Question : POWER PROJECT IN NEPAL

(a) whether the Government propose to set up a power project in Nepal;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the expenditure likely to be incurred by the Government thereon; and

(d) the time by which this project is likely to be completed?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRIMATI JAYAWANTI MEHTA )

(a) & (b) : Nepal have entered into Mahakali Treaty in 1996 for the development of potential of Mahakali River. Pancheshwar Multi-purpose Project will be the center-piece of Treaty. For Pancheshwar Multi-purpose Project, Survey work has been conducted at Pancheshwar, Rupaligad and Purnagiri on both sides of border.

There is an understanding between two countries to develop Sapta Kosi and Sun Kosi Multi-purpose Project and Burhi Gandaki Hydro-electric Project in Nepal though Letter of Exchange & MOU are yet to be signed.

Upper Karnali Project (300 MW) is under discussions by NHPC with HMG, Nepal for implementation under HMG, Nepal Hydro Power Policy, 2001.

(c) : Expenditure likely to be incurred by the Government of India on the above mentioned projects would be finalized only after preparation of DPR.

(d) : The time by which these projects are likely to be completed will be decided only after finalization of DPR and after signing of formal agreement with HMG, Nepal.