President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said post-earthquake reconstruction should be expedited in order to enhance tourism in the country.

Inaugurating the first Tholedemba Tourism Festival in the district on Friday, the head of state said, “It is crucial to reconstruct the heritage sites destroyed in the devastating earthquake two years ago in order to preserve our culture and monuments for future generations and for sustainable development of tourism.”

Highlighting the trekking route as a perfect escape away from urbanisation, industrialisation and pollution, President Bhandari said agriculture, tourism and energy have rich potential for development in the country. “Therefore, it is important to develop trails and trekking routes,” she said, stressing the need to promote herbs for local development. “We should promote organic agro-tourism in the country.”

Addressing a function at the Sukuna Multiple Campus in Morang, Bhandari said improvements in education would promote democracy, peace and stability.

Sankhuwasabha survivors sign aid deal

SANKHUWASABHA: The National Reconstruction Authority started to sign housing aid agreements with the earthquake victims in Sankhuwasabha on Thursday. Chief District Officer Shivaraj Joshi handed over the documents of aid agreement to nine quake victims of Panchkhapan Municipality-4. There are 1,878 quake affected households included on the housing reconstruction aid list in the district. (PR)