Lumbini, Gandaki agree to work together

By Our Correspondent

Tansen, Sept. 3: A nine-point agreement has been reached for the joint development of Lumbini and Gandaki Provinces. 

On Monday, a joint Chief Minister-level meeting held at Galyang-1 Khanda in Syangja on the border of the two provinces pledged to make inter-provincial cooperation more effective. Lumbini Province Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya and Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey signed the agreement.

Chief Minister Acharya stated that he has been urging the federal government to prioritise the development of both provinces, noting that some decisions were already in the implementation phase. He added that the rights granted to the provinces by the constitution have yet to be fully delegated by the federal government.

CM Acharya emphasised the need for coordination and collaboration between provinces to exercise these rights effectively. Gandaki Province Chief Minister Pandey also highlighted the importance of inter-provincial cooperation in addressing border-related challenges.

Pandey further suggested that Lumbini and Gandaki could be developed into a hub for tourism centred on yoga and meditation. He said such cooperation would encourage the exchange of working practices and experiences, fostering rejuvenation.

The joint meeting also agreed to advance programmes of common interest in line with Articles 232 and 233 of the Constitution of Nepal. An action plan is to be prepared within three months, following a review of the 21-point commitments made at the first meeting in Ranimahal, Palpa.

The meeting resolved to draft a concept paper for the development of the Damodarkunda–Krishnagandaki ‘Uttarbahini’–Lumbini Muktimarg. It was also agreed to initiate transformative programmes under inter-provincial partnership, prepare an action plan for the Kaligandaki coastal area by mid-February, and facilitate the Kartik Mahasnan and Damodar Dharmatsav festivals in the Uttarbahini area to ensure a grand celebration.

A Chief Secretary-level mechanism will also be formed to promote knowledge exchange, maintain legal and policy uniformity, and jointly prepare a detailed project report for a trekking route connecting pilgrimage and tourist sites across both provinces. Ministers, chief secretaries and other stakeholders from the two provinces attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Acharya, inaugurating the silver jubilee of Mohankanya Secondary School, praised the school’s significant contribution to the education sector. On the occasion, he unveiled a commemorative monument prepared by the school.