KATHMANDU, MAR 18 –
Minister for Energy Radha Gyawali pointed out on Monday the need to come up with sustainable and appropriate programmes focussed on water and energy sectors in order to benefit the people and country.
Inaugurating a week-long Nepal National Water Week programme, Gyawali said that though the government has formulated various plans and policies on water and energy development, the country is still reeling under severe power crisis that has affected the overall economic and social development.
“I am reviewing the existing plans and programmes to declare Nepal load-shedding free in the next three years,” she said, adding that it is equally important to commercialise electricity generated from hydropower projects and attract foreign investment in the sector.
The Water Week is an annual event organised to mark the World Water Day on March 23 to raise awareness on water issues and its proper utilisation.
This year’s event is being celebrated to foster inter-linkage between water and energy to achieve broader economic and social development.
Former vice-chairman of National Planning Commission Dinesh Chandra Devkota said the enhancement of the inter-linkage between water and energy is vital for the development of the nation and favourable policies should be formulated to help in poverty alleviation.
At the event, the government announced its decision to present National Water Resources Award next year to organisations doing exemplary work in the sector.
Secretary at the Water and Energy Commission Krishna Chandra Poudel said the commission is working to institutionalise the event and include it in the government’s work plan.
Source : The Kathmandu Post
