Introduction
A speedy, balanced and proportionate development can only be done by running well managed development programs. Such development programs running with the use of resources and means and aiming at achieving various goals within a certain period of time are called development projects. The development projects can be big or small on the basis of goal, investment, expected result and affected area. They can be run at national or provincial or local level. The development projects running at national level require more resources and means, and investment in comparison with the projects running at provincial and local level. The bigger development projects are run at national level since many people are benefited from them and such projects present the identity of thewhole nation.With the objective of achieving the goal of the periodical development projects, the Government of Nepal has prioritized someimportant development projects as “PriorityProjects”or “projects of National Pride” andbegan to make the distribution of resource effective. There are 21 projects of NationalPride till 2073 BS. In the fiscal year 2070/71, total number of projects running in the cunntry was 455 and amongst them 21 (6.9%) projects were Projects of National Pride. Number of such projects may be changed with the change in time and need of the country.
Some Projects of National Pride
a. Pokhara Regional International Airport
From this project, it has been expected that Pokhara Airport will be upgraded as
Pokhara Regional International Airport which will ultimately contribute for sustainable
tourism development. It coversan area of 3,600 ropanies. The construction was formally started at Chhinedanda, Pokhara by putting foundation stone on 1st Baishakh 2073 BS and now it is under construction by Chinese Company. It has aimed at developing Pokhara as one ofthe attractive tourist destinations of the world. The project will construct 2,500 m X 45 m
concrete runway, taxi parking, air traffic control tower, 50 m long air bridge, international and domestic terminal buildings. After the completion of this project, large airplanes up to 200 seats can take off and land on Pokhara Airport.
b. Mid-Hills Pushpalal Highway
This project has aimed at connecting the mid-hilly districts with road network which willultimately contribute in the developmentof tourism, hydroelectricity, agriculture and other sectors. It has been expected thatit will help in the balanced development of economic, social, cultural, tourism andeducational sectors of the hilly region. After the completion of this project, a 1776 km long highway will connect Chiyabhanjyang of Panchthar district to Jhulaghat of Baitadi district. It is under construction with the investment of the Government of Nepal. From this road network, about 7 million people of 23 districts and 215 villages will be benefitted. According to the policy of managed urbanization, this road network has also integrated the plan of developing 10 towns in different places. About 1517 km road is already in operation and track opening process is going on in the remaining section.
c. President Chure-Terai Madhesh Conservation Area Program
This project has aimed at solving the problems seen in Chure region. Its main objective is to maintain balance in environment and living standard of people by considering the biodiversity, geographical, social and economic aspects. It has covered 12.78% of the total area of Nepal from Ilam in the east to Kanchanpur in the west at an altitude of 200-2,100 m. It is extended in 26 districts. An authorized body “President Terai Madhesh Chure Conservation
Development Committee” has been established at center for this programme. This project runs various activities like construction and management of permanent nursery, production of
saplings of varieties of plants, control fire in Chure, controlling encroachment of forest
and illegal hunting and exporting, run job oriented afforestation, etc.
d. Budhigandaki Hydropower Project
This is a project concerning with reservoir. It is located at the border of Gorkha and Dhading
district about 80 km west of Kathmandu. Its total estimated cost is Rs. 2,54,95,50,00,000.
This project will be operated, regulated and supervised completely by the Government
of Nepal. World Bank, International Financial Organization, Asian Development Bank,
etc will provide the economic resources. Budhi Gandaki Hydro Project Development
Committee is the proposer of this project. This project will be completed within 8 years
from the beginning of its construction. After the completion of this project, 1,200 megawatt
electricity will be produced and supplied to manage the energy crisis.
e. Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project
This 456 megawatt project is funded by Nepal Electricity Authority, Nepal Telecom, Citizen Investment Trust, Rastriya Bima Sansthan, Employees Provident Fund, civil servants and general public. As this project is entirely financed by domestic funds, the electricity produced by it will be comparatively cheaper. The hydroelectricity will be generated from River Tamakoshi at northern part of Dolakha district. The organization named, “Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectricity Limited” was established in 2063 BS to run the project.