Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal recently announced the government's plan to start the construction of the Nijgadh International Airport anytime soon. Inaugurating the Pokhara Regional International Airport in Pokhara on January 1, Dahal mentioned that construction of the Nijgadh International Airport is necessary as aerial connectivity for a landlocked country like Nepal is the most effective means of connectivity. As a newspaper, we have closely followed the government's plan to build a modern international airport in Nijgadh, which was recommended as the most suitable location for an international airport out of eight different sites after a pre-feasibility study carried out in 1995. We believe that this project has the potential to greatly benefit the country, both economically and in terms of connectivity. Tourism is a major contributor to Nepal's GDP, and there is no doubt that the construction of a modern international airport will make it easier for tourists to visit the country. This will not only bring in much-needed revenue, but it will also create jobs for the local community. Additionally, the airport will improve connectivity to and from Nepal, making it easier for Nepali nationals to travel abroad and for foreigners to visit. This will also be a major advantage for businesses in Nepal, as it will equally facilitate the import and export of goods.
We will start construction of Nijgadh Int’l Airport soon: PM Da...
However, we also understand the concerns that have been raised about the environmental impact of the project. The airport is being built on agricultural land, and there are fears that this will lead to massive deforestation and damage to the local ecosystem. The main controversy surrounding the project is its potential environmental impact. The airport is being built on an agricultural and dense forest area, which has raised concerns about deforestation and the destruction of the local ecosystem. The controversy surfaced after an Environment Impact Assessment showed that more than 2 million trees; spread around the area of 8,045 hectares (19,880 acres) are expected to be cut down, preventing 22,500 tons of carbon from being sequestered every year. There has also been issue on land acquisition for the airport. This has led to disputes with local communities, who claim that their land has been taken without proper compensation. There are allegations of corruption in the land acquisition process. Critics have also raised questions over lack of transparency in the project, including the lack of public consultation and the lack of information about the project's financing and planning. In fact, it is not yet clear whether the new airport project will be financially sustainable given the fact that Gautam Buddha International Airport inaugurated eight months ago is likely to go out of business. We now have the third international airport in Pokhara, whose sustainability is also under question.
Overall, the controversies surrounding the Nijgadh International Airport have raised questions about the project's feasibility and sustainability. It is important that the government addresses these concerns and works towards a project that benefits the country while also taking into account the needs and interests of the local community and the environment. The way forward for the government will depend on how it addresses the various controversies and challenges surrounding the project. Some potential steps that the government could take could be holding consultation with local communities, addressing environmental concerns, improving transparency and most importantly, developing a financial plan for the project that takes into account the potential risks and benefits and ensures that Nepal can repay the loan it takes to develop this ambitious infrastructure. The Supreme Court in its verdict on March 26, 2022 quashed all the decisions of the government taken so far to build the Nijgadh airport and directed authorities concerned to build the airport by conducting a proper environmental impact assessment ensuring that the environmental damage is minimal. This may even need the government to think of alternative sites for the construction of the airport. We think it is important for the government to take a holistic approach to the construction of the Nijgadh Airport and consider the interests of all stakeholders concerned. By addressing the controversies and challenges surrounding the project, the government can move forward with confidence and build a modern and sustainable airport that will benefit Nepal for years to come. We hope that the government will continue to consult with all stakeholders and work towards making it a successful and sustainable project.
