The National Concern and Coordination Committee of the National Assembly has directed the government to expedite the works on Nijgadh International Airport by resolving the controversy surrounding tree felling in the area.

The meeting of the parliamentary committee on Monday asked the government to address the issues related to the public concerns regarding development of the airport.

According to committee Chairperson Dil Kumari Rawal, it has directed the government to ensure swift progress of the national pride project by addressing the public concerns.

During the meeting, Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari said the government was committed to construct the airport by addressing the issues raised by various stakeholders.

The government is cautious about the situation and is taking necessary measures to mitigate environmental damage, he said, adding that the works were initiated only after preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Minister Adhikari also invited the lawmakers of the parliamentary committee to monitor the works on the international airport. Responding to criticism from members of the parliamentary committee over delays in the project, Minister Adhikari expressed commitment to complete the tasks within the stipulated timeframe. The committee has also asked the government to complete the works of the Gautam Buddha International Airport within a year, while directing the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to manage compensation to the rightful land owners affected by the project and begin the construction of the Pokhara International Airport.

Similarly, the parliamentary committee has also directed the government to make the properties of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) transparent. Chairperson Rawal also said the committee meeting on Monday also told the PADT to make all the donations to the Pashupati temple public and directed the Lumbini Area Development Fund to begin preparing its master plan at the earliest.