KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 24

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has voiced concerns regarding the strategic execution of proposed and ongoing national pride projects. During a discussion with ministers, secretaries, and project chiefs, he emphasized the need for a systematic approach to accelerate progress.

The meeting, held on Sunday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar, reviewed the status of 24 national pride projects, focusing on their financial and physical progress, challenges, and potential solutions.

Key obstacles identified included insufficient financial resources, inadequate budgets, land acquisition issues, deforestation at project sites, natural disasters like floods and landslides, procedural delays, compensation disputes, and ongoing legal battles.

During the briefing, it was revealed that two projects-the Melamchi Drinking Water Project and the Pashupati Area Development Trust-had achieved 80% completion, while projects such as the Mid-Hill Highway, Postal Highway, South-North Koshi Corridor, Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Facilities, Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project, and the Lumbini Development Trust reported 50% to 60% progress.

However, some projects, including the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project, Paschim Seti Hydropower Project, and Nijgadh International Airport, had less than 10% progress, reflecting significant delays.

PM Oli inquired about specific breakthroughs and notable progress achieved since his government assumed office in mid-July. He underscored the necessity of adopting innovative and strategic measures to fast-track the projects while prioritizing self-reliance and enhancing domestic production in key sectors.

Attending the discussion were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Poudel, Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal, Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Deepak Khadka, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, Minister of Defence Manbir Rai, Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, and Minister for Drinking Water Pradeep Yadav, among others.

Also present were PM's Economic Advisor Dr. Yuwaraj Khatiwada, National Planning Commission Vice-Chairperson Prof. Dr. Shivaraj Adhikari, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, relevant ministry secretaries, and project chiefs.