Nepal to expedite hydropower development

The general consensus was to expedite the development of Nepal's hydropower sector after the 2-day hydropower summit in Kathmandu.

Nepal's Energy Minister Posta Bahadur Bogati reiterated the government´s commitment to facilitate the development of hydropower sector.

He added that the government was seriously working to bring out the Power Development Agreement template for export-oriented projects while reminding developers of projects to be sensitive toward the issue of resettlement of locals.

Addressing the concerns raised by Nepali developers over the tariff put by the Indian government, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Jayant Prasad compared the power demand of India with that of wheat and implied that the duties will eventually be waived.

Lawmaker Gagan Thapa also stressed on the need for taking quick decisions and said Nepal can´t get hydropower by not building projects. He also opined that there was nothing wrong with India´s concern over protecting its interests and urged Nepalis to see how Nepal´s interest can be served.

Nepali Congress leader Ram Sharan Mahat stressed on the need for depoliticization of hydropower sector and claimed that 5000 MW can be generated within the next 10 years if we prioritize the sector and remove hurdles.

Participants from Nepal and India in the summit held discussions on hydropower policy, progress made so far in hydropower sector in Nepal and investment security, among other issues.

For the source of this story, click here.