Govt Moves to Set Up Budhigandaki Development Authority

Kathmandu: The government has moved forward with plans to develop the 1,200 MW Budhigandaki Hydropower Project under a multipurpose model by establishing a separate authority.

A Cabinet meeting on Friday gave in-principle approval to draft bills related to the proposed Budhigandaki Development Authority.

A few months ago, the government decided to develop the mega project as a multipurpose scheme, with plans to advance the authority-based model in the coming fiscal year.

Beyond hydropower generation, the project will encompass irrigation, drinking water supply, fisheries and ecotourism. The government aims to advance these components in parallel to maximize the benefits of the 1,200 MW project and enhance returns on state investment.