Construction activities restricted in Budhi Gandaki-affected areas

KATHMANDU: The government has issued instructions to all concerned stakeholders to not build permanent structures in areas affected by the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project.

The government drew the attention of the concerned towards its decision to bar construction of any permanent structure in the wake of a report that the Mid-Hill Highway was being built in the project's reservoir area. The road construction is currently taking place in Jyamarung, Tripureshwor and Salyantar of Dhading, which fall under the Budhi Gandaki's reservoir area.

Energy Ministry's Engineer, Anup Dhungana, said the government had issued a permit on May 6 for construction of temporary structures in the reservoir area; but construction of permanent structures remain banned.

Project Development Committee Chairman Laxmi Prasad Devkota said the government has allowed construction of temporary structures in consideration of the sentiments of the quake-stricken people.