KATHMANDU: The International Relations Committee (IRC) of the Lower House has directed the government to start the construction work of Nijgadh International Airport at the earliest.

Endorsing a report tabled by IRC-formed panel to study, monitor and analyze the problems related to civil aviation on Monday, the parliamentary committee decided to forward the report to the concerned body for implementation.

The report stated that the construction of the international airport would be started as soon as possible after finalizing the long-term master plan.

The IRC instructed the government to expedite the work and process related to the relocation of Tangiya Basti and other settlements at the airport construction site.

It has also urged to move ahead with the work/process related to felling trees at airport construction site as soon as possible by fulfilling the necessary procedures and criteria.

The committee also directed the government to implement the suggestions presented by the concerned bodies based on the report prepared after the on-site study and monitoring of the airport.

The IRC passed the report while confusion about the future of the project persists following the recent decision of the Supreme Court in relation to Nijgadh International Airport.

The full text of the Supreme Court’s decision is yet to come.