At a time, when Nepali sky has been under scrutiny due to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation’s apathy, the ministry has planned to open two new departments and an Aviation Safety Investigation Bureau – by the current fiscal year end – to look after tourism and aviation sectors.

The planned Aviation Safety Investigation Bureau will recommend and provide inputs on the developments and weaknesses in the area of aviation safety.

The bureau will have a team of experts to study trends to simplify complicated matters in the aviation sector as a think tank it will also be authorised to investigate any air accident. It will hire experts on contract basis.

Currently, the government-formed probe panels are toothless committees, and the independent body like bureau will help find out the actual reasons behind air crash and make recommendations to prevent crashes in the future.

The European Commission (EC) has last December 5 banned all Nepal-based airlines from flying in the European Union terming them unsafe.

The departments and bureau will function directly under the ministry, an official at the ministry said, adding that the current Tourism Industry division will be restructured and Department of Tourism will be set up. “Likewise, a new Department of Culture and Museum will also be formed to conserve and revitalise the cultural and natural heritage,” he added.

The Department of Tourism is claimed to provide services in the most efficient way apart from regulating the tourism industry.

Tourism Department will look after necessary registration procedures for hotels and travel agencies and policy formulation to attract more investment. It will provide an one-window solutions to the hospitality businesses, the official said, adding that

Similarly, the proposed Department of Culture and Museum will deal with both tangible and intangible heritage resources and their preservation. “Museums will be considered as key vehicles for cultural preservation and promotion,” he added.

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