POKHARA: Prime Minister Balendra Shah arrived in Pokhara on Friday afternoon for a private visit with his family. He is staying at the Annapurna Ecovillage Resort in Astam, Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-6, Kaski.
Kaski Assistant Chief District Officer Chitrangat Baral confirmed that Shah had reached Astam and said security arrangements had been tightened in the district in view of the Prime Minister’s presence.
“Prime Minister Shah is here on a family visit and has no other formal programmes scheduled,” Baral said.
Residents of Astam welcomed Shah’s visit, with local resident Shobhakhar Adhikari expressing hope that it would draw attention to local infrastructure and basic service needs.
“Astam faces problems related to roads and drinking water. We hope the Prime Minister’s visit will help highlight these concerns,” Adhikari said.
Tourism entrepreneur Nandalal Adhikari said the Prime Minister’s presence could help promote Astam and the surrounding area as a tourist destination.
Shah travelled to Pokhara by road from Kathmandu along with his family. He is reportedly scheduled to travel to Mustang on Saturday.
