PAC panel for policy to bar operation of resorts inside CNP
REPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, Sept 8: A high-level parliamentary panel has recommended the government to formulate a policy that strictly prohibits opening of any hotel, lodge and resort inside the environmentally sensitive Chitwan National Park (CNP).
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the legislature-parliament had formed the sub-committee, led by lawmaker Narayan Dahal, to make recommendations on the fate of seven resorts inside the CNP, which faced closures after their lease contract expired on July 15.
The report submitted at the PAC´s meeting on Tuesday also recommended the government to immediately amend the existing National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 and regulations 1975 and make arrangements to allow hotels operating in buffer zones of CNP in Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts take visitors inside the national park from 8 a.m till 5 p.m through specified points.
Giving three options for relocating the resorts, the panel also suggested the government to permit the resorts to bring their guests in the park for seven years if they agree to relocate themselves from the park within six months under the first option. Secondly, they suggested the government to allow the resorts to bring their guests inside the national parks for five years if they shift their operation from the park within a year. As the third option, the panel recommended putting in place some preconditions, including revenue payment and corporate social responsibilities, to allow the resorts operate inside the park for a maximum of two years, if they are not willing to shift their operations outside the park.
The panel also suggested realizing all existing dues - royalty fee, conservation charge, VAT, Income tax and penalty -- from the resorts within a month and taking initiation in providing necessary land to operate hotels, resorts or lodges in the buffer zone. It also suggested the government to take necessary action against the factories responsible for polluting Narayani River, which his home to scores of aquatic species, including the endangered Gharial crocodiles.
PLEASE DESIST FROM ATTACKING THE WRITER PERSONALLY AND BE RESPECTFUL TO OTHER READERS.
Please give your full name while posting your comments. This is not to stifle the free flow of comments but your full name will enable us to print the comments in our newspaper.
PAC Panel For Policy To Bar Operation Of Resorts Inside CNP
![[del.icio.us]](http://images.del.icio.us/static/img/delicious.small.gif){kind=small}
