FinMin condemns obstruction in Upper Bhote Koshi

KATHMANDU, Dec 16 :

Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat has condemned ongoing obstructions in the project site of Upper Bhote Koshi Hydropower Project in Sindhupalchowk district.

Addressing the 48th annual general meeting of Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) on Monday, Mahat said such ´anti-development´ activities of the locals and political parties can push the country backward. “The government is ready to listen to the genuine demands. But agitation on trivial issue will only discourage investors and stagnate the development process," he added.

Local leaders of political parties in Sindhupalchowk have been obstructing pylon construction work in the project site, putting forth several demands, including distribution of 35 percent of shares in the company to the locals of affected village development committees (VDCs).

The company has not been able to generate energy after some of its pylons were swept away by floods in August. Now locals are not allowing the company to erect pylons to link energy generated by the project to the national grid.

Underlining the need for ´economic revolution´ in the country, Mahat said: "Those who do not let the country move on the right track are regressive forces. Similarly, those working for improving people´s living standard are progressive forces. People should be able to distinguish between these forces," he added.

Commenting on state restructuring, Mahat said economic viability of provinces should be taken into consideration while carving out provinces under federal set up.

Source: Republica