KATHMANDU: Symbolism galore on display — both in intent and expense. The UML-led coalition plans to spend a token Re 1 for the eagerly-anticipated Cabinet meet at Gorakshep — on the way to Mt Everest — on Friday.

The entire exercise is likely to cost around Rs 6 million.

“The private tourism sector and various business houses will pick up the tab. We’ll pay only Re 1 for the summit. Hence, there won’t be any financial burden on us,” said Deepak Bohara, Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation, the brain

behind the event.

At least 20 organisations are directly involved to make the historic summit a success.

“It’s a matter of great pride for us,” said Suman Pandey, coordinator, Technical and Planning, for the December-4

programme. The tourism enterprises are committed to lend logistical

support.

Fifteen private airline companies, mountaineering gear major The Northface, Sherpa Hardware, Expedition Operator’s Association, La Villa Sherpani, Trekking Association, Nepal Mountaineering Association, Everest Summiteers’ Association and Sagarmatha Buffer Zone Community are some of the noted

contributors.

With barely four days to go, the countdown to the event has begun in earnest.

All 27 Cabinet ministers have confirmed their participation.

They will fly to Lukla on Thursday. Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal will join his Cabinet colleagues in the afternoon on the same day.

La Villa Sherpani — the largest hospitality

facility in Lukla — will host the visiting Cabinet team.

“We’ll try to acclimatise as far as possible within a day,” said Aang Tshering Sherpa, a member of the management committee.

At the cabinet meet, the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation will propose to declare the 2,035-sq km Gaurishanker Conservation Area — located between Langtang and Mt Everest — and Api Nampa

conservation area (1,900 sq km), located in Darchula in the far-western region, as conservation areas. Plans are also afoot to get a government seal on extending the area of Bardiya National Park from 968 to 1,800 sq km.

“We want to make a statement to the world that we’re committed to conservation. We’ll grab this historic opportunity to showcase our efforts,” added Bohara.