Confusion over implementing agency makes Nijgadh airport project uncertain

KATHMANDU, Oct 14:

Confusion over implementing agency for Nijgadh International Airport persists even though it has already been four years that feasibility study for the mega project was conducted.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Deepak Chandra Amatya told the meeting of Development Committee of legislature parliament on Sunday that the project was making zero progress because of the confusion over implementing agency.

MoCTCA, as a line ministry, has been overseeing the project since long. However, the Investment Board Nepal (IBN), which deals with the mega projects involving foreign investments, has also shown interest to implement the project.

"We are waiting for the decision of BOOT Committee (Build, Operate and Own and Transfer) under the National Planning Commission (NPC) since long,” added Amatya.

MoCTCA had forwarded feasibility study report prepared by Landmark Worldwide to the BOOT Committee for final decision in April 2010.

"MoCTCA had even sent a proposal to the cabinet, seeking the go-ahead to develop the project. But the cabinet couldn´t take any decision and the file was returned to the ministry in May 2013," Amatya said.

Experts say the proposed airport, with two 4,700-meter runways, could be a hub for international flights in South Asia.

Amatya said Nepal could lose the opportunity as India is planning to build an international airport in neighboring Bihar state. "The government should clearly state which agency is to develop this project," he added.

Members of the Development Committee are not happy with the stats of the mega project. They have urged the government to expedite the project at the earliest and submit progress report to the committee every month.

Speaking at the committee meeting, Gobind Raj Pokharel, vice chairman of National Planning Commission (NPC) said preliminary works like land acquisition should be completed before kick-starting the project. "We are waiting for the amendments to the Land Acquisition Act to address issues related to land acquisition," Pokharel said, adding: "The project should be implemented by IBN."

National Development Action Committee (NDAC), which is led by Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, has instructed to make amendment to the Land Acquisition Bill by incorporating pressing issues related to land acquisition by December 15.

The project site is inhabited by over 1,400 families who need to be resettled.

Officials of MoCTCA also said the new requirement of planting 25 saplings for each tree cut down is also creating problem. There is dense forest in around 90 percent of the project site which is sprawled over 90 sq km.

Rabindra Adhikari, chairman of the parliamentary Development Committee, assured Minister Amatya that they would hold discussion with the forest ministry officials and other concerned agencies to resolve the legal problems.

LMW had proposed to waive off feasibility study fee if it is awarded the contract to develop the project. However, nothing has been decided on its proposal so far.

Source: Republica