Forests Ministry urged to play role of facilitator and not spoiler in hydropower projects

Kathmandu, Aug 31: The Agriculture, Cooperative and Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives has directed the Ministry of Forests and Environment to play the role of facilitator to complete the under-construction projects including Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project. 

Today's meeting of the Committee issued such instruction to resolve the problems raised in the context of the environmental impact assessment report of the hydropower projects and issues highlighted there.  

Saying works at the national park and conservation areas have been halted even after conducting environmental impact assessment, Committee President Kusum Devi Thapa told RSS that the Ministry was asked for facilitation.

On the occasion, lawmaker Birendra Mahato pointed out the need of maintaining balance between development and environment, saying development activities should not be halted in the name of environment conservation.

Lawmaker Saraswati Subba expressed the opinion that it is inappropriate for the Ministry of Forests to hinder the progress of hydropower projects when the government is adopting policies to promote electric vehicles for environmental protection.

Lawmaker Mina Tamang stated that the environment should not be destroyed under the guise of facilitating the development of hydropower projects.

Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Environment, Rajendra Prasad Mishra, said that it is necessary to remove legal barriers regarding the hydropower projects that have already received investment and an EIA.

He said, "Even though 95 percent works of any project are completed, five percent is delayed due to the national park or conservation area. We are ready to facilitate development and construction works." (RSS)