Parliamentary committee continues discussions on Air Services Authority Bill

Kathmandu, July 24: The International Relations and Tourism Committee under the House of Representatives (HoR) continued deliberations on the Nepal Air Services Authority Bill- 2081 BS today, too.     

In the today's discussions, the lawmakers who have promised amendment to the Bill echoed the need for a clear policy for ensuring safe, effective and reliant air services.     

Hitraj Pandey called for proceeding with the Civil Aviation Authority Bill and the Nepal Air Services Bill simultaneously as their deeply interlined.     

As he said, the second Bill has not given more focus on the production of required workforces and the operation of training domestically which is necessary to enhance the quality of air services.     

He proposed to amend the provision that allows secretary to head the Board of the Authority, citing that the line minister should head it for its effective operation and systematization.     

Yogesh Bhattarai expressed concern over the rising number of air crashes in Nepal. “There are 55 airports in the country, but not all are currently operational,” he said. He stressed that the number of airports needed in the future should be determined through strategic planning.     

Rather than building new airports, he advocated prioritizing the upgrading and modernization of existing ones. The former tourism minister also identified human error and adverse weather conditions as major contributors to air crashes, calling for a stronger meteorological forecasting system.     

Sumana Shrestha emphasized that the Bill should clearly outline provisions related to private sector investment in the aviation sector. She also recommended including a clause on the formation of an independent investigation unit to handle air crash incidents.     

Similarly, Ramkrishna Yadav called for a structural overhaul of the air services sector.(RSS)