Buddha circuit to link Lumbini to Buddhist shrines: Minister Bhattarai

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Yogesh Kumar Bhattarai, has said Lumbini area has played an important role to make Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, known to the world.

At a discussion programme on Lumbini development perspective here today, Minister Bhattarai stressed the need to establish Buddha circuit by linking various Buddhist shrines as Mayadevi Temple, Ramgram and Tilaurakot. According to him, new plan was necessary to develop Lumbini because the past activities did not gain pace to yield result as expected.

Attracting investment for building infrastructures is imperative, he said, adding that the State and local levels too should launch initiatives to conserve the historic and cultural heritages.

On the occasion, Vice Chair of Lubmini Development Trust, Vikshu Maitteya, shared information about the activities conducted so far for the development of Lumbini area. New plans were essential to attract more tourists, he added.

Similarly, Secretary at Prime Minister’s Office, Narayan Prasad Bidari, argued that the concept of smart cities should not be implemented in Lumini area because it has already a unique identity.

Chief Executive Officer at National Reconstruction Authority, Sushil Gyawali, made aware that while carrying out development activities, the local and cultural identities must be protected.

Tourism expert Karna Shakya and Ambika Shrestha suggested that the government paid attention to the importance of forest and wild animals while relocating industries.