Minister Khadka urges WB to invest in hydro

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 13: World Bank South Asia Regional Director Pankaj Gupta called on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka on Thursday.

At the meeting held at the Ministry of Energy in Singha Durbar, the two discussed the World Bank's investment in Nepal's hydropower sector, according to a press statement issued by Minister Khadka’s secretariat.

During the meeting, Minister Khadka thanked the World Bank for its investment in Nepal's hydropower projects so far and urged it to continue its investment in the coming days as well.

He also urged the World Bank to quickly finalise the financial management of the Upper Arun Hydropower Project. 

The 1,063 MW Upper Arun Hydropower Project to be built in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality of   Sankhuwasabha as a ‘game changer’ project has been advanced.

Similarly, they also discussed the issue of strengthening electricity supply.

During the meeting, World Bank Regional Director Gupta said that the World Bank has prioritised the Upper Arun Hydropower Project. 

Secretary at the Ministry of Energy Suresh Acharya, Joint Secretaries Chiranjeevi Chataut and Sagar Raj Gautam, and World Bank Country Director for Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka David Sislen were present in the meeting.