KATHMANDU: Raj Kishor Yadav, Chairman of the International Relations and Tourism Committee, asserted that decisive action should be taken against individuals involved in planning the construction of Pokhara International Airport.

Speaking at a program commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority in Kathmandu on Friday, Yadav, who is also a leader of Janata Sanajwadi Party, emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who invest substantial amounts in the airport without a comprehensive long-term strategy.

He pointed out that individuals contributing billions to the airport without a clear plan should be held responsible for the potential failure of the international airport.

Yadav stressed that all parties involved in the planning should share responsibility, emphasizing that any substantial investment must align with defined goals, objectives, and business plans.

He stated that the Committee would thoroughly examine whether self-interest motivated the construction of a long-term project like Pokhara International Airport.

President Yadav cautioned that the Committee had obtained all relevant files pertaining to the Pokhara Airport and vowed to investigate the details within.

Culprits identified through the investigation would face consequences, he affirmed.

He cited the example of Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, expressing disappointment that it, too, struggled to generate business.

Expressing his frustration, Yadav alleged that a strategic game was underway to hinder the development of Nijgarh Airport, using Pokhara and Bhairahawa International Airports as diversions.

He accused individuals with anti-development and anti-Madhesh sentiments of orchestrating this scheme from the comfort of a five-star hotel in Kathmandu, arguing against the construction of Nijgarh Airport.

Yadav contended that the aviation sector, if developed, could be a major contributor to Nepal’s GDP.

He stressed the need to foster the aviation sector’s growth for Nepal to achieve economic prosperity, gain international respect, and address the unemployment challenge.