Kathmandu, Dec. 6 -- The Supreme Court on Friday asked the government to put a hold on the construction of the Nijgadh International Airport.

The decision comes amid widespread criticism of the plan to construct the airport, one of the government's pride projects, by environmentalists who say the felling of millions of trees would lead to environmental degradation, resulting in loss of habitats for different wildlife species.

Responding to a writ petition filed by nine individuals, including Ranju Hajur Pande, an environmentalist, and former secretary Dwarika Nath Dhungel, a single bench of Justice Tanka Bahadur Moktan issued the stay order Friday afternoon.

The petitioners have named Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Tourism, C...