KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha assumed office on Sunday and approved an action plan aimed at keeping the Himalayas clean as his first decision.

Upon taking charge at the Ministry, Minister Sinha said priority would be given to resolving problems within departments and institutions under the Ministry, rather than focusing on large-scale development works. “We have been appointed to facilitate elections. Our immediate focus will be on addressing the issues within the Ministry’s subordinate bodies,” he said.

The Minister also assured that the Ministry’s activities would be carried forward with the support and cooperation of all employees, emphasizing teamwork and coordination.

Meanwhile, tourism stakeholders have welcomed Minister Sinha’s appointment. Issuing a statement on Sunday, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) extended its congratulations, expressing confidence that Nepal’s mountain tourism sector would flourish under his leadership and contribute to the country’s progress and prosperity.

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) also congratulated Minister Sinha, extending a warm welcome to him within the tourism fraternity and expressing readiness to work closely together. The Board wished him a successful tenure.