Kathmandu, Aug 15: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, has said it is time to forward mega hydropower projects and irrigation initiatives, ensuring noticeable progress.
At an annual progress review and meeting of the ministry-level development problems resolution committee in the ministry on Friday, Minister Khadka viewed, “If we carry out works with responsibility and learning from the past, we can achieve success.”
This ministry is linked to the national economy, so energy production needs to be moved forward with utmost coordination among government agencies, Minister Khadka reminded, adding that once we mobilize the amount stashed idle in bank for the energy sector, we can secure quicker development.
He further expressed concern why we were not able to mobilize the idle amount from banks while the foreigners are desperate for investment in energy sector. The government is for reservoir-based projects in order to secure adequate power production even during winter, according to him.
Member of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Prof Dr RP Bichchha, proposed the launch of separate annual policy and programme aligning with 16th periodic plan for the development of energy and irrigation sectors.
On the occasion, Secretary Sarita Dawadi, informed that although the ministry got cooperation from the Finance Ministry and the NPC, it was persistently facing the problems of land acquisition and use of forest land.
Similarly, Secretary at Water and Energy Commission, Dina Natha Mishra, complained that budget spending did not meet the target because the budget was allocated without preparation.
