Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, has assured that the country will no longer face load shedding.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 78-megawatt Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project in Rasuwa on Wednesday, Minister Khadka said uninterrupted electricity supply would now be available to households and industries across the country.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring round-the-clock power and instructed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to accelerate hydropower development to prevent future shortages.
This announcement marks a reversal from Minister Khadka’s statement three weeks ago, when he informed the National Assembly that load shedding during evening hours would be necessary due to India's decision to restrict power exports to Nepal. Since March 16, India had been supplying electricity only during solar hours.
However, the situation has since improved after India agreed to supply additional electricity following the appointment of Hitendra Dev Shakya as the new managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority.
Minister Khadka expressed confidence in Shakya’s leadership, describing him as a highly capable engineer who could elevate the NEA to new heights.
He also stated that the government is prioritizing reservoir-based hydropower projects and actively working to export electricity to neighboring countries, including India and Bangladesh.
Encouraging greater private sector and donor participation, the Minister highlighted Nepal’s agreement to export 10,000 megawatts of electricity to India.
NEA Managing Director Shakya echoed the Minister’s views, urging the public not to believe in rumors about load shedding. He pledged to resolve existing challenges with the full backing of the Ministry and take the NEA forward.
Chinese Embassy Charge d’Affaires Wang Xin praised Nepal’s progress in the hydropower sector and reiterated China’s continued support.
The Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project, located in Amachhodingmo Rural Municipality-5 of Rasuwa, was constructed by China’s Sinohydro Bureau with an investment of Rs 22 billion. It has now been officially connected to the national grid. -- With inputs from RSS
