Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, met with the families of civil servants who have gone missing at the Chilime Hydropower Project and assured them that the government will continue search and rescue efforts until every possible option has been exhausted, despite the challenging circumstances. He said that the pain of not receiving any information about loved ones for an entire week is extremely profound and urged the families not to lose hope yet.
During the meeting, Minister Shrestha said the government is equally distressed by the lack of information regarding the missing citizens and civil servants. Emphasizing that every life is precious, he stated that the state must leave no stone unturned in the search for even a single missing person.
Every life is precious. The state must leave no stone unturned in the search for even a single life, and it has not done so,” Minister Shrestha said.
According to him, all state mechanisms, skilled personnel, technology, and available resources have been mobilized for the search and rescue operation. He claimed that no shortage of technology, expertise, or resources has been allowed to hinder the effort, but acknowledged that concern is growing as the expected results have not been achieved even after a week.
Minister Shrestha informed the families that search and rescue operations are continuing despite the difficult circumstances and urged them not to lose patience.
“We will continue our efforts until the very last possibility. This is not the time to give up hope. Let us keep trying and praying together, and keep hope alive,” he said.
He also assured the families that the government stands with them and is committed to ensuring they do not feel alone during this difficult time.
During the meeting, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Sarita Dawadi, said that search and rescue efforts are being carried out through coordination and cooperation among various government agencies. She noted that protecting citizens’ lives is one of the government’s primary responsibilities, and all available measures are being utilized accordingly.
Acting Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority and Chairman of Chilime Hydropower Company, Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, also briefed the families on the search and rescue efforts undertaken so far. He said the company is making every possible effort to ensure the effectiveness of the rescue and search operation.
Following the devastating floods and landslides in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli corridors, several employees and civil servants working at the Chilime Hydropower Project have gone missing. With no confirmed information about their condition even after a week, concerns among family members have continued to grow. In this context, the Energy Minister met with the families to update them on the government’s ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Jalasarokar