September 8: The Ministry of Energy has instructed Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the companies under the NEA overseeing various hydropower projects to expedite their works.

Energy Minister Mahendra Bahadur Shahi gave such instruction during a meeting with the concerned project chiefs on September 7.

The ministry had called for a meeting to inquire about the progress of various projects.

“I will do all I can from my side to finish the projects on time,” said Minister Shahi, adding, “If the projects finish on time then we can produce electricity as per the demand.”

Minister Shahai received the progress reports of 11 hydropower projects under the NEA. During the meeting, the project chiefs apprised the minister about the problems in acquiring the forest land, compensation to the locals and the problems created by the contractors.

Upper Tamakoshi, Chameliya, Kulekhani III, Raghughat,  Upper Trishuli III A, Lower Sanjel under Chilime, Upper Sanjel, Rasuwagadhi and Mid Bhotekoshi are the projects being implemented with the government’s investment.

A total of 1039 MW of electricity will be produced from all of those projects. But looking at the current pace of progress, only Chameliya (30 MW) and Kulekhani (14 MW) are likely to come into operation this year. Upper Tamakoshi (456 MW) and Upper Trishuli III A will be ready by one and a half years.