KATHMANDU, APRIL 22
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka and visiting Indian Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar jointly inspected the Arun III Hydropower Project in Sankhuwasabha today.
Minister Khattar, who arrived in Nepal on a two-day official visit, joined Minister Khadka for an on-site inspection of the powerhouse and dam of the Arun III Hydropower Project, which is being developed with Indian investment. On the occasion, the two ministers also jointly inaugurated 'Unit-2' of the project and participated in a tree-planting initiative within the project premises.
During the visit, the ministers were briefed by representatives of the contractor company on the project's current progress and the challenges faced during its implementation.
Minister Khadka expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its continued support in the development of Nepal's energy sector. "As Arun III is a key hydropower project for the country, the government has given it high priority and will ensure it faces no setbacks," he stated.
Indian Power Minister Khattar highlighted Nepal's vast hydropower potential and emphasized that prosperity can be achieved through the development of the energy sector. He stressed the importance of completing the Arun III project on schedule, noting that it would benefit both nations. He also reaffirmed India's readiness to increase investment in Nepal's hydropower sector.
The Arun III Hydropower Project, located on the border of Makalu and Chichila rural municipalities in Sankhuwasabha, has an installed capacity of 900 megawatts.
The foundation stone was jointly laid by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Baisakh 2075 BS. The project is being constructed by India's Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) at an estimated cost of NPR 104 billion.
