KATHMANDU: Preparations are underway to table a master plan on the development of the Pashupati Area as an international pilgrim site in the Council of Ministers (CoM), seeking approval, said the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT).

The PADT Governing Council on December 23 had approved the master plan that includes the development of the PADT as a tourist destination by conserving tangible and intangible physical and natural heritages within and around, said PADT Member-Secretary Dr Milan Kumar Thapa.

Assistances and cooperation with the national and international donors and stakeholders will be encouraged for the development of the Pashupati Area, according to the master plan. Infrastructures will be built to provide service and facilities to the devotees, visiting the Pashupatinath Temple.

The government in 2053 BS had approved a conceptual master plan for the planned development of the Pashupati Area. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation is Chairperson of the PADT Governing Council, according to the PADT Act.

The Pashupati Area has been named the national pride project since the fiscal year, 2070/71 BS.

The master plan aims to promote and conserve the historical, cultural, religious, spiritual and artistic aspects and heritages of the Pashupati Area. It also aims to conserve soil structure, land underlying buildings and structures, rivers and forests, and create necessary infrastructures to protect ecology, indigenous animals and birds.

Moreover, the Guthi in the Pashupati Area will be well-managed while reestablishing traditional resources and practices.

RSS