KATHMANDU, Sept 17: Badri Pandey, the minister for culture, tourism, and civil aviation, has announced the submission of a proposal to the Cabinet to form a high-level investigation committee to probe air accidents as well as draft a bill to separate the regulatory and service-providing roles of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). 

On Monday, Minister Pandey informed Republica that the proposal for a high-level investigation committee, chaired by a former Supreme Court justice, has been submitted to the Council of Ministers.

Stating that there are ongoing efforts at the inter-ministerial level to ensure the successful operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Regional International Airport, Minister Pandey said that the study report prepared by the previous task force will be taken as a reference by the proposed investigation committee. He emphasized to have faith that the recommendations from the studies would be implemented.

Minister Pandey also said that a public importance proposal concerning air accidents had been registered and discussed in the Federal Parliament. He said that the ministry and its subordinate bodies are making progress by improving institutional and structural aspects.