Private sector has called on the government to immediately re-open the Araniko Highway that has been obstructed by the massive landslide in Sunkoshi earlier this month. Newly elected team of Nepal Chamber of Commerce met Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and urged him to work with utmost priority to resume vehicular transportation along Tatopani checkpoint.

A team headed by Chairman Rajesh Kaji Shrestha expressed their deep concern on the blockade of the Highway as disconnection with Tatopani border will lead to inflation and black-marketing. They also drew the government’s attention towards the possible consequences of the Highway blockade in view of the imminent festive season in Nepal.

In a separate meeting held with the Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh, also the Minister for Local Development, the team drew his attention on the seriousness of the matter. The team also demanded a timely review of the various types of taxes imposed on the local entities.

Expressing their concerns over the natural disaster across the country, the Nepal Chamber of Commerce team showed the willingness of private sector to help government with rescue and relief activities, informed Singh’s aide Yupi Lamichhane.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Chamber of Commerce team handed a check of Rs. 850,000 to PM Koirala for the government’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund.

Similarly, Singh congratulated the newly elected team of NCC adding that the government is making its effort to re-open the Tatopani border as soon as possible.