Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods cause over Rs 52 billion loss to Bagmati tourism sector

Floods that struck the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli corridor in Rasuwa on Bhadra 10 have caused damage worth more than Rs 52 billion to the tourism sector of Bagmati Province, the Nepal Tourism Board has said.

Board member Sahadev Dhamala released details of the damage at a program organized in Kathmandu on Sunday to mark World Tourism Day.

According to him, the floods damaged more than 142 tourist-standard as well as small and medium hotels in the province. More than 65 restaurants have also been hit by the floods.

Dhamala said a separate special action plan is needed to rehabilitate affected families and revive the tourism business. He stressed that local, provincial and federal governments should work together, mobilizing their available resources to the maximum extent, for reconstruction.

He said Bagmati Province would bring a special program for compensation, and expressed hope that the concerned minister would pay attention to the matter.

For disaster risk reduction and response, the board has formed a rapid response team and begun work. It is also preparing to digitize its income, expenditure and other operations. Dhamala said programs to promote rural tourism are also being carried forward.