CPN-Maoist calls for review of all hydropower schemes

KATHMANDU: Mohan Baidhya-led CPN-Maoist today expressed serious reservations over the six major political parties’ pledge to support the ongoing hydropower projects in the country. The reaction comes 10 days after the parties made a commitment to develop hydropower.
Issuing a press release, CPN-Maoist’s department of water resources and energy indirectly expressed differing views in ‘not to obstruct any hydro projects construction’ saying that all projects are not equal, against the nation and welfare of the people. While taking a backseat, the party said it is not that they do not support the hydro project development as other six parties did, rather they are choosy in supporting hydro projects as all projects are not in favour of Nepalis.
Leaders of six major political parties — the Unified CPN-Maoist, Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Nepal, Rastriya Janashakti Party and Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic — and the Chairman of the interim ele-ction government Khil Raj Regmi signed a commitment paper, pledging not to disturb hydropower developm-ent in country on April 11.
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) had sought all parties’ commitment to help build the ailing hydro sector as the developers are wary of frequent obstruction in the project. “The FNCCI has been lobbying for a common minimum economic agenda, including hydropower, for the development of the country,” said FNCCI President Suraj Vaidya, during the inaugural session, adding, “It is high time all political parties came to a certain understanding on ways to end the everlasting transition and steer the nation towards the path of accelerated growth.”
Except the CPN-Maoist party, all four major and some fringe parties had expressed their solidarity not to create hurdle in the hydro sector during the 47th annual General Meeting of FNCCI.
The party has reiterated its resistance on various projects underway saying that they were on unequal agreements, treaties with the foreigners saying that they should be scrapped or reviewed.
Source : The Himalayan Times