Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel has said that the tourism sector suffered billions of rupees in losses due to the Bhotekoshi floods.
Speaking at a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Minister Paudel said preliminary estimates put the damage at more than Rs 50 billion, when losses across various segments of the tourism sector and potential future losses are taken into account.
He said 142 hotels, 57 small restaurants and 141 vehicles associated with tourism businesses were damaged by the floods.
Similarly, 27 heritage sites and two mosques, as well as monasteries, stupas and temples, were damaged. He said the historic Sandhishila, considered a witness to the Betrawati Treaty between Nepal and China, was also swept away by the floods.
Paudel said all private helicopters had been mobilized through the rescue coordination team at Tribhuvan International Airport. “Rescue operations are being conducted under a single-door system,” he said.
Paudel said the flood-affected areas would be developed as “climate heritage” sites to study and serve as a reminder of the impacts of climate change.
According to Paudel, Nepal will pursue a policy of raising its voice against the climate injustice faced by the country. He added that the government will assure international visitors that Nepal is open and safe.
