Biratnagar, January 8:

Industries and locals in the eastern development region are hopeful that load-shedding in the region would be removed or lessened after India starts exporting more power to Nepal.

People in the region have been facing load-shedding from 40 to 84 hours a week after India reduced power supply to Nepal. Chief of Nepal Electric Authority (NEA), Duhabi Grid, Rajendra Misra, said that reduction of load-shedding would be a relief to the industries and consumers in the region. Misra said that the Indian authorities at Kataiya have assured him of resuming power supply, much to the relief of people and industries here.

Mechi and Koshi zones have a total power demand of 95 MW of which 50MW is imported from Kataiya and 15 MW is produced from Bansbari Multifuel Plant in Morang.

Mishra said plans are being prepared to ensure smooth supply of power.

Industries here have claimed that they are facing a collective loss of Rs 10 million every day due to load- shedding. Meanwhile, a joint committee of Industrial Organisation Morang and NEA officials today discussed the power distribution schedule. More that 500 industries in Sunsari Morang Industrial Corridor area had been affected by load-shedding.