Kathmandu, July 12

Amid increasing loss of greenery and shortage of drinking water, among other problems, a group of activists have launched a campaign to transform Kathmandu, also historically referred to as Nepal Mandal, into a thriving tourist hub.

According to Padam Raj Joshi, one of the campaigners, the drive has been initiated to reduce the Valley’s pollution and preserve its rich cultural heritages and develop tourism infrastructure on the outskirts of the Valley to promote those areas as tourist spots.

The campaign was conceived by Krishna KC, former president of Bagmati Conservation Committee. Newly elected local representatives and businesspersons, among others, have supported the drive.

“To promote the entire city as a major tourism area, we have picked five places as base areas,” informed KC.

According to him, of the five tourism base areas are Chandragiri Champa Devi Tourism Area covering Nagdhunga, Chaimale, Wadbhangjyang, Chitlang, Thankot, Deurali, Matchhegaun, Kritipur, Chobhar, Pharping, Yenkidaha; the Godawari  Phulchoki Tourism Area covering Bhattedanda, Bungamati, Khokana, Devichaur, Bhuseldanda, Dahachwok, Lele Nallu, Kadebhanjyang, Risar, Ranikot, Pokhare Thumka; the Nagarkot Jarsing Pauwa Tourism Area covering 19 different locations in Bhaktapur; the Shivapuri Kakani Tourism Area and the Jamacho Dahachowk area covering various wards in that region.

“Different activities, including establishment of yoga centres, a tourism university, a science and technology centre, earthquake memorial parks, youth entertainment parks, children parks and rehabilitation centres for the disabled, will be developed to promote these places as tourist areas,” said KC.

This would help create employment for many people, he said, adding that the campaigners are also trying to convince mayors and deputy mayors of these areas to lend their support to the drive. “If the Cabinet endorses this campaign, the Valley will soon turn into a tourism hub,” he opined.