Govt mobilises APF team at Upper Tamakoshi project

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    DOLAKHA, DEC 16 –

    The government has deployed Armed Police Force (APF) personnel for the security of the 456MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydel Project (UTHP), one of the national pride projects.

    Although the government has been mobilising security forces for the security of hydropower projects in production stage, this is the first time that security personnel have been mobilised for the security of an under-construction project. The government has deployed Nepal Army for the Upper Karnali Hydropower Project (900 MW), which is under study.

    A total of 65 APF personnel started guarding the project site from Saturday. The security team at the Lamabagar area of the project site is led by a DSP, while an inspector is leading the team at Gogar area, according to Superintendent of Police Kamal Giri.

    The government had recently decided to provide APF security team for revenue offices, industrial firms and hydro power projects.

    Around 1,000 individuals, including employees, workers and foreign consultants, are engaged in the construction work of the project. The project had sought deployment of security personnel following repeated incidents of vandalism and threat to project staff and foreigners that were hindering timely completion of the project.

    After completion, the project will be the biggest hydropower plant to be built under domestic investment. The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 37.2 billion and is expected to be completed by 2015. Around 40 percent of the work has been completed so far.

    The Nepal Electricity Authority will have a 40 percent stake in the project, while Dolakha locals will have a 10 percent share and Citizens Investment Trust a 15 percent.

    Source : The Kathmandu Post

    Photo : utkhep@facebook