Minister Bhusal urges Nepali Army to increase electricity consumption

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Apr. 25: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal and Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) Prabhu Ram Sharma met and discussed the development of hydropower and energy consumption.

During the meeting held at the Ministry Sunday, Minister Bhusal urged the Nepali Army to assist in promoting power consumption.

Stressing on the need to replace other fuels being used in the army's kitchens with electricity, she said, "Now let's use electricity in the kitchens of the Nepali Army. 

The ministry is ready to prepare the necessary infrastructure for that.”

She also urged to convert the vehicles used by the Nepali Army into electric vehicles and take a decision to purchase electric vehicles in the coming days as well.

Stating that she is continuously emphasising on electricity consumption and export, Minister Bhusal said, "It is the responsibility of all of us to promote domestic generated energy by increasing electricity consumption. When electricity is consumed, our money does not go out.”

Stating that the Nepali Army has been making significant contributions in the development of infrastructure, she expressed confidence that the army would also contribute in the development of hydropower projects in the coming days.

On the occasion, Army Chief Sharma assured that the kitchen of the Nepali Army was moving towards electrification and would be fully implemented in the coming days.

"We have started using big steamers for cooking. We will continue to use electric stoves in all the barracks in the coming days," he said.

Sharma said that the Nepal Army has already started converting the petroleum vehicles used by them into electric ones.

“I am using electric vehicles and the vehicles to be purchased in the coming days will be electric,” he said.

Stating that he has a clear view that electricity consumption should be increased for the protection of the environment and promotion of the country's economy, he said that the Nepali Army could also invest in hydropower development if the government decided on the policy.

Sharma assured that the Nepali Army would facilitate the development of the hydropower project.

Joint Secretary of the Ministry Baburam Bhandari and managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority Kul Man Ghising were present at the discussion.

Earlier, Energy Minister Bhusal had discussed the issue of power consumption with Nepal Police and Armed Police Force.

Similarly, she has been taking initiative to prepare necessary infrastructure to replace the gas stoves used in big hotels as well as restaurants with electric stoves.