Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Pampha Bhusal has laid emphasis on the use of domestically-generated electricity by reducing the consumption of imported fuel to make the national economy self-reliant.

Flagging off an electric vehicle rally organized on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), Minister Bhusal said that around Rs 2 billion is being spent annually on the import of petroleum products and Rs 40 billion on the import of cooking gas.

She called for increasing the consumption of electricity for industry, transportation, and household purposes, which would avoid wastage of electricity and also contribute to the national economy. Stating that the government has given high priority to the promotion of electric vehicles, she said that the use of electric vehicles should be increased to reduce the impact of climate change and create employment opportunities in the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary at the Ministry, Sagar Rai pointed out the need for use of electric vehicles by the government, private sector and the general public as electric vehicles are environmentally-friendly, convenient for passengers, and increase electricity consumption.

Executive Director of the AEPC, Dr Madhusudan Adhikari said that the Center has been emphasizing environmental protection and promotion of clean energy.

Nepal Electricity Authority Executive Director Kulman Ghising said that charging stations are being installed at various places to encourage the use of electric vehicles to increase electricity consumption. He shared that about 400 to 500 MW of electricity is going to waste at present.

The rally started from Jawalakhel in Lalitpur and passed through various places in Kathmandu before concluding at Bhrikuti Mandap in the capital. The rally was attended by about 300 people on electric bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, tempos, and cars.