested to know closely about rescue works, assistance to mountaineers and convenience to tourists.     

"Helicopter is necessary for the tourists when they are at emergency", Home Minister Lekhak said, adding that government had adopted a policy to convenience tourists.     

He however said misuse of helicopter must be curbed.     

Similarly, Tourism Minister Pande said government was serious towards tourism development. Considering the world destination, the Sagarmatha region, necessary infrastructures and management would be put in place. "Entire regions- mountain, hills and southern plains- of the country are paid heed. We're here to know about the problems facing the local people and tourists. Government will take initiatives to address the problems," he vowed.     

On the occasion, tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders furnished suggestions to the visiting ministers for the holistic management of Sagarmatha region. They also demanded easy access to road, expansion of communication service at base camp, upgrading of Lukla-Khumbu roadway, increase of emergency helicopter service at base camp, and establishment of climbers' welfare fund.     

Similarly, Kami Rita Sherpa, record making climber, and other representatives demanded the ministers that they increased contact officers and extended the term of Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee for five years to look after various activities including oversight of road construction in Khumbu region.(RSS)