Chitwan, September 8

Minister for Urban Development Prabhu Shah said the ministry had started work on developing Bharatpur metropolis as a smart city.

Speaking at a discussion programme in Chitwan today, Minister Shah said a contract had already been signed for preparation of Detailed Project Report for the purpose.

Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction Shiva Hari Sharma said budget for feasibility study for the project had been released.

Likewise, parliamentarians Krishna Bhakta Pokharel and Santu Darai underscored the need for a master plan for the development of Bharatpur.

CPN-Maoist Centre Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal also stressed the need to prepare master plan for the development of local levels. Stating that the constitution would be brought into effective implementation following provincial and parliamentary elections, Dahal urged political leaders to focus on development and economic prosperity.

Pointing out the need to establish sister-city relations with cities of other countries, he pressed for developing Bharatpur as education and health care hub.