Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has directed not to delay the construction of Tanahu Hydropower Project.

During her on-site visit to the under construction 140 MW Tanahu Hydropower Project, Minister Bhusal directed to complete the work of the reservoir project on time without delay.

Minister Bhusal inspected the construction site under the first package including dam, underground power house, tailrace, tunnel and other structures. “Except for Kulekhani, all the projects in operation are based on river flow. As production decreases in winter, we still have to import electricity to meet the domestic demand and waste it in the monsoon,” she said, "In order to end such a situation, the construction of the strategically important reservoir-based Tanahu project should be completed on time and at a fixed cost."

Stating that the construction work should be carried out in coordination with the local units and inter-ministerial coordination, she expressed her commitment to provide all possible assistance to solve the problems immediately.

She added that the area could be developed as a tourist destination after the construction of the reservoir of the project and the locals could directly benefit from it.

Kiran Kumar Shrestha, managing director of Tanahu Hydropower Limited, the promoter of the project, informed about the physical and financial progress achieved so far in the construction and the problems faced.

The construction work of the second package of the project including tunnel, construction of power house and supply, connection and operation of hydro mechanical and electromechanical equipment is underway. According to the project, the contractor company has completed the construction of a cable tunnel and main access tunnel and is digging an underground power house. The construction of an access tunnel towards Sarjatank has been completed.

Construction of 220 kV double circuit transmission line from Damauli to Bharatpur of Chitwan is underway under the third package of the project. So far, the foundation work of 30 towers has been completed and eight towers have been erected.