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The government has increased ministerial-level engagement to accelerate energy development projects across the country. A ministry-level meeting held on Sunday at the Ministry, chaired by Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, was attended by secretaries, joint secretaries, departmental heads, and concerned officials.

During the meeting, various directives were issued to expedite the implementation of hydropower and related projects.

The Ministry stated that the discussion particularly focused on speeding up hydropower projects and programs under the Ministry.

Minister Shrestha instructed officials to prepare to complete work within the stipulated deadlines as per government plans. He also emphasized the need to conduct studies (pattern studies) on disaster and risk management related to the energy sector and to formulate necessary policies and programs accordingly.

Additionally, emphasis was placed on holding regular internal meetings within the Ministry to make priority decisions, monitor budget implementation, prioritize delayed projects, and finalize plans and budgets for the upcoming fiscal year on time.

Focus on Budget Implementation and Monitoring

The meeting decided to identify problems seen in the implementation of the current fiscal year’s budget and seek solutions, review the status of unspent budgets, and carry out special monitoring to improve project performance.

It was also stated that progress of projects under the procurement process would be evaluated, and delays in environmental studies and approval processes would be addressed through coordination with relevant agencies to expedite completion.

Message of Energy Sector Reform

The energy sector is considered a key foundation for Nepal’s economic development. If projects related to hydropower generation, transmission, and distribution are completed on time, they are expected to have a positive impact on energy exports, industrial development, and job creation.

The Ministry has indicated that it will identify obstacles in ongoing projects and resolve them, while effectively utilizing available technical manpower and experience to further accelerate project implementation in the coming days.

Jalasarokar