By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 24 Feb: “Simplifying the entry process for Nepali travellers into India can enhance mutual harmony between the two nations and significantly boost tourism.”
This was stated by Satpal Maharaj, State Tourism, Religious Affairs, Culture, Public Works, Irrigation, Panchayati Raj, Watershed, and Rural Construction Minister, while addressing a programme during his participation in the “16th Far-West Provincial Industrial Trade Fair and Kanchanpur Tourism Festival” in Mahendranagar, Nepal.
He emphasised that the establishment of a religious tourism circuit connecting Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple with India’s religious sites such as Kedarnath Dham, Varanasi, Haridwar, and Dehradun would lead to increased religious tourism between the two countries.
Maharaj also highlighted that such events promote economic cooperation in sectors like agriculture and dairy production in Nepal’s Far-West Province, strengthening economic ties between India and Nepal. Additionally, the introduction of air services between the two countries would greatly improve travel convenience. To strengthen tourism, economic relations, and cultural exchange, he reiterated the need to simplify India’s entry process for Nepali travellers.
At the “16th Far-Western Provincial Industrial Trade Fair and Kanchanpur Tourism Festival”, Uttarakhand Tourism’s stall emerged as a major attraction alongside various stalls from different departments of Nepal. Several cultural programmes were also organised during the event.
The occasion was graced by several distinguished guests, including Nepal’s Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari; former Chief Minister Rajendra Singh Rawal; former Industry and Commerce Minister Abdul Khan; Nepal Provincial Government Ministers Bahadur Singh Thapa and Heera Sarki; Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Veer Bahadur Thapa; former Minister Om Vikram; President of Nepal’s Industry and Commerce Association, Pitambar Joshi; and Durga Datt Vohra.
