MoEWRI seeks cash from MoF to expedite works of Budhigandaki Hydal

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MOEWRI) has asked the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to manage necessary funds to establish an office for day to day operation to expedite the construction of Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project.

Officials said the MoEWRI has sought cash transfer of Rs 1.5 billion to manage expenses for the establishment of office, recruitment of employees and purchase of required logistics. The government has already registered a company for the construction of the 1,200 MW storage project.

As of now, the government has been carrying out preliminary works of the hydropower project through the Reconstruction and Resettlement Unit. According to the MoEWRI, it has so far distributed compensation of Rs 65 billion to acquire 48,948 ropanis of land.

The government has estimated to acquire 58,153 ropanis of land for the construction of the hydropower project. A cabinet meeting held on April 7 had decided to build the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project with domestic investment by scrapping the license awarded to the Chinese company.