KATHMANDU: The government has moved ahead with the formation of a panel of experts to conduct a study concerning yet-to-build new international airport in Nijgadh of Bara.

Speaking at the International Relations and Human Rights Committee of the Parliament on Monday, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) Pradeep Adhikari said preparation was underway to form the panel.

The Supreme Court a few weeks ago ordered the government to form a panel of experts before starting works on Nijgadh International Airport in Bara. The apex court also ordered the government to build the airport by avoiding possible environmental impact and in concurrence of expert suggestions.

A CAAN board of directors meeting held on Sunday decided to take a proposal for forming a panel of experts to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Also speaking at the meeting, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jeevan Ram Shrestha said big projects will be implemented as per the suggestions of the panel of experts from now onwards.

“We will make sure that there is the least possible impact on the environment. We will plant trees for every tree felled during airport construction,” he said, adding that the government will implement the suggestions given by the panel of experts.