Kailai, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, has stated that a detailed engineering study is going to be carried out for the 10,800-megawatt Karnali Chisapani reservoir-based hydropower project.

At a program organized in Durgauli, Janaki Rural Municipality, Kailali on Tuesday, Minister Ghising mentioned that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Karnali Chisapani, which is linked to the economic prosperity of not only the Far Western Province but also the entire country, is being prepared through the Nepal Electricity Authority.

Referring to the fact that the project had earlier been assessed as feasible with a target to be completed by 2001, but could not move forward, Minister Ghising said that mega projects like the Karnali Chisapani, which are linked to the nation’s prosperity, must be taken forward, and that the project can be developed as a model project for the entire South Asian region.

The government has already decided to conduct studies on the Karnali Chisapani project through the Nepal Electricity Authority. The Authority has moved forward with the process of selecting a consultant for the detailed study. Minister Ghising also stated that once the Karnali Chisapani project is constructed, river flow will be regulated, and as a result, the existing problem of riverbank erosion will also be resolved in the long term.

He also informed that the process has already been initiated to establish a company with share ownership by local people, consumer committees, and others to operate the 4.71-megawatt hydropower plant of the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project.

Providing information that the proposal to establish the company has been sent to the Ministry of Finance for consent, Minister Ghising said that once approval is received from the Finance Ministry, a decision will be taken by the Cabinet, after which the process of company formation will move forward. He also noted that economic prosperity of Sudurpashchim Province can be achieved through the development of hydropower and tourism.