Myagdi, Nov 28: The Gandaki Province government has allocated Rs 15 million for 11 infrastructure development projects at religious and tourist sites in Myagdi district for the fiscal year 2080/81.

Of the total budget, Rs 12 million will fund 10 projects managed by the Tourism and Industry Office, while Rs 3 million has been allocated for a scheme under the Tourism, Commerce, and Consumer Rights Protection Directorate in Pokhara.

Chief Poshanath Sharma stated that processes, including project surveys, cost estimation, consumer committee formation, and agreements, have already begun. Among the key projects is the Dhaulagiri Circular Trekking Scheme in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-4, which will be implemented through the Directorate.

Key allocations include:

• Rs 20 million each for tourism infrastructure at Khopra Lake (Annapurna Rural Municipality-5) and the trekking route to Dhaulagiri Icefall via Kali Barah Temple (Raghuganga Rural Municipality).
• Rs 1 million each for several projects, including Nagi Devi Temple Conservation, Gayatri Temple Conservation, Sajhpani Trekking Route, Shanti Park in Beni Municipality-7, and other trekking routes in Dhawalagiri Municipality and Malika.

Challenges and Incomplete Projects

Despite its significant tourism potential, Myagdi faces challenges such as reduced budget allocations and incomplete projects. Over the years, funding for tourism-related projects has fluctuated:

• FY 2078/79: Rs 2 million for 8 projects.
• FY 2079/80: Rs 19.2 million for 21 projects.
• FY 2080/81: Rs 15.6 million for 18 projects.

Of the 18 trekking projects initiated in FY 2080/81, only four were completed. Stakeholders, including Rajesh Shakya, Senior Vice President of Myagdi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasize the need for consistent funding to ensure the completion of ongoing works. Incomplete projects, such as the Kalibarah trekking initiative, fail to benefit citizens and hinder the district’s tourism potential.

Tourism advocates urge the provincial government to address these issues, ensuring the district’s rich tourist attractions receive adequate support and funding continuity.