Himal Press 
NEA Managing Director Kul Man Ghising with his officials during an on-site inspection. Photo Courtesy: Gandaki Rural Municipality
KATHMANDU: A team from Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) conducted an on-site inspection of the proposed construction site and reservoir area of the Budhigandaki hydropower project (1200 MW) as part of its preparation to start the execution of the project.
The team, led by Managing Director Kulman Ghising, visited the dam and power plant construction sites, as well as the inundation area. The team assessed the proposed dam construction site located on the border of Gandaki Rural Municipality in Gorkha and Siddhalek Rural Municipality in Dhading. Additionally, it inspected the powerhouse construction site in Salang, Siddhalek Rural Municipality, and areas that will be submerged by the reservoir.
During their visit, the team also reviewed the progress in compensation distribution thus far.
The government has adopted a company model and established a special-purpose vehicle called Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Company to execute the project. Ghising said discussions were ongoing regarding restructuring the company’s share structure to develop the project under NEA’s leadership.
Based on a consultant’s report from 2015, the estimated cost of the project stands at $2.59 billion, which has been revised to $2.77 billion at current prices. The construction period is eight years.
The progress in land acquisition for the project has reached approximately 90%, with around Rs 42 billion already distributed as compensation to the owners for land, structures, trees, and other affected assets.
According to the consultant’s report, the project will impact 8,117 households in Gorkha and Dhading. Among them, 3,560 households will face complete displacement.
