Doti, Feb 26: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale reaffirmed his commitment towards the development and promotion of the Khaptad Area, a protected area stretching across Bajhang, Bajura, Achham and Doti districts.    

Minister Ale said so in an on-site visit of Khaptad and Dipayal Airport in Doti district today.    

Standing at 3,500 metres above sea level, the Khaptad Area is home to 567 types of vegetation, medicinal herbs and 260 species of birds and other wild animals. The high hill area has Tribeni Dham, Nagdhuna, Ashram of Khaptad Swami and 22 meadows.    
    
Calling for cooperation from all quarters to develop and promote Khaptad Area, he opined that if the Khaptad area and Badimalika areas are developed, it could help change the face of Sudurpaschim Province.    

Dubbing these areas as incredible natural gifts, he viewed that these areas could attract more tourists round the year if roadways and other infrastructures are in place.    

He opined that cultural, religious and tourism development of these areas are important to develop Sudurpaschim Province and put it on the world's map.    

During the inspection, the Minister assures us to put in place all necessary infrastructures to welcome more tourists.    

The Tourism Minister shared that the construction of various development projects is underway at different places like Khaptad Area, Badimalika, Ramaroshan, Saipal, Shaileshwori, Ugratara, Malikarjun, Ninglashaini among other tourist destinations in the Sudurpaschim.    

Furthermore, he informed that the federal government has already allocated a budget for a fast track to be built from Khutiya in Kailali district to Bajhang.    

Minister Ale said that his ministry and himself were effortful to revitalize the tourism sector hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic for the past two years.