KATHMANDU, FEB 21 – Outlining a number of achievements made in the hydropower sector in the past one year, the government on Friday said it was set to introduce a policy to develop power projects with local participation.
A concept paper on “People’s Electricity with People’s Investment” is being drafted to build hydel plants with investments from locals by ensuring their ownership.
The government has taken the power trade agreement inked with India and the project development agreements signed for the development of Upper Karnali (900MW) and Arun III hydropower projects as big achievements. “Work has been initiated to prepare ground for power export to Bangladesh and Bhutan too,” reads the document.
The decision to establish National Transmission Grid Company as part of restructuring the Nepal Electricity Authority and the nod for generating a total of 100MW with sugarcane byproduct are other developments.
The government said there has been progress in the road sector with the extension of 1,600km fair weather strategic and local roads, 1,200km tracks and 800km blacktopped stretches during the period.
“Due to the government policy of providing access roads and electricity to cement industries, there has been growth in private sector investment and Nepal is likely to become self-reliant on cement within a year,” the government claimed.
Other gains include the deal with India to construct a petroleum pipeline, auto pricing mechanism in fuel products, expansion of telephone services to 97 percent population and the rise in foreign aid.
Achievements of one year
– Concept paper on ‘People’s Electricity with People’s Investment’ being drafted to develop hydel projects with investments from local people
– Work initiated to prepare ground for power export to Bangladesh and Bhutan
– Decision to establish National Transmission Grid Company
– Generating 100MW with sugarcane byproduct
– Agreement with India to construct petroleum pipeline
– Auto pricing in petroleum products
– Expansion of telephone services to 97 percent population
Source : The Kathmandu Post
