KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 13
A study has revealed that human resource crunch is the key challenge in Gandaki Province to complete road, hydropower and other development projects in time despite immense potential in the province.
According to a study conducted by Nepal Rastra Bank, land acquisition and compensation distribution, clearance of land and tree-cutting have been identified as bottlenecks for beginning the projects in timely manner.
The annual report titled 'Study of Economic Activities of Gandaki Province' released today stated that modernising the agriculture sector through, commercialisation, mechanic and diversification was challenging and it was difficult to enhance its competitive capacity through productivity growth. The study has recommended further homework to create investment-friendly development and infrastructure for the development and expansion of the industrial region.
Similarly, the study stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had impacted the province's tourism, industry and other sectors resulting in income loss, unemployment and reduced revenue of the province government.
The report has mentioned that poverty alleviation by expanding economic activities in the upcoming days was further challenging but has added that the province carries immense potential in the tourism business thanks to its attractive touristic geographic location.
Pokhara Regional International Airport, Kaligandaki corridor and mid-hill highway have been named as the landmark projects for the province's economic development upon their completion.
Furthermore, the central bank has identified the mountainous areas of the province as appropriate for pastoral farming while the mid-hills are for growing fruits and the plain lands of Nawalparasi East and other districts as suitable for agriculture and industrial purposes.
A version of this article appears in the print on November 14, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.
