VDCs Nepal

<a href=""></a>Nepal VDC Boundary, Admin level 4 with Geoname ids, World Bank, Nepal, 2011

Shree Janata Dhan Higher Secondary School - Photo Features

Balewa Airport - Our Pride and Identity

Situated on the west side of Kushma Bazaar, the headquarter of Parbat District and the Kali Gandaki River, the Holly River, Balewa Airport lies in Narayansthan VDC of Baglung District. Narayansthan VDC is surrounded by neighboring VDCs such as Paiyunpata in the west and north, Amalachour in the south, and the Kali Gandaki River in the east. Kushma Bazaar is the closest city from Balewa airport. The geographic location of the airport is 28°12'45" N & 83°39'57"W. The airport runway is oriented along the north south direction (approximately 800 meter in length) and spreads approximately over 10 acres of land.

  Bird's Eye view of Balewa Airport

 View from Balewa Airport 

(Badgayun & Tallest Suspension Bridge, Nepal)

 

View from Balewa Airport

(Kali Gandaki Gorge & Kushma Bazaar)

For many years Balewa Airport remained a major place of destination for the people of Dhaulagiri Zone, Western Nepal. The closest motor-able road in Syanja Nou Danda (Siddhartha Raj Marg) was almost a day walk distance from this airport. Walking up and downs almost a full day wasn't certainly an easy task for everybody. People had to face the natural challenges such as difficult terrain, steep hills, and streams (Khola Nala) to get to the nearest bus stop in Syanja Nou Sanda. For children, sick and elderly people this journey was almost impossible. Due to these circumstances Balewa airport remained a major transportation hub center for decades until after the completion of the Pokhara Baglung Road. People from various parts of Baglung, Parbat and Myagdi Districts were served by this airport.

 Existing Terminal Building

For details inside the Airport follow this link: http://youtu.be/T_NMru0prIA?t=1m54s

We have a saying that "development brings more opportunity". But in the case of Balewa airport it did not work that way. After the completion of the construction of a road connecting Pokhara and Baglung government of Nepal decided to shut down the operation of this airport without any justifiable reason. The only justifiable reason for shutting down the operation was the access road to the airport. Maoist's insurgency also played a vital role in support of the government's decision of airport closure. We "the people" were the biggest looser from this closure. Recent test flight that was carried out after decades of airport closure is fueling again some hope among the people of Balewa and the region. Let's hope that government's commitment to resume the flight in Balewa airport will not end up as a commitment for getting cheap popularity among people. 

One of the many beneficial aspects of this airport is the promotion of tourism. This airport offers quick and easy access to domestic as well as international tourists to various places of interests within Balewa and the region. One such great example is Baglung Nayapul. Nayapul is the starting point of Kali Gandaki River rafting which is only half an hour walking distance from the airport. Rafting in Kali Gandaki River is considered as one of the most adventurous white water rafting in the world.

The major hurdle in continuation and long term operation of the airport will be a link road between Baglung and Kushma Bazaars. We all have to realize that the major flow of passengers are expected from these city centers as did in the past. A better, safer and easier access road needs to be constructed sooner than later and before it gets too late. A responsible government's authority such as District Development Committee in coordination with VDCs & consumer groups should initiate the upgrading work of a link road connecting Baglung and Balewa airport without any delay. The improved link road between Baglung and Balewa airport will narrow down the travel time from and to these Cities. Since the second nearest airport from these cities is only within two hours driving distance the travel time will be a key factor for bringing in more passengers to this airport. In another words, Balewa airport will be a winner over the Pokhara airport only if the link road connecting Balewa and Baglung is constructed and paved. The proposed Airport-Baglung road which is now under construction will be a best alternative to the existing Baglung - Kushmishera road. Once completed the travel time and distance from the nearby Cities will be reduced dramatically in comparison to the travel time via Baglung-Kushmishera road.

Baglung - Balewa Airport Road
(Road under construction)

Our long term goal should be to complete the construction work of the link road between Baglung and Balewa Airport by upgrading the existing Ghodeto Bato as well as the Baglung-Kushmishera road. The recently proposed link road connecting Kushma and Balewa airport via Kalleri can also be considered as a long term measure. As a short term measures the road section connecting Nayapul and Balewa airport should be improved. This can be accomplished easily as the track road has already been established (see above pictures). As mentioned previously, this is not the best alternative but will be an interim solution to those people who will be willing to get off at Nayapul and take a jeep or taxi ride to Balewa airport from other side of Kali Gandaki River.

We "The Balewali people" are lucky to have this wonderful airport in our area. Our predecessors had sacrificed their time, and money to build this airport and handed over the responsibility on our shoulders. Let's join our hands together and make our voice louder in support of resuming the immediate operation of this airport. Let's protect our pride and identity for us and for our successors. Let's handover our past to our successors.