KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 4 Former lawmakers from Gorkha and Dhading, along with the Budhigandaki Concern Committee, have submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Sushila Karki urging the government to develop the Budhigandaki project as a multi-purpose national pride project, not just a hydropower scheme. The delegation, which included Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, Rajendra Bajgain, Rajendra Pandey and other political representatives, met the Prime Minister and Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal to present their recommendations. Energy Minister was reportedly absent due to special reasons. In the memorandum, the former lawmakers urged the government to develop the project under the proposed Authority for Budhigandaki Corridor Development (ABCD Model), enabling integrated development of energy, tourism, settlement planning, industry, environment, and regional connectivity.They highlighted the project's potential to become a major economic hub, with a reservoir 45 times larger than Phewa Lake and strong road links via the Mid-Hill Highway and north–south corridors. Prime Minister Karki assured that funds of the Budhigandaki Hydropower Company will be reinstated under its name and that the Energy Ministry will table a proposal for Cabinet approval. She reportedly placed the project among her top national priorities. 'The PM has placed the Budhigandaki multi-purpose project among her top national priorities,' NC leader Bajgain said. 'Prime Minister Karki gave a clear assurance that the funds of the Budhigandaki Company will be returned under the company's own name, and the process will now begin. To move this forward, the Ministry of Energy must prepare a proposal and present it to the Cabinet. Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal also reaffirmed this commitment,' Bajgain added. The memorandum calls for planned resettlement of displaced families, continued maintenance of submerged-area infrastructure and timely resolution of compensation issues, proceeding with hydropower development through the existing Budhigandaki Hydropower Company, and gradually upgrading it into a fully empowered Budhigandaki Corridor Development Authority. It also includes demands from affected communities, including local share ownership, fair compensation for all land categories, recognition of informal tenure, and return of capital gains tax deducted during earlier compensation. Both Dr. Bhattarai and Rajendra Bajgain shared that the government had responded positively to their concerns. Bajgain said the central aim was to ensure Budhigandaki becomes a model of Nepal-led development - funded through the investment of people from Dhading, Gorkha and across the country, with locals receiving shares and long-term economic benefits.