Government Approves Use of National Forest Land for Four Hydropower Projects

The government has approved the use of national forest land for the construction of four hydropower projects — Sutikhola, Tamakoshi V, Upper Sankhuwasabha, and Setikhola.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting held on Monday, January 26, at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.

While power producers welcomed the move, anticipating it will accelerate hydropower development, conservationists have raised concerns about its potential impact on environmental preservation.

The meeting also appointed Chandrakala Paudel, Secretary at the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, as the acting chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Nepal Insurance Authority, until further arrangements are made, according to Home Minister and government spokesperson Om Prakash Aryal.