KASKI, Nov 3:  The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is going to support more projects in Pokhara, Kaski. The bank, which has supported Pokhara's tourism, infrastructure development, and drainage, wants to invest in more projects.

Arun Ramamurthy, senior public management expert of ADB, met with the mayor of the Pokhara Metropolitan City, Dhanraj Acharya, in his office on Thursday and expressed his commitment to support. Ramamurthy is also an expert in the bank's sustainable development and climate change department.  

Mayor Acharya said that during the meeting, Ramamurthy inquired about the various projects being run with the help of ADB and also discussed new possibilities of cooperation. According to him, ADB has supported various projects for sustainable tourism development including infrastructure construction.

“There was a discussion on the currently running projects. ADB is positive to assist in additional projects as well," said Mayor Acharya. He expressed his gratitude for the support given by ADB in terms of infrastructure and tourism development of Pokhara and said that many possibilities of cooperation and cooperation have been identified.

Noting that Pokhara is in the process of being announced as the capital city of tourism, Mayor Acharya said that sustainable tourism development is necessary. With the support of ADB, work is currently being done on the Pokhara-Mugling road extension project as a major project. Likewise, work is progressing with agreements on various 15 projects related to the sustainable tourism development in Pokhara.

With the help of ADB, an agreement has already been reached to upgrade the existing roads and sewers with a plan for road safety measures under Pokhara's drainage, road, footpath and road improvement project. According to the metropolis, ADB will provide financial support to various projects in Pokhara. Such projects have been selected. Under this, 8.8 km road improvement plan Sahidchowk-Tinkune-Radhakrishnamarg-SOS-Ghalechowk-Hariyo Khark-PIA has been finalized. It is estimated to cost 5.34 million dollars.

Under the Panchase Area Conservation and Development Project, block topping of 13 kilometers of road from Damdame to Bhanjang, upgrading of the road from Bhanjang to Panchase, establishment of service points with facilities, integrated promotion plan of existing homestays and conservation of Gurung Museum will cost 3.5 million US dollars. Panchase is a famous pilgrimage site and protected forest area with over 100 species of orchids and ponds.

With the support of ADB, the 'Lake to Lake' cycle track and the Phewa lake improvement project are also under operation. According to the project, an 85 km long bicycle track will be constructed to connect nine lakes and 18 wards.  

As part of the Phewa Lake improvement project, relaxing benches, toilets, water fountains, water spring protection, information boards, direction boards, bicycle parking, and service points. According to the metropolis, it will cost 3.5 million US dollars.  

Under the Raniban Eco Trail and Phewa Lake Improvement Project, there is a plan to connect Raniban from the dam site with a glass bridge, and to develop an eco trail from Raniban by connecting Peace Pagoda and the perimeter of Phewa lake in an integrated manner. 

 
• ADB