Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Jeeban Bahadur Shahi has stressed on the need to develop infrastructure for overall development of the tourism sector.

The tourism minister also urged everyone to cooperate in his endeavour to bring about half a dozen aircraft for international flights and about a dozen for domestic purpose. “We are in dire

need of aircraft to boost the tourism sector. I will not

back off in fear of controversy,” said Shahi, speaking at a programme in the Capital on Thursday. Shahi also claimed that concerned authorities have been given a month’s time to provide details of estimated cost to rebuild heritage sites damaged by last year’s earthquakes, and an overall plan for reconstruction.

Announcing his directions to maintain international standards at the country’s only international airport, Shahi said: “Work has already begun at the Tribhuvan International Airport. I will soon visit to inspect the progress.” He pledged to work for the development sector during his “eight month tenure.”