No project against national interest : Energy Minister Pun
Kathmandu : Minister for Energy, Irrigation and Water Resources Barshaman Pun has said no project would be initiated risking national interest and burdening people with debt.
At the meeting of the National Concern and Coordination Committee of the House of Representatives on Friday, Minister Pun said it was not good to pass allegation from the lawmakers to the Ministry that it involved in maneuvering, while even the discussion was not held on management of budget and future works of the project.
Ministry Secretary Dr Sanjay Sharma said although some national pride projects were delayed in terms of land acquisition, the environmental impact assessment, the progress and monitoring of the project was improved.
The Committee meeting discussed the problems and measures of solution relating to the Sikta, Rani Jamara, Bheri Babai Diversion, West Seti, and Budhi Gandaki projects.
The concerned project chiefs briefed the Committee meeting about the problems as land acquisition, compensation and clearance of forest. Policy level decision was required on such matters, they suggested.
Lawmakers Komal Oli, Surendra Raj Pande, Khimlal Bhattarai, Khemraj Nepali, Ramprit Paswan, Dhankumari Khatiwada and others complained that the progress of national pride projects was bleak. (RSS)
