KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 11

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has responded to concerns raised by energy entrepreneurs and stakeholders regarding significant processing delays within certain agencies under the ministry.

In response to the serious grievances expressed by the energy entrepreneurs, Minister Basnet has initiated a high-level discussion to investigate the root causes of these issues and implement necessary improvements. He has also urged the ministry's employees to proactively address any identified weaknesses, while encouraging them to bring to his attention any structural or legal impediments that may be contributing to the delays.

Acknowledging the concerns raised by energy entrepreneurs regarding their experiences with the Department of Electricity Development, Minister Basnet emphasised the need to work diligently to eliminate such complaints. He encouraged everyone to work collectively towards a complaint-free environment and promptly rectify any identified weaknesses.

'Let's strive to ensure there are no complaints, and if we identify weaknesses, let's promptly rectify them,' he urged.

Minister Basnet has instructed the employees of the ministries and their subordinate agencies to operate with a focus on the best interests of the country and its people.

He emphasised the importance of enhancing work methods, noting that mere adherence to normal and process-oriented tasks would not suffice to yield the desired results.

During his address at the meeting held today at Singh Darbar, which brought together heads and representatives of various ministries and related agencies, Minister Basnet urged everyone to ensure that their work proceeds smoothly.

He questioned the reasons behind the delays and called for proactive measures to prevent such complaints.

Minister Basnet encouraged immediate action on necessary tasks and stressed the importance of providing clear and transparent explanations for any tasks that cannot be accomplished.

Minister Basnet issued directives to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), urging it to present a comprehensive action plan with specific measures to address the issues encountered during the construction of transmission lines. He expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the Kaligandaki Corridor transmission line but highlighted the importance of resolving problems related to the Pathlaiya-Birgunj and Dhalkebar-Inaruwa transmission line sections before the winter season to prevent issues in Birgunj and Biratnagar.

Furthermore, Minister Basnet stressed the urgent need to expedite construction of transmission lines in various parts of the country and highlighted the significance of regular maintenance of substations. He directed ministry employees to take proactive initiatives to address challenges within irrigation projects.

The discussion included the participation of Secretary Gopal Sigdel from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Joint Secretaries Navinraj Singh and Sandeep Kumar Dev, as well as officials from the Irrigation Department and representatives from the NEA.

A version of this article appears in the print on October 12, 2023, of The Himalayan Times