KATHMANDU: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) on Saturday organised a rally of electric vehicles to encourage and promote the use of EVs to increase the consumption of green energy produced within the country.
The rally that began from the NEA headquarters at Ratnapark went through Maitighar, New Baneshwor, Tinkune, Sinamangal, Airport, Gaushala, Chabahil, Maharajgunj, Lajimpat, Lainchaur and Durbar Marga before concluding at Ratnapark.
Inaugurating the rally, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet said the government has a policy to increase the consumption of electricity produced in the country, and encourage and promote the use of electric appliances and vehicles for clean environment. He stressed the need for the use of EVs to reduce dependence on petroleum products.
Talking to mediapersons, Minister Basnet stressed the use of EVs to avoid environmental degradation.
"Economic development and prosperity could be attained through electrification. Nepal Electricity Authority has been significantly contributing towards economic development and environment," lauded the Minister.
He underscored increasing awareness about electricity-powered goods to augment electricity use.
Others present on the occasion were the Ministry Secretary, Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, NEA Executive Director Kul Man Ghising, office bearers of the Automobiles Association of Nepal and the users of EVs.
The NEA has adopted a policy of purchasing only EVs for urban areas and converting fuel vehicles into electric ones. It has constructed charging stations in 51 various places, and the construction process has been initiated at 13 different places, said the NEA.
Similarly, the construction of charging stations is underway in more than 100 places across the country, it was informed.
The NEA is observing its 38th anniversary on August 18. A week-long event will be organised on the occasion.
