Gandaki. Pokhara—Prime Minister Balendra Shah arrived in Pokhara this afternoon on a family visit. He will stay at Annapurna Ecovillage Resort at Astam of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-6.

Assistant Chief District Officer of Kaski, Chitrangat Baral, said that the Prime Minister had arrived at Astam.

“The Prime Minister is mainly on a family visit and security has been beefed up in the district in view of the visit”, he added, adding, “The Prime Minister has no other formal programme.” ”

Shovakhar Adhikari, a local, said the locals were happy with the PM’s visit. “There is a problem of road and drinking water in Astam and the problems of the villagers will be addressed once the Prime Minister visits here,” he said.

Nandalal Adhikari, a tourism entrepreneur of Astam, said that the PM’s visit would contribute to the promotion of tourism in the region. Prime Minister Shah arrived in Pokhara from Kathmandu along with his family members. He is scheduled to leave for Mustang on Saturday.