A discussion on construction of Upper Marsyangdi II Hydropower project on the border of Lamjung and Manang districts was held today.

Investment Board Nepal organised an interaction with stakeholders, including high-level government officials of Lamjung and Manang and people’s representatives. The discussion was aimed at seeking suggestions for the project.

As per the discussion, a dam for the project will be constructed at Sirantal of Naso Rural Municipality, and a power house will be constructed at Syange of Marsyangdi Rural Municipality. Similarly, a 14-km tunnel will be built for the project.

Indian company GMR had put the 600-megawatt Upper Marsyangdi Hydropower on hold for the last ten years. During Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s China sojourn, Nepal’s Butwal Power Company had signed a pact to construct the 600-megawatt project in collaboration with a Chinese company last year.

At the programme, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Chief Whip Dev Gurung said the hydel project should be constructed keeping in mind the interests of people and the country.

Federal lawmaker Palden Gurung from Manang said while constructing the hydel projects, locals’ concern and their interest should also be considered. “A hydro power project should not be constructed by violating people’s rights,” he said.

Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Gandaki Province Chief Whip Mayanath Adhikari said the tendency to keep rivers and streams in the bag should end pronto. He stressed the need to maintain transparency on hydro power projects.

Province lawmaker Dhananjaya Dawadi said hydro projects had to inform locals about compensation and the shares locals are entitled to receive in advance.

Investment Board Nepal’s CEO Maha Prasad Adhikari said the project would start as per the existing laws and agreements signed.

“PDA will be done in three months,” he said. Adhikari urged the local levels to facilitate the project. After PDA, we shall proceed with PPA and general licence, said Adhikari.