POKHARA: Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Sharat Singh Bhandari said here today a separate body is needed to develop the overall tourism activities of Pokhara so as to construct an international airport, preserve Fewa Lake and develop tourism infrastructure. Addressing the seventh anniversary of the International Mountain Museum (IMM), he said the Lumbini-Pokhara fast track is a government priority and added that time has come for all to show by actions rather than just talk about development. Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister Surendra Pandey said $70 million have been allocated for the airport from the loan received from China and for Upper Trishuli Hydro Power Project. He added that China will be requested for the rest of the amount too. Minister Pandey said talks are being held with Asian Development Bank for construction of the mid-hill east-west highway and added that it would boost the development of 20-25 towns. At the programme presided over by Nepal Mountain Association's Ang Chhiring Sherpa, Pokhara Tourism Council chairman Bachchuram Tiwari, Nepal Tourism Board member Ganesh Bhattarai, JICA volunteer Dr Fusimi Sensei, Tourism Ministry joint secretary Laxman Bhattarai and vice-chairman Bhumilal Lama also expressed their views. The museum has hundred ropanis of land and administrative and museum buildings and other physical infrastructure worth Rs 113.4 million. It earned Rs 855,290 in FY 060-61 BS and Rs 6,429, 640 in FY 065-66 BS. As 21 per cent more income or Rs 4.21 million has been raised in six months of the current fiscal year, the museum has become financially self- reliant.