MP Savitri Malla Objects to Budget for Dailekh Petroleum Excavation Project

Kathmandu. Member of Parliament Savitri Malla has objected to the budget allocated for the Dailekh petroleum excavation project.

Speaking in the discussion on the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies' budget for the upcoming fiscal year in the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee meeting, MP Malla claimed that the project could not be completed with the allocated budget of 2 crore 29 lakh rupees.

MP Malla mentioned that petroleum excavation has started in Jaljale, Dailekh for over a year and that expert reports show there is methane gas there which can last for 50 years.

She said, 'What will 2 crore 29 lakh rupees do? Expert reports show there is methane gas that can last for 50 years. What kind of budget is this 2 crore 29 lakh rupees? How will excavation be completed?'

Stating that the meager budget allocated by the government is mocking the project, she questioned who prepared the budget framework.

'How was the budget allocated? Who submitted the proposal? I need a clear explanation,' she said.

MP Malla urged the ministry to withdraw the budget rather than delaying the project with a small amount. She added, 'If the work cannot be done with a meager budget, then withdraw this budget. Sufficient budget should be allocated by prioritizing this national pride project.'

She argued that Nepal should not be stingy in excavating its own country's mines when it imports billions of rupees worth of fuel annually. She warned the government to be serious, stating that the Dailekh gas mine could prove to be a milestone in ending the situation of having to queue for gas in Kathmandu.