Lamjung, September 29

Construction of the 50 MW Upper Marshyangdi Hydropower Project in Lamjung has suffered a setback due to shortage of petroleum products, specifically diesel, following the blockade by agitating groups on the Nepal-India border.

According to public contact officer of the project Arjun Gurung, the project site office has been closed for the time being due to shortage of necessary petroleum products. “The bandh has also caused short supply of iron rods, cement and other construction materials, besides the scarcity of petrol and gas,” said Gurung.

A total of 950 workers, including 150 from China, have been working at the run-of-the-river type power project. According project sources, 87 per cent work has been completed so far. The project has a 6.5 km tunnel to channel water from the dam site at Nandi of Bhulbhule to the powerhouse built on the banks of Marshyangdi River in Bhulbhule-3.

Sino Hydro, a Chinese company, and Sagarmatha Hydropower have invested 90 and 10 per cent of the total cost respectively. Nearly Rs 10 billion has been allocated for the project, which is expected to come into operation by mid-October next year.