KATHMANDU, AUGUST 8
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, stated that frequent air crashes in Nepal indicate that the country's skies are not safe.
Speaking to the media today while unveiling the recent decisions of the Council of Ministers, the government spokesperson pledged to take a systematic approach to identifying the root causes of these incidents and addressing the situation.
He acknowledged that the series of air crashes has had a detrimental impact on the tourism sector and warned that this could harm Nepal's international image. He also mentioned that during the Council of Ministers meeting on August 7, it was agreed to form an investigation commission to look into the recent helicopter crash in Nuwakot.
A helicopter with the call sign 9N-AJD, operated by Air Dynasty Heli Service Pvt. Ltd., crashed at Suryachaur in Shivapuri Rural Municipality, Nuwakot district, on Wednesday.
The government spokesperson announced that a three-member investigation commission, headed by senior pilot Subas Thapa of the Nepali Army, has been established to investigate the accident. The commission has been tasked with submitting a report, including recommendations, within 30 days of commencing its work.
Minister Gurung emphasized that the frequent occurrence of air accidents suggests that Nepal's skies are not safe. He extended his condolences to the families of the four Chinese nationals and one Nepali citizen who lost their lives in the crash.
"Until now, the government has mainly focused on forming investigation commissions to probe such accidents. However, we are now engaging in discussions to find solutions by understanding the underlying causes," he stated.
The government spokesperson affirmed that efforts would be made to determine the source of the problem-whether it lies in government policy, management, technology, or the conditions of the skies-and to develop appropriate solutions.
