June 15: The government has decided to allow the private sector to build, operate and transfer five different hydropower projects through open competition.watch movie replicasreplica rolex watchesreplica panerai watches for sale

The government has decided to allow the private sector to build five projects of 169.42 MW capacity in two phases through competition. It is preparing to handover projects namely Dudhkoshi Hydropower Project-4 (47 MW), Sankhuwakhola Hydropower Project-1 (40.82MW), Lower Hongu Hydropower Project (30.20MW),  Kawadikhola Hydropower Project (30 MW) and Ingu Khola Hydropower Project (21.40 MW) to the private sector.

All these projects were studied by the Department of Electricity Development. The department had completed the study of these projects between 2018-2020. Madhu Prasad Bhetwal, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation informed that  the projects are being handed over to the private sector for construction.

In the first phase, proposals will be invited for the construction of Dudhkoshi-4, Sankhuwakhola-1, Lower Hongukhola and Ingu Khola hydropower projects to be constructed in Solukhumbu. Bhetwal said that applications will be invited in the second phase for the construction of Kawadikhola Hydropower Project to be built in Bajura.

"Standard bidding process is being prepared to call for the applications for the four hydropower projects. After receiving approval from the ministry,  the Department will call for application," he said, adding, "But infrastructure required for the construction of Kawadikhola have not been built. Once the required infrastructure is built, private sector will be permitted to build the project."

Electricity of Dudhkoshi-4, Sankhuwakhola-1, Tallo Hongu and Ingu Khola hydropower projects will be connected to 132 KV Line substation, 132 KV Tumlingtar substation, 132 KV line substation respectively. Electricity of Kawadikhola Hydropower Project will be connected to 132 KV Mugu Karnali Hub.

A secretary-level decision taken on August 20, 2020 had agreed to allow the private sector to develop the projects in the build, operate and transfer (BOT) model.