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Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has accelerated initiatives focused on policy reform, good governance, and service delivery within just the first two weeks of assuming office. From March 26 to April 13, the ministry has moved forward with various programs ranging from structural changes to implementation-oriented measures.

To enhance work effectiveness, the ministry has begun preparations to implement a “delivery-based governance system.” For this, a good governance unit has been formed under the coordination of Joint Secretary Rudra Singh Tamang. The unit will regularly monitor the performance, adherence to timelines, and utilization of resources within the ministry and its subordinate bodies.

In terms of service delivery improvement, the electricity service hotline number 1151 has been activated. According to the ministry, more than 4,000 complaints have been addressed within just two weeks. It has been claimed that all complaints received via phone, WhatsApp, email, and the Hello Government platform have been resolved.

To implement the governance reform agenda approved by the Cabinet, Minister Shrestha has formed several study committees. Separate committees are actively working on energy consumption and export strategy, review of underperforming projects, removing obstacles in the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) process, and reforming the licensing system. Some committees have already prepared preliminary reports, the ministry stated.

The ministry has also accelerated legal reforms. A draft bill related to renewable energy and energy efficiency has been prepared, while discussions with stakeholders are ongoing to finalize the electricity policy.

Meanwhile, the process of providing employment to family members of martyrs associated with the Gen-Z movement has also been moved forward. The Nepal Electricity Authority has initiated steps to ensure employment for eight additional affected family members, expanding the coverage. Earlier, the process had already begun for 27 individuals.

To attract investment in the energy and irrigation sectors, dialogue with development partners including the World Bank has been intensified. Additionally, a decision has been made to submit project proposals worth approximately Rs 3 billion to the climate-related “Loss and Damage Fund.”

Under Minister Shrestha’s leadership, priority has been given to delayed and incomplete projects to accelerate their progress. Projects such as the Sunkoshi–Marin Diversion Project, Hetauda–Dhalkebar Transmission Line, and the Budhigandaki Reservoir Project have been pushed forward, according to the ministry.

Similarly, plans to underground electrical infrastructure in the Kathmandu Valley have been advanced. Keeping the upcoming monsoon in mind, preparatory work in flood- and river erosion-prone areas has also been intensified. Additionally, steps have been taken to provide aviation weather services digitally at Tribhuvan International Airport.

The ministry’s active performance within a short period signals an effort to reduce the gap between policy reform and implementation. However, the long-term impact of these initiatives will depend on continuity and tangible results.

jalasarokar