Kathmandu: The Supreme Court has nullified the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and public hearing processes of the Mistri Khola-2 hydropower project in Myagdi. The joint bench of Supreme Court justices Kumar Regmi and Mahesh Sharma Poudel issued the verdict on Sunday, addressing concerns raised by locals and responding to a writ filed by advocate Padam Bahadur Shrestha.

The project, situated in Annapurna Rural Municipality-5 along the Kali Gandaki River, with a capacity of 12 megawatts, had faced opposition from the local community. Shrestha argued that the project’s impact on the natural resources, particularly the Tatopani Kund (natural spring), needed further scientific evaluation before proceeding with the public hearing.

Mountain Energy Nepal Pvt. Ltd., the company behind the hydropower project, had previously operated the 42-megawatt Mistri Khola hydropower project in the same region. The cancellation of the IEE and public hearing is expected to halt the project temporarily, pending further assessment and adherence to environmental regulations.

The court’s decision follows a series of hearings and discussions that unfolded after 18 individuals from the affected area filed a writ petition, expressing their reservations about the potential environmental consequences of the project.

The legal proceedings included arguments from both sides, and the court ultimately found merit in the concerns raised, leading to the cancellation of the IEE and public hearing.

This verdict not only reflects the judiciary’s commitment to environmental protection but also highlights the importance of thorough assessments and public consultations in major development projects, particularly those impacting ecologically sensitive areas.