Kathmandu. Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has said that the government was working to take forward the Phukot Karnali Semi-Reservoir Hydropower Project as well as other projects of Karnali State.

Speaking at an all-party meeting in Kalikot demanding that the work of Phukot Karnali Hydropower Project should be expedited, he said the ministry was trying to take forward the works of Phukot Karnali and other hydropower projects for the prosperity of Karnali state.

He also directed the power generation company to proceed with the project in collaboration with the Indian company NHPC Limited, which has signed an agreement for the construction of the project. “We have opened a company saying that the government alone cannot invest in projects across the country,” he said, adding that VUCL is trying to take Phukot Karnali forward by collaborating with India’s trusted company NHPC.

Minister Khadka stressed the need of creating an environment where the country would not suffer losses and the investors would be protected from their investment. Energy Minister Khadka said that the government has created an environment to buy shares of hydropower by providing loans to the poor and needy people without collateral.

CpN (Maoist Centre) leader and former Chief Minister of Karnali Province Mahendra Bahadur Shahi stressed the need of implementing the already signed projects at the earliest.

NC Kalikot secretary Nagendra Bahadur Bista said the project should be completed at the earliest for the prosperity of Karnali state.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Dhan Bahadur Budha said the project should be expedited for the development of Kalikot and the entire Karnali state. The 480 MW Phukot Karnali Hydropower Project was to be constructed with the investment of Indian company NHPC Limited.