Karnali Ministry Budget Increased for Tourism, Environment

Surkhet. The budget of Karnali's Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment has increased. While 2 Arba 42 Crore was allocated in the current financial year, 2 Arba 46 Crore 49 Lakh 74 Thousand has been allocated for the upcoming financial year.

While presenting the budget speech on Monday, Finance Minister Rajeev Bikram Shah said that 'Karnali Decade' has been declared for tourism under this ministry.

"21 Crore 35 Lakh Rupees has been allocated for the implementation of the master plan of major destinations like Rara Lake of Mugu, Kakrebihar of Surkhet and Kupinde Daha of Salyan," Shah said, "Similarly, 53 Crore 86 Lakh Rupees has been set aside for overall tourism promotion."

For young people with innovative thinking, the 'Startup Business Loan' program has been introduced, for which 4 Crore 10 Lakh Rupees has been allocated. An additional 2 Crore Rupees will be spent in collaboration with the private sector for skill development, which aims to create employment at the local level.

Towards environmental protection, the 'Clean Karnali Campaign' will be operated. 20 Crore 90 Lakh has been allocated for climate change risk reduction and 27 Crore 15 Lakh for integrated watershed management. 

Additionally, special budget has been arranged for the conservation of endangered snow leopard and red panda. The use of modern technology (drone) for forest security will be implemented, Minister Shah said.