Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Kumar Bhattarai has said the time has come to establish socialism through poverty alleviation and social justice.

The minister said this while inaugurating a religious function (Mahayagya) organized by Byas Area Shiva Panchayan Development Committee in Damauli, Tanahun for the construction of 108-feet-long Byas statue.

The government has laid emphasis on reducing international trade deficit, developing infrastructure and enhancing energy, he said, adding that Nepal was heading to the path of self-sufficiency.

The only international airport based in Kathmandu could not accommodate growing pressure of flights, he said, arguing the need of expediting the construction of Bhairahawa, Pokhara and Nijgadh airports.

All preparations have been carried out to bring the Gautam Buddha Airport into operation soon, Minister said, adding that the construction of Pokhara Airport would be completed six months before the deadline.

The ministers expressed his belief that the completion of the under-construction airport would substantially contribute to tourism development in Nepal.