LAMJUNG: Construction of as many as five hydropower plants in Lamjung have been halted due to the shortage of petroleum products following protracted strikes in the Tarai and the unofficial blockade at border points imposed by India.

Works on 50 MW Upper Marshyangdi-A Hydropower Project at Bhulghule, three MW Tallo Midim Hydropower Project at Midim Khola, 28 MW Supardordi, 49 MW Tallo Dordi and 25 MW Upper Dordi-A have stopped owing to fuel crisis, said the project sources.

Meanwhile, some of the workers are said to have left for their homes to stay with their families amid the worsening situation caused by bandhs and strikes.

Chief District Officer Shrawan Kumar Timilsena said, “The projects require around 10,000 litres of diesel and 5,000 litres of petrol every day. How can we continue our work amid such crisis?”

The local fuel station owners clarified that they were unable meet the demand for petroleum products due to shortage. They, however, said that they have been providing fuel to emergency vehicles.