Though their lease contrat expired in 2009, the government had pledged them additional time to relocate their hotels considering the Nepal Tourism Year (NTY) 2011. The decision was taken after Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament instructed the government for the extension. [break]
The hoteliers at that time had strongly criticized the government´s intention not to renew the contract. But when the government stood firm on its stance and declined their requests for extension on the instruction of Natural Resource Management Committee (NRMC) of the parliament, they later sought additional time for the relocation.
Contrary to the NRMC´s instruction and their own commitments expressed then, hoteliers are once again hoping the government would again consider their cases and will pledge them the new extension.
Basanta Raj Mishra, managing director of Temple Tigers said, "We are hopeful to get the extension as the government officials are positive about our request."
The umbrella organization of hotels, Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) has sent a request to Prime Minister Office to review the previous decision and to allow the operation of the hotels inside CNP.
Although the government had offered to provide extra privileges if the hotels volunatriy moved outside within 2010, it didn´t attract interest.
Out of seven hotels inside the park, six are still in operation and Gaida Wildlife Camp was shut because of the labor issue. The other hotels include more than four decades old Tiger Tops along with Safari Narayani, Chitwan Jungle Lodge, Machan Wildlife Resort, Island Jungle Resort and Temple Tigers.
The hotels are blamed for the degradation of natural habitat of wild animals as well as the environment inside the park, which the hoteliers completely disagree.
"Hoteliers are instead helping the conservation efforts and there has been no degradation of the environment since the day of the operation of the hotels," Mishra said. He further said hotels were setting an example of conservation oriented tourism.
The parliamentary committees has asked the government not to allow any hotels or resorts inside the national park after the extended contract period in any case.
Shanta Chaudhary, chairperson on NRMC said there was no way to review the decision. "We are firm in the decision and if the hotels don´t move voluntarily, we will seek help from concerned ministries to vacate the land being used illegally ," she added.
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