Kathmandu, Aug 21: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, has held a discussion with forest minister, secretary and chiefs of related departments in a bid to sort out problems on power production.
He said inter-ministry dialogue was essential to resolve issues that obstruct development projects. So, the ministry has given priority to it.
“Government has aimed at producing 28,500 MW electricity. But the power projects are facing problems, especially on forest use and land acquisition,” Minister Khadka said, adding that legal clearance of hurdles helps achieve goal.
Minister Khadka pointed out the need for government to pay heed to electricity production, as the hydroelectricity is becoming Nepal’s major income, and electricity demand was also growing. The power producers must not be hassled, he added.
Moreover, Energy Minister viewed it was worrying to not have electricity in the far-flung areas of the country which prides on its richness of water resources. He however said development and environment conservation must be balanced.
Khadka said such discussions must be continued to wipe out problems surfaced in the inter-ministry coordination.
On the occasion, Minister for Forest and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi, however, said his ministry was working to ease the problems that obstruct power production, procedural delay and legal hassles need addressed, he added.
The Forest Ministry was working actively to resolve problems of land acquisition.
