Kathmandu, Aug. 8 -- Despite long-running protests by environmental activists, Yogesh Bhattarai, the newly-appointed tourism minister, has said that the construction of the Nijgadh International Airport in Bara will go ahead at any cost.

"There is no alternative to the Nijgadh International Airport. It will be built where it has been proposed to be built," Bhattarai told a news conference on Wednesday. "The foundation stone for the airport will be laid by 2019. Yes, there is controversy, and many questions have been raised, particularly over the environment. But all these issues will be resolved."

But environmental activists are unconvinced, as the planned airport will destroy forests, irrigation systems and wildlife habitats.

Vijay Ku...