KATHMANDU: CPN-UML senior leader Jhalnath Khanal has pointed out the need of positive support from all sides for the reconstruction of the earthquake affected infrastructures along with the heritages.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Nepal Tourism Board at Hanuman Dhoka in the capital today, former Prime Minister Khanal added that the short-term, mid-term and long-term projects should be carried out for the reconstruction projects as several heritages were damaged by the quake.

The programme was organised to open the heritages for the tourists as they were closed after the April 25 devastating quake. The tourists may contribute for the reconstruction mission, leader Khanal added.

On the occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Kripashur Sherpa informed that the Ministry would carry out the reconstruction projects after they receive Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report. He added that at least two to five years would be spent for reconstruction missions.

Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry Suresh Man Shrestha said that the opening of the heritage sites to tourists has delivered positive message to the tourists.

Director General at the Tourism Department Tulasi Prasad Gautam expressed confidence that the tourism sector would recover within two to three months.

Speaking in the programme, Director General at the Department of Archaeology Bhesh Narayan Dahal pointed out the need of turning the adversity into a chance for rebuilding the heritages.

Similarly, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Executive Officer Rudra Singh Tamang, Nepal Mountaineering Association chair Ang Chhiring Sherpa and TAAN chair Ramesh Dhamala pointed out the need of cooperation of all to revive the tourism sector as it faced huge loss in the quake.