KATHMANDU: Nepal Trust on Friday defended its move of extending the lease to Yeti Holdings for the operation of Gokarna Forest Resort to ensure that the land does not turn into a pasture.
The government authority, formed to manage the former royal family’s properties, has been criticized for extending the lease of the property six years before the expiry of the term and that too in a minimal rent.
Organizing a press conference in the capital on Friday, the Nepal Trust authorities claimed that the decision was timely to ensure the protection of the land.
Responding to journalists’ queries, joint secretary of Nepal Trust, Rajeshwar Gyawali said there was a possibility of turning the gold course into a pasture if the authorities had not acted on time.
Gyawali defended the decision terming it ‘lawful’. “We have no regrets,” he said.
Likewise, Secretary of the Trust, Gajendra Thakur dismissed allegations that the authorities acted under pressure from the private sector.
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