GANDAKI PROVINCE ALLOCATES RS 2 BILLION FOR TOURISM AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Pokhara. Gandaki Province government has allocated 2 billion rupees for the upcoming financial year targeting tourism and industrial development. The government has given priority to the conservation and beautification of Pokhara's Phewa Lake and the excavation and operation of the national pride Dhauwadi iron mine. The government has allocated 50 million rupees for the beautification of Phewa Lake, the tourism capital Pokhara, in partnership with Pokhara Metropolitan City. The government has stated that the Round Phewa, New Phewa program will be continued along with the conservation of the lake. Similarly, Finance Minister Jit Bahadur Sherchan informed that the construction of Phewa Horizon Pedestrian Bridge and Selfie Bridge in Phewa Lake will be moved forward. According to him, a separate budget has been allocated to advance the construction of a glass bridge in Rupa Tal. The goal is to double the arrival of international tourists within the next 5 years by developing Pokhara as a center for adventure and sports tourism. 250 million rupees have been allocated for the excavation, processing, and operation of the Dhauwadi iron mine in Nawalpur in partnership with the federal government. In addition, the government plans to intensify the search and exploration of other mines and minerals within the province. Sherchan said that coordination will be done with the federal government to bring the Gorakhkali Rubber Industry and Bhrikuti Paper Factory, which have been closed for a long time, back into operation. The government has announced to promote domestic liquor production, branding, and regulation to encourage industries based on local raw materials. 130 million rupees have been allocated for the innovation partnership program to be operated in partnership with all three levels of government to enhance local entrepreneurship, production, and employment. He mentioned that the land acquisition and infrastructure construction work for industrial areas in Punditar and Lokaha Khola will be intensified.