KATHMANDU: Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Yogesh Kumar Bhattarai has asserted that the government was working for the overall development of Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Speaking at a meeting of the Lumbini Council in the capital today, Minister Bhattarai said several studies have been made for the development of Lumbini, and that the government would develop the place on the basis of these studies.

Culture Minister Bhattarai also expressed the belief that Lumbini’s development would be enhanced after the operation of the Gautam Buddha International Airport.