Bhimduttanagar, Feb. 28: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that electrification, industries, hotel, home-stay, road and communications service should be strengthened for sustainable development of the Sudur Paschim state.

Addressing the third Shuklaphanta Tourism Festival here Friday, the President said that stakeholders should pay their attention for the development of dry port, modern bridge over the Mahakali River and development of other physical infrastructures. She said, "Also, our attention should be focused in strengthening economy of the country by upgrading Dhangadhi airport in the regional and international level."

The President hoped that the bodies concerned would advance for the development of West Seti Hydropower Project, Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project, Kailash Mansarovar access route and others, adding that there is huge potential for employment in the Sudur Paschim provided that agriculture was developed. The President furthermore said that Shuklaphanta National Park has immense potential to lure domestic and foreign tourists but needs more physical infrastructures.

Unique identity of Rana Tharu community of the Sudur Paschim was also the issue warranting attention for protection, according to her.

On the occasion, Chief Minister for the Sudur Paschim Trilochan Bhatta shared that the state government was moving ahead by making policies for the tourism development.

During the programme, Mayor of Bhimduttanagar Municipality Surendra Bista felicitated the President on behalf of the city dwellers.