March 20: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said that the government would give high priority for the development of large reservoir-based projects. He made such remark on Saturday while inaugurating the 220-132 KV Khimti Substation under the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project in Dolakha.

While inaugurating the new substation, PM Deuba said that the government will also expedite the Budhigandaki and West Seti reservoir projects which have been stalled since a long time due to procedural hurdles.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Deuba said that the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, built with Nepal's own investment and hard work, has made a great contribution to the supply of electricity and thanked all the employees and construction entrepreneurs.  

He further said that the government will not entertain the trend of construction companies seeking license and not completing the works on time.

With the completion of the Khimti substation, all the works related to the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, one of the national pride projects, have been completed.

The Upper Tamakoshi project, which was inaugurated in last June, has so far generated one billion units of electricity. It took almost 11 years to complete the project.

PM Deuba added that the government would soon finalize the 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydropower Project and the 750 MW West Seti Hydropower Project.    

The prime minister was of the view that these projects are important for energy security, especially during the dry season. He also said that large and reservoir projects were also necessary for clean and green energy and the government was doing its homework accordingly.    

The Prime Minister also clarified that appropriate decision would be taken regarding the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) which has not been able to move forward for a long time. The energy producers have been saying that the construction of the projects has been disrupted due to the failure of PPA.    

Also addressing the program, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal shared that preparations are being made to build large reservoir projects in all the provinces except Madhes Province.

She stressed on the need to develop reservoir-based projects for energy security.    

According to the minister, special attention should be given to the development of Nepal's energy sector to reduce the trade deficit and the government was committed to this end.    

On the occasion, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kulman Ghising said that the NEA is preparing to move ahead with big projects with the investment of the people. He termed the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project as a "game changer project" and said that it has also made significant contribution in improving the economic condition of the NEA.  

Energy Secretary Devendra Karki said that the government was ready to address any grievances of the locals affected by the hydropower project.