Hydropower, Road And Sports Facility

There are public expectations from China during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's visit to the northern neighbour. Globally, China has been known for its extraordinary achievements in the field of infrastructural development that needs huge expenditure not only in the construction phase but also in its maintenance and sustainability. As far as the volume of Nepal's economy is concerned, it consists of a small fraction of the total turnover of two neighbouring countries - China and India. Therefore, if Nepal is able to receive even a small part of investment from them, the former can boost its economy, which will eventually help foster harmony with two giants of the Asia. China and India both observe Nepal as a very crucial and strategically important territory.

Internationally, Nepal has carved its image as a peaceful and friendly nation widely acceptable to the comity of nations. It has also refrained from any dispute in the region. In this context, what supports can Nepal seek from China has the value of timely importance. The indices of loan are already at higher level in Nepal. It cannot accept more loans because the state of post-armed conflict, marked by instability and political turmoil have all contributed to deteriorate the economy. Gross domestic production, revenue collection and employment rate are not in favourable situations. 

Infrastructural development

Given such conditions, Nepal must seek some infrastructural development that would be the source of regular income with one-time investment and minimal level of operation cost. Obviously, hydropower is the only such area that is feasible and sellable too. Nepal can request China's support in hydroelectricity projects. There is a potential for hydropower cooperation between the two nations. There are also some indicative points in the document of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China that it may render some support to transmit the electricity through its network up to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. 

And through these two countries, Nepal can also fulfil need for electricity of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. India would also be interested in consuming some hydropower if it is available in relatively cheaper rate because the fragility of Tehri dam in the River Bhagirathi is often questionable and some environmentalist and techno-administrators have also been seeking for alternatives to the power generated by this dam. 

The big rivers such as Karnali, Kaligandaki, Trishuli, Sunkoshi and Arun, which produce run-of-river hydroelectricity, may not require 52 square kilometres for the dam as in Tehri. Though Himalayan region is seismologically vulnerable, Nepal can have relatively small dams. Thus, Nepal should put forward its need for much electricity to replace the expensive fossil fuel purchased from India and other countries. 

When cooking gas is replaced by electricity, Nepal will save millions of dollars, which can be invested in the development of cable car and other tourism-related industry, thereby boosting the national economy. Nepal should put forward convincing proposals before China so that there can be important power agreement between the two countries. 

Second is the obvious area of surface transport as road construction and improvisation. It has also two dimensions. First is the standardisation of the existing roads. Mid-hill highway is relatively expensive and the alternative one as Madan Bhandari (inner-Tarai) highway that runs from Bahundangi-Shantinagar in Jhapa via Dharan, Chatara, Gaighat-Katari, Sindhulimadi, Hetauda, Gaindakot, Rampur, Ramdi, Ridi, Balkot, Sandhikharka, Shitalpati, Surkhet, Baddichour, Sahajpur, Budar and Jogbudha to Rupal in the western end will connect a huge population.

The enhanced connectivity provides a flavour of the culture and environment of the hills and possibility of consumption of better development facilities such as health, education and employment. Therefore, Chinese support for Madan Bhandari Highway may be one of the beneficial projects. An equally possible project may be the mass-transport metro in Kathmandu Valley.   

Support for sports 

The third one is the support for the sports in Nepal. Sports sector is not directly related to the means of increasing the per-capita income or replacing the foreign products to reduce public and private expenditure. However, it is a tourism-friendly activity and promote the identity of the country abroad. In South Asia, Nepal has the best acceptability for sports activities. It is reported in international media that the recent development in Bangladesh has also reduced the flow of international visitors there and it may take some years to normalise its previous state. 

Therefore, Nepal could serve as a hub of sports activities. A well facilitated cricket ground means star hotels in nearby area and also a link road to reach the stadium. It has a chain effects for the economic development as well as social activities at regional and international level. China has been producing best athletes and constructing best sports infrastructures in many parts of the world. In conclusion, hydropower, surface transport and sports development could be potential agenda for bilateral talks with the Chinese side during PM Oli's visit taking place in the first week of December. 

(The author is a faculty at the Master's in Sports Science, Tribhuvan University and vice-chair of the Nepal Intellectual Council)