SURKHET, Oct 30: The National Planning Commission (NPC) is said to be preparing a master plan for the development of Karnali, the least developed province in the country.
The planning body is working on short-term, mid-term and long-term plans for the overall development and prosperity of the province, informed Dr Pushparaj Kandel, vice-chairperson of the NPC.
“Lack of planning has deprived Karnali of development,” said Kandel, speaking at a press conference organized in Birendranagar on Monday. “Now, we have made it our top priority to formulate plans for its development and oversee that it is implemented properly.”
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The NPC vice-chair said that they would keep construction of roads and other physical infrastructures in high priority.
“Karnali is still lagging behind in terms of communication network, road network and other infrastructures. Our planning would prioritize building such infrastructures,” said Kandel.
According to him, the NPC is preparing to publish Karnali's 5-year-plan, 12-year-plan, and 25-year plan within June. For now, the NPC's priority is in inter-province projects as well as national pride and national priority projects, he added.
Kandel further said a provincial-level committee would be soon formed to formulate provincial level projects and plans overseeing all five districts of the province. The main body would oversee rest of the national priority projects and plans.
“As Karnali Province shares border with northern neighbor China, priority would be given to road expansion from Jamuna to Hilsa, operation of Hila check point, marketing of herbs found in Karnali and tourism promotion among others,” added the NPC vice-chair.
