Construction works of Upper Madi Hydro resume

Pokhara, Jan 26: The construction works of Upper Madi Hydropower Project of 25 megawatt capacity based at Sildajure in Kaski district have started, ending the four-month-long halt in the project.

The works in the project were stalled since September 2015due to crisis of fuel and other essential materials following India’s unofficial blockade and agitation in Tarai region.

Project coordinator Ramraj Koirala said that the construction works have been started after the supply of fuel as well as the imports of equipments from the border points in an easy and accessible manner.

Currently, the project is getting 1,500 litres fuel everyday from the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) Depot located at Gagangaunda in Lekhnath Municipality based on the recommendation of the District Administration Office, Kaski.

Likewise, the project is provided with the needed volume of cement to help expedite its development works.

Koirala added that so far 85 per cent of the entire works were completed including construction of the 4,200 metres long tunnel.

The project is expected to generate electricity by the end of this fiscal year if things go ahead as planned, the project said.

China’s renowned company ‘Three Gorges Corporation’ owns 80 per cent share while Project’s Executive Chairman Bijay Malla has 20 per cent share in the project.