KATHMANDU : Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Yogesh Bhattarai, has said that preparations have been made to reopen religious shrines and temples across the nation starting October 17.
Talking to the media at Suketar airport, Minister Bhattarai, who reached his hometown in Taplejung today to inaugurate Border Outpost (BOP) at Olangchungola, said “The government has made preparations to gradually reopen religious and cultural places that have been closed to COVID-19.”
He shared the proposal of opening the religious sector would be taken in the next Cabinet meeting, allowing such places to be opened from October 17 if the proposal is passed.
The Minister clarified that these sites will be reopened from Dashain onwards while implementing health safety precautions. Earlier this morning, Minister Bhattarai inaugurated the BOP at Olangchungola. On the occasion, he expressed that security challenges seen at the border area with China will be reduced with the establishment of BOP.
Home Secretary Maheshwor Neupane, Inspector General of Police Shailesh Thapa Chhetri and Inspector General of APF Shailendra Khanal were also present on the occasion.