Energy and irrigation are top priorities for a prosperous Nepal, says Minister Khadka

KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka stated energy and irrigation has been top governmental priorities on the path to a prosperous nation.

Replying to MPs’ questions on the ministry’s policies, programmes and budget for fiscal year 2025/26, Miniser Khadka confirmed a budget allocation of Rs 38.46 billion. He pledged to implement all policies, programmes and the budget effectively, and he outlined key initiatives planned for fiscal year 2025/26: the establishment of a reliable hydrology and meteorological forecasting system; surveying of mountains and glaciers; expansion of deep tube wells; and an integrated river-basin irrigation and water-resources management programme alongside flagship “national pride” projects.

He said the Bagmati Irrigation Project, Sunsari–Morang Irrigation Project, Praganna and Badkapath Irrigation Project, Greater Dang Valley Irrigation Project and Bheri Corridor Irrigation and River Management Project had been identified as top priorities. River control, land management and water-resource conservation were emphasised in the budget, with plans to extend irrigation facilities by 14,000 hectares in fiscal year 2025/26.

New technologies for river control were to be introduced gradually, and funding had been set aside to meet the target of generating 28,500 MW of electricity by 2035 under the River and Water-Induced Disaster Management Policy, 2080 BS. Of this total, 13,500 MW would be consumed domestically and 15,000 MW exported.

Minister Khadka announced that a new Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act will be drafted and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre restructured. He stated that 97% of households already had electricity access, and the government had aimed to raise this to 97.5% in fiscal year 2025/26.

He added that “take-or-pay” power-purchase agreements will be adopted for small hydropower schemes up to 10 MW and large run-of-river projects with assured offtake. Investment frameworks had been finalised for major reservoir projects including Dudhkoshi, Upper Arun and Nalgad, with construction set to begin. He said the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project was to proceed under a public-private partnership model.

By RSS