The panel formed by the government to research the possibility of the construction of the international airport in Nijgadh, has handed over their study report to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The probe committee of experts, led by Birendra Bahadur Deuja, handed over the study report to PM Deuba in a program held at the Prime Minister’s residence Baluwatar today, in the presence of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Jeewan Ram Shrestha.
The report paves way to construct an international airport in Nijgadh – which has been topic of debate as studies have shown extensive damage to the jungle – including felling of over 500,000 trees, and disruption of a natural wildlife corridor.
After a complaint was filed in the court by environmentalists and other members of the civil society, a supreme court verdict stated that the airport could be constructed in an alternative place by carrying out the environmental impact assessment of the site objectively and logically.
As per the order of the Supreme Court, the group formed by the decision of the Council of Ministers on August 11 to study and submit a report for the construction of a full capacity international airport prepared a study report.
The report came to the conclusion that an international airport with full capacity to handle the growing air traffic is necessary for Nepal’s far-reaching development and economic prosperity.
According to the report, 9,000 hectares will be declared as airport protection area and the airport, among which about 4,000 hectares will be used for the construction of the airport and the rest of the area will be protected by the airport management. The area suggested is between the Pasaha River and Bakaiya River, which is connected to the Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway and the East-West Highway.
The expert group has suggested that the airport city concept should be abandoned, keeping in mind the Supreme Court’s order to reduce felling of trees and environmental damage. The study team included experts of various sectors including Rameshwor Khanal (Economist), Surya Raj Acharya (Development Planning), Sangita Singh (Urban Development), Prem Bahadur Budha (Wildlife), Suresh Kumar Ghimire (Forest Science), Lachhi Singh (Sociologist), Krishna Bikram Poudel Chhetri (Pilot), Chandra Kant Gyawali (Lawyer) and Mahesh Kumar Basnet (Air-route Expert).
Meanwhile, PM Deuba has suggested the construction of the airport should not be delayed.
