Kathmandu: The locals have demanded that the construction of the 1,061 MW semi-reservoir Upper Arun Hydropower Project in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality of Sankhuwasabha district be started immediately.

The locals said that they were ready to provide necessary assistance to start the construction of the project as soon as possible to a team led by Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal, who visited the project site on Wednesday.

Ladar Bhote, chairman of the Upper Arun Hydropower Project Affected Stakeholders Forum, said that the construction of the project should be started as soon as possible as they are eager to use the electricity generated from the water from their place. “We are happy that the project is being built. As a road will be constructed along with the project, we will be able to drive, schools and the health sector will be improved,” said Bhote. “We are ready to make the project a success.”

Minister Bhusal said that a detailed study of the project will be completed as soon as possible and construction will start after finalizing the investment issue. "The project is being discussed but will not be constructed for decades. We are making every effort to end this kind of trend and build it for the benefit of the local people," she said.