EIA process initiated on Upper Kaligandaki Project

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    MYAGDI, JUL 18 –

    Kaligandaki ghasaWith less than six months’ validity on its survey license, Tradelink Global has initiated process of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of the 72MW Upper Kaligandaki Hydropower Project at Piple VDC of Myagdi district.

    The company recently held a public hearing with the people of five village development committees (VDCs) that stand to be affected by the project and other stakeholders at Baisari of Bhagawati VDC. The EIA is being conducted by project’s consultant Nepal Environment and Scientific Services.

    Tradelink Global, whose survey license expires on January 1, 2014, has planned to construct the power house in Ghumaune Taal in the area.

    As per the plan, a dam will be constructed at the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Begkhola and an 8-km long tunnel will be built from the dam site of Ghumaunekhola to produce electricity from the run-of-the-river project.

    Ishwor Shrestha, a promoter of the hydropower project, said that they would soon begin acquiring necessary land for the project. According to him, a total of 49 households will have to be relocated before contruction of the project.

    Meanwhile, Mandakini Hydropower has started construction of the hydro project with an installed capacity of 4 megawatts at Sardikhola in Kaski district. The project, estimated to cost Rs 590 million excluding bank interest, is expected to be completed in the next two years.

    Project chief Lal Krishna KC said a consortium led by Clean Energy Development Bank will be investing 70 percent of the project’s total cost. For the purpose, the project has already completed a power purchase agreement with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Under the agreement, NEA will buy the electricity from the project at Rs 4.80 per unit in rainy season and Rs 8.40 per unit in dry season.

    While the current deal will last for 30 years, KC said that it can be extended after reviewing the terms and conditions.

    Source : The Kathmandu Post