PM Dahal stresses on speeding up construction of Budhi Gandaki Project
Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has laid emphasis on the need of accelerating construction of the Budhi Gandaki Reservoir Project as it is the national pride multi-purpose project.
During a meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar today, PM Dahal stressed the need of moving ahead expediting the construction of the project.
He said, “Budhi Gandaki Reservoir project is not a normal project. It is the national pride project as well as multi-purpose project. We have already signed memorandum of understanding to export 10,000 MW electricity in 10 years. So it is necessary to such projects without any delay.”
The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry, Nepal Electricity Authority and Budhi Gandaki Project Ltd no to remain in any confusion about the construction of the project at a time when compensation has already been distributed acquiring land. He mentioned, “Total Rs 43 billion compensation has already been distributed. It has been inaugurated by establishing field office. So the construction of the project should be forwarded.”
Describing the Budhi Gandaki as the one with potential for multiple returns, the Prime Minister underlined the need of accelerating it. “This will make quality contribution to nation’s economy.”
This being a reservoir-based project will have a crucial role in adjusting with energy issue in off-season and will support pisciculture, physical infrastructure construction, and job creations among others. In the meeting, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Shakti Basnet, underlined the need of searching for reliable investment sources and their mobilization for also the implementation of the energy agreement for the Budhi Gandaki.
Government Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal said it has been already decided to allocate Rs 10 of petroleum products tax and Rs five of infrastructure tax to the Project. He highlighted the need of coordination and efforts to mobilise capital of funds operated by the government structures in the Project.
Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectricity Limited’s Project Chief Jagat Shrestha gave his presentations focusing on the present state of the project, its progress and upcoming plans. Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, Finance Secretary Krishnahari Puskar, energy secretary, secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Nepal Electricity Authority officials and Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectricity Limited officials were also present in the meeting.
