PM Deuba stresses the need of getting rid of country's heavy reliance on fossil fuel
DOLAKHA, MARCH 19
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said the government is committed to prioritising reservoir-based multi-purpose projects.
Inaugurating the newly built 220/132kv sub-station of Naya Khimti in Ramechhap's Manthali Municipality-13, Phalasi today, the prime minister spoke of the government commitment to developing large reservoir-based projects. The sub-station was built under the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project being built in Lamabagar, Bigu Rural Municipality-1, Dolakha.
"Just like Upper Tamakoshi project, 1,200-MW Budhigandaki and 750-MW West Seti hydropower projects are large projects. Work of these projects haven't quite moved ahead, so the focus of the government will be on implementing these projects," said PM Deuba, stressing the importance of reservoir-based projects for ensuring energy security of the country during the dry season.
The prime minister also described hydropower as a source of healthy and green energy and spoke of the hydroelectricity's potential to help the country get rid of its heavy reliance on fossil fuel.
He also sought an end to the trend of developers occupying projects and delaying them for years. Regarding PPA-related matters, he said the government would take necessary decision on that matter.
On the occasion, PM Deuba also congratulated the staffers, contractors and other stakeholders of the 456MW Upper Tamakoshi project on completing the project by utilising domestic resources and efforts and easing the power deficit facing the country. According to the project chief executive officer Bigyan Shrestha, the power generated from the project has now been connected to the sub-station. The national glory project so far has produced one billion unit of electricity.
Further, Shrestha said an additional of 250MW-plus power produced from other project in the region will be connected to the sub-station.
The prime minister also offered letter of appreciation to different persons helping in completing the national glory project. Energy Minister Pampha Bhusal, Energy secretary Devendra Karki, Nepal Electricity Authority Chief Executive Directive Kulman Ghising were also present.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 20, 2022, of The Himalayan Times
