Kathmandu— Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Paudel, affirmed the government’s dedication to protecting the nation’s religious and natural heritage sites while visiting Mahottari district on Wednesday. The minister toured Tuteshwornath Mahadev Mandir and Panchadhura Mai Mandir in Bardibas, emphasizing the importance of both preservation and development of these culturally significant locations. Paudel stated that the federal government is committed to working with local communities to promote tourism potential at these sites.

Site Visits and Community Engagement

Minister Paudel visited Tuteshwornath Mahadev Mandir in Bardibas-5, where he received a memorandum from representatives of the Tuteshwornath Mahadev Mandir Protection Committee. He pledged government coordination with local communities to ensure both the protection and promotion of the religious site, as well as its potential for tourism development.

Following his visit to Tuteshwornath Mahadev Mandir, Paudel also paid homage at Panchadhura Mai Mandir in Bardibas Municipality-4. The minister highlighted the significant religious tourism potential present within both locations.

Government Commitment to Preservation

During his visits, Minister Paudel reiterated the federal government’s firm commitment to safeguarding Nepal's religious, cultural, and natural heritage sites. He emphasized that this protection would be coupled with efforts towards their timely development.

Paudel stated, "The government is committed to coordinating with the local communities for the protection and promotion of this religious site and the tourism development potentials.”

Parliamentary Support

House of Representatives (HoR) Members Tapeshwor Yadav and Pramod Kumar Mahato accompanied Minister Paudel during his visit to the Hindu shrine, demonstrating parliamentary support for initiatives focused on cultural heritage.

The minister’s visits underscore the government's ongoing efforts to balance preservation with tourism development at key religious sites across Nepal.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.