The Independent Power Producers’ Association – Nepal (IPPAN) has condemned the serial bombings that have taken place in the construction site of the 900-megawatt Arun-III hydropower project.

An unidentified group had exploded three improvised explosive devices (pressure cooker bomb) serially near the powerhouse of the under-construction hydropower project in Sankhuwasabha district on January 21.

Similarly, on February 9, an unidentified group had again blasted a pressure cooker bomb at the project site, which damaged a diesel generator set and boomer.

The project is being developed by India’s state-owned Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Power Development Company.

In a press statement released today, IPPAN has urged the government to form a highlevel independent investigation committee to look into the incidents. “These types of incidents that are repeatedly happening is not good for foreign direct investment and we urge the government to secure the hydropower projects being funded by both national and international companies,” the statement reads.

IPPAN has also asked the government to establish an immediate response mechanism for such kinds of incidents.

The Nepal Police have said that they are looking for the unidentified group/s who were involved in carrying out the explosions. The government has deployed security personnel from Nepal Police and Nepali Army at the incident site following the bomb blasts.

The project is scheduled to be completed within the next five years.