NEA rolls back decision to upgrade Trishuli 3A hydropower project

KATHMANDU: Following intense pressure from several quarters including various trade unions of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the NEA board on Wednesday rolled back its controversial decision to upgrade the capacity of Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project.

A meeting of the NEA board chaired by Energy Minister Umakant Jha took the decision to this effect, Laxman Agrawal, a NEA board member, informed. “The decision was made so as to prevent further outrage,” said Agrawal. Two weeks ago, the board had decided to upgrade the capacity of the hydropower project from existing 60MW to 90MW.

Four trade unions of NEA had been protesting against the government decision to upgrade the project capacity. The unions had also announced to cut off electricity supply to the residence of Interim Election Government Chairman Khil Raj Regmi on Friday if decision was not rolled back. Earlier they have been cutting off the electricity at the quarters of Ministers.

The trade unions have decided to have decided to resume their work from tomorrow after the NEA board rolled back the decision. Some former Energy and Finance Minister have moved to the chairperson of the Interim Election government and requested him to roll back the decision as the decision is against national interest.