Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has pledged to formulate the policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year in a way that they will contribute to strengthen the federal system.
In his address to a meeting of a thematic committee concerning the energy, water resources and irrigation sector among the representatives from the federal, province and local governments on Friday, the Minister assured that the upcoming policies and programmes would address citizens’ aspirations and needs. He also drew the attention of respective ministers in the province to avoid the duplication while selecting programmes.
As he informed, the government prioritizes expansion of irrigation facilities for the promotion of agricultural sectors and this should be reflected in the province and local policies and programmes.
Conclusion of under-construction projects is one of the special priorities of the federal government, he informed the meeting. According to him, 1 million
hectares of land is yet to have access to irrigation. Basnet stressed on the need of selecting projects which are most needed and specific to ensure benefits to the locals.
Minister for Minister for Water Resources and Energy (Karnali), Urmila BK, Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development (Sudur Pashim), Prakash Bahadur Deuba, Minister for Water Resources and Water Supplies, Saraswoti Aryal Tiwari ( Gandaki), Minister for Water Resources, Energy and Irrigation Tirtha Bahadur Lama ( Bagmati) and Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development Dharma Bahadur Chaudhary (Lumbini) were present in the meeting.
They however expressed concerns over the engagement of federal government in minor projects, underlining the need of correction in such approach.
Energy secretary Gopal Prasad Tiwari, Water and Energy Commission’s secretary Sarita Duwadi, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) managing director Kulman Ghising and Churna Bahadur Oli, director general of Department of Water Resources and Irrigation were a
mong those present in the meeting.
Source: National News Agency RSS