Debar West Seti
S B Pun's article ? 750 MW West Seti and Far Western region?has rightly proved that the West Seti Hydropower project is not in favor of the nation. The project will incur a loss of Rs 122.3 crores per year to Nepal.
According to the latest (Oct 29, 2006) agreement, Nepal will receive free of charge per annum the amount equivalent to 10 percent of the gross annual revenue received from sale of power and energy generated from the power station and whole electricity will be exported to India. The provisions of these agreements have compromised Nepal's rights to its own resources.
As per the present provisions of the agreement, SMEC and India will get maximum benefit from the project. India will get irrigation and flood control facilities free of cost while WSHL, which is not a Nepali company, will get the entire profit of the project.
On the other hand, the social, environmental and their attendant financial costs will have to be borne by Nepal. More than 15,000 people will be displaced from their homes to ensure power to India. ?
The agreement has been signed without the approval of the parliament. Since this project pertains to the use of the natural resources of Nepal, the agreement should be approved by a two-thirds majority of the joint session of the parliament according to Article 156 of the Interim Constitution of Nepal.
Source:Letter to Editor, The Kathmandu Post Daily ( 2007 August 21)
Ratan Bhandari
Water & Energy Users' Federation-Nepal (WAFED), 60 New Plaza Marga, Putalisadak, Kathmandu
According to the latest (Oct 29, 2006) agreement, Nepal will receive free of charge per annum the amount equivalent to 10 percent of the gross annual revenue received from sale of power and energy generated from the power station and whole electricity will be exported to India. The provisions of these agreements have compromised Nepal's rights to its own resources.
As per the present provisions of the agreement, SMEC and India will get maximum benefit from the project. India will get irrigation and flood control facilities free of cost while WSHL, which is not a Nepali company, will get the entire profit of the project.
On the other hand, the social, environmental and their attendant financial costs will have to be borne by Nepal. More than 15,000 people will be displaced from their homes to ensure power to India. ?
The agreement has been signed without the approval of the parliament. Since this project pertains to the use of the natural resources of Nepal, the agreement should be approved by a two-thirds majority of the joint session of the parliament according to Article 156 of the Interim Constitution of Nepal.
Source:Letter to Editor, The Kathmandu Post Daily ( 2007 August 21)
Ratan Bhandari
Water & Energy Users' Federation-Nepal (WAFED), 60 New Plaza Marga, Putalisadak, Kathmandu
Labels: hydropower
posted by Reality Bites, Nepal at
10:08 AM
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