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Maoists target another Indian hydro-power project in Nepal
Maoists in Nepal have stopped survey work on a hydro-power project being developed by an Indian firm. This is the fourth major power project targeted by the country’s main opposition party.
Maoists in Nepal have stopped survey work on a hydro-power project being developed by an Indian firm. This is the fourth major power project targeted by the country’s main opposition party.
On Monday members of Tamu Rashtriya Mukti Morcha affiliated to UCPN (Maoist) stopped survey work on 250 MW Upper Marsyangdi project being developed by GMR Group in the western development region.
Terming the project as against the interests of Nepal, president of the outfit and Constituent Assembly member Amar Tamu stated that the firm failed to consult local residents before starting work.
The GMR Group has acquired 80 percent stake in Himtal Hydropower Company, a Nepali company developing the project. The project is expected to be commissioned in 2016.
Reports quoting project director Dilip Kumar Singh stated that work on the project has not yet begun and 90 percent work on the detailed project report has been completed with support of local residents.
Last month, despite widespread condemnation Maoists reiterated their warning to stop work on the 300 MW Upper Karnali project being developed by a GMR Group-led international consortium.
Two other projects 750 MW West Seti and the 402 MW Arun III, both with large stakes by Indian firms have also been warned by Maoists to stop work on the ground of being against Nepal’s interests.
The fresh development comes at a time when the Himalayan nation is facing acute power shortage leading to 11 hour daily load-shedding and is looking for Indian investment to help tide over the energy crisis.
