PATAN, JANUARY 25

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has underscored the need of increasing the consumption of electricity within the country.

Addressing a discussions programme on the promotion of electric cooking stove organized on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Electric Cooking Stove National Campaign in Lalitpur today, he said the electric stove is useful for every Nepali from the economic, social and environmental viewpoint.

The theme of the discussions programme is – 'Let Us Increase the Use of Electric Stove: Let Us Contribute to Improving Health.'

Energy Minister Basnet said that the government has emphasized on production of maximum hydroelectricity as it is the basis for the country's prosperity.

He suggested enlisting the participation of the private sector also by providing it with subsidies and concession in the production of hydropower for the success of the campaign.

The Minister called on all sides to be serious regarding the climate change impacts, including in the agricultural sector.

Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Gopal Prasad Sigdel said the government's attention is centred on promoting and increasing the use of electric cookstoves to substitute the import of LP Gas through the 16th periodic plan that commences from the next fiscal year.

President of the National Federation of Community Electricity User, Narayan Gyawali on the occasion shared that together with various organisations, they have been effortful in making this campaign meaningful and successful. The campaign was launched on January 25, 2019.