Energy Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Barsha Man Pun stressed the need for coordination between the central and provincial governments for the development of large and multipurpose hydropower projects.

Speaking during a meeting with the physical infrastructure and development ministers of all seven provinces on Thursday, Pun expressed his willingness to work in coordination with the state governments in order to expedite the construction of mega projects.

As the provincial governments can’t develop large projects on their own, coordination with the central government is a must, said Pun. “As the country’s prosperity is associated with the development of hydropower projects, every level should play its role,” he said. “Our plan is to move ahead in coordination with the provincial governments.”

The interaction programme with the physical infrastructure and development ministers of the seven provinces was organised at the Energy Ministry. Physical Infrastructure and Development Minister of Province 7 Pathan Singh Bohora pointed out the need to address the human resource crisis for the development of large infrastructure projects. “We lack qualified human resources to execute the projects, and if the shortage continues, the budget allocated for the province will be frozen,” said Bohora.

Similarly, Physical Infrastructure and Development Minister of Karnali Province Khadga Khattri said that mega projects should be developed in coordination with the provincial government and locals. According to Khattri, the residents of Karnali Province should get the maximum benefit from the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project being constructed there.

Baijnath Chaudhary of Province 5 asked for the central government’s direction to implement large projects. “We are having difficulties in making payment to projects executed at the provincial level due to lack of funds,” said Chaudhary. “Also, the human resource crisis should be solved immediately.”

Likewise, Jitendra Sonal, physical infrastructure and development minister of Province 2, sought the central government’s support to develop solar projects. “We have prioritized the development of solar power plants while preparing provincial level policies and programme,” said Sonal. “The central government should support us to develop solar power plants with an installed capacity of up to 50 MW.”

According to Sonal, the provincial governments should be allowed to prioritize the projects before they are selected.

Minister Pun promised to initiate projects only in coordination with the provincial governments. Energy Secretary Anup Kumar Upadhyay and Irrigation Secretary Sanjay Sharma were also present at the interaction organised by the ministry.