NC lawmaker urges amendment to allow hydropower projects in protected areas
He noted that from Api Himal to Kanchenjunga, over 75% of the main hydropower sources are located within protected areas and wildlife reserves.
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress lawmaker Bir Bahadur Balayar has called for immediate amendments to Nepal’s laws to permit the construction of hydropower projects in protected areas and wildlife reserves.
Speaking at the Agriculture, Cooperative, and Natural Resources Committee meeting on Sunday, Balayar highlighted issues in updating the Environmental Management Plans (EMP) of hydropower projects.
He stressed that slogans about achieving national prosperity through energy are meaningless unless legal pathways are cleared for project development. Without progress in the energy sector, he warned, Nepal cannot achieve self-reliance.
He noted that from Api Himal to Kanchenjunga, over 75% of the main hydropower sources are located within protected areas and wildlife reserves.
He criticized the practice of ministries issuing licenses and permits, only to halt projects midway, calling it inappropriate.
Balayar also pointed out that although the Supreme Court can declare sensitive areas, the government has yet to officially designate them.
He warned that allowing others to decide on sensitivities without government declaration is improper.
Recalling past delays, he said that projects often face obstacles during transmission line construction, increasing costs and discouraging private investment.
