KATHMANDU, August 8: The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has initiated efforts to implement immediate, mid-term, and long-term reforms with a high priority on aviation safety.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey pledged to focus on aviation safety for the coming week by postponing all non-urgent pre-scheduled programs. He emphasized that the ministry and its subordinate agencies would be mobilized to take necessary initiatives towards enhancing safety measures.

The pledge follows the tragic crash of an Air Dynasty helicopter in Shivapuri Rural Municipality-7, Surya Chaur, Nuwakot, which resulted in the deaths of four Chinese nationals and pilot Arun Malla.

Minister Pandey called for support, cooperation, and suggestions from all stakeholders to address the challenges faced by the aviation sector. The ministry has requested all stakeholders to send recommendations for immediate and long-term actions to its official email address.

The minister also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the helicopter accident and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. -- RSS