Former Chief Minister Rajendra Prasad Pandey Disagrees with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle on Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project

Kathmandu. Former Chief Minister and leader of the Nepali Communist Party, Rajendra Prasad Pandey, has expressed serious disagreement with the views expressed by Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle regarding the cost and construction of the Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project during a meeting of the National Assembly's 'Development, Economic and Good Governance Committee'.

Issuing a press release on Sunday, leader Pandey stated that it is unfortunate for such expressions, which create public disappointment, to come from a responsible person like the Finance Minister. Pandey, who has taken a special interest in the project since its initial survey, objected to Finance Minister Wagle evaluating it by placing it in the category of a general hydropower project, citing the high per-megawatt cost.

According to the press release, the Nepal government had decided to construct a 1,200 MW capacity reservoir-based project nine years ago. More than 53,000 ropanis of land in 27 VDCs of Gorkha and Dhading have been acquired for this purpose, and compensation exceeding 43 billion rupees has been distributed, with billions also spent on detailed surveys.

Leader Pandey clarified that Budhi Gandaki is not just a project for electricity generation but a multipurpose national pride project. He urged attention to the fact that the construction of the project will create a vast reservoir at least 42 km long, enabling the operation of water transport, promotion of fisheries, water sports, and domestic and international tourism. Additionally, a ring road of approximately 300 km will be built along the reservoir's banks, leading to the opening of tourist hotels and resorts in the vicinity.

Pandey, who is also a former Member of Parliament from Dhading Constituency No. 1, cautioned against attempts to sideline the project, noting that field offices are operational in Kathmandu and Siureni Tars.

He strongly advised Finance Minister Wagle to stop making disappointing statements and focus on finding ways to raise the necessary funds for the construction of Budhi Gandaki.