Kathmandu, April 22: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka and Visiting Indian Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar jointly inspected the Arun III Hydropower Project in Sankhuwasabha today.
Indian Minister Khattar, who arrived in Nepal today on a two-day visit, joined Minister Khadka on an onsite-visit to the power house and dam of the Arun III Hydropower Project under construction with Indian investment. On the occasion, they also jointly inaugurated ‘Unit-2’ of the project and planted trees in the project premises.
During the inspection, the two ministers acquired information from the contractor company about the progress so far and the challenges to the project.
Energy Minister Khadka thanked the Indian government for its support in the development of Nepal’s energy sector. “As Arun III is an important hydropower project in the country, the government has given it high priority and will not allow any shortfall,” said Minister Khadka.
Indian Power Minister Khattar said that Nepal is a country with immense hydropower potential and that prosperity can be achieved through the energy sector. He stressed that the Arun III Hydropower Project should be completed on time as it would benefit both the countries. The Indian government is ready to invest more in Nepal’s hydropower sector.
The Arun III Hydropower Project located on the border of Makalu and Chichila rural municipalities of Sankhuwasabha has a capacity of 900 megawatts.
The foundation stone of the project was jointly laid by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Baisakh 2075 BS. The Indian Sutlej Hydropower Company is constructing the project at an estimated cost of Rs 104 billion.
