Kathmandu: The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has released a summary of its significant achievements during the government’s first 100 days. The report showcases progress in hydropower development, irrigation expansion, and disaster management, with a focus on infrastructure improvement, bilateral cooperation, and efficient resource management.

In a significant achievement under the leadership of the Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Ministry, Nepal has successfully inked a historic tripartite agreement to export 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh through India. The agreement, signed between Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Bangladesh Power Development Board, and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam of India, marks a new chapter in regional energy cooperation.

Alongside the export deal, Nepal has also taken steps to secure electricity imports from India to manage domestic demand during the dry season. Under new agreements, Nepal will import 200 MW through the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line and 30 MW via the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar line, ensuring reliable energy supply.

In the last 100 days, the ministry has overseen the completion of major infrastructure projects, including the Chilime and Trishuli hub substations, as well as several high-voltage transmission lines. The 4 km-long 220 kV line from Middle Bhotekoshi to Barhabise and the Dhalkebar-Inaruwa 400 kV transmission line are now operational, further strengthening Nepal’s energy distribution and trade capacity.

The ministry has also prioritized irrigation, completing the Rani Jamara Kulariya project in Kailali, which now provides irrigation for 14,300 hectares of land. Talks with the Asian Development Bank have been concluded for launching new irrigation initiatives under the Irrigation Management Enhancement Project and Mechanized Irrigation Innovation Project.

Despite challenges posed by natural disasters, including floods and landslides, the ministry has actively engaged in the reconstruction and maintenance of irrigation and flood control infrastructure. The department completed 5 km of embankment construction along key rivers, reclaiming about 4.5 hectares of flood-affected land.

In hydrology and meteorology, 92 data processing centers have been upgraded, ensuring timely dissemination of flood and weather forecasts. Four additional manual stations were converted to fully automated systems to enhance the quality and accuracy of data.

The energy ministry’s report card for the first 100 days showcases remarkable progress in regional energy trade, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness, with 98% of its planned activities successfully implemented.

Key Achievements in Irrigation and Water Resources:

Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project Operational: Irrigation facilities have been extended to 14,300 hectares in Kailali district, accompanied by the commissioning of a 4.71 MW hydropower plant.

New Irrigation Projects Initiated: The government has advanced talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to launch the Irrigation Management Enhancement Project (IMEP) and the Mechanized Irrigation Innovation Project (MIIP), aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.

Expansion of Irrigated Areas: An additional 266 hectares of land have been brought under irrigation through surface and groundwater systems.

River Embankment Construction: The ministry successfully built 5 kilometers of embankments along rivers and streams, reclaiming 4.5 hectares of land to protect against erosion.

Progress on Major Canal Systems: The design and cost estimates for key canals under the Sikta and Babai irrigation systems, covering 16,000 hectares, have been completed and submitted to the Ministry of Finance for approval.

Disaster Management and Infrastructure Rehabilitation:

The ministry responded effectively to natural disasters, including floods and landslides, by restoring damaged irrigation systems and river control structures. Emergency rescue operations and maintenance activities were prioritized to ensure uninterrupted irrigation services.

Achievements in Hydrology and Meteorology:

Enhanced Weather Monitoring: Data from 92 hydrological centers were processed to improve flood forecasts and ensure the timely dissemination of weather alerts.
Upgraded Monitoring Stations: Four manually operated water measurement centers were converted into fully automated systems to enhance data quality.

Key Milestones in Energy Sector:

Cross-Border Electricity Trade with Bangladesh: On October 3, 2024, Nepal signed a tripartite agreement with the Bangladesh Power Development Board and India’s NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam to export 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh.
Electricity Import Agreements: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) signed a deal with India’s NVVN to import 200 MW of electricity via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line and 30 MW via the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar line to meet dry season demand.

New Substations and Transmission Lines Operational:
220/132/33 kV substations at Chilime and Trishuli hubs were completed and brought online.
The 4 km, 220 kV transmission line between Middle Bhotekoshi and Bahrabise is now operational.
Construction of Dhalkebar-Inaruwa (400 kV) and Dhalkebar-Loharpatti (132 kV) transmission lines has been completed, along with the commissioning of a new 82.5 MVA substation.

Energy Development Roadmap Finalized:
The ministry submitted the “Energy Development Roadmap 2081,” a strategic plan outlining Nepal’s energy goals from 2023 to 2035, to the Council of Ministers for approval. The roadmap aims to maximize domestic power generation, promote inter-country electricity trade, and accelerate electrification in rural areas.

Notable Progress in Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation:
The ministry reported that 98% of its set goals have been achieved within the first 100 days. Key focus areas include strengthening the power distribution network, encouraging private sector participation, and enhancing cross-border energy cooperation. Flood control, development of multipurpose projects, and expansion of irrigation services were also prioritized.

These efforts highlight the government’s commitment to sustainable development, efficient resource management, and disaster preparedness. The ministry aims to build on these achievements to further enhance Nepal’s energy and water resource infrastructure in the coming months.

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Nepal has achieved a significant breakthrough in energy diplomacy by finalizing a historic agreement to export 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh through Indian transmission lines. This marks a new chapter in cross-border energy cooperation between the three nations, setting a precedent for future power trade in the region.

The deal, formalized on October 3, 2024, enables Nepal to tap into the growing demand for clean energy in Bangladesh, while India plays a crucial role by providing transit. This initiative highlights Nepal’s potential as a regional energy hub and reflects a strategic shift toward monetizing its hydropower surplus during the wet season.

Moreover, Nepal has also secured new agreements with India to import 230 MW of power during the dry season, ensuring a stable energy supply throughout the year. This balancing act between export and import showcases the evolving energy trade dynamics in South Asia and Nepal’s growing influence in the sector.

These developments are part of a broader effort to strengthen Nepal’s transmission infrastructure, with several new substations and high-voltage lines becoming operational. Such advancements are expected to pave the way for larger-scale regional trade, fostering economic integration and energy security across South Asia.

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Nepal Finalizes Historic Power Export Deal with Bangladesh via India

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100 Days Report card of Energy minister: Nepal Finalizes Historic Power Export Deal with Bangladesh via India
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100 Days Report Card of Energy Minister: Nepal Finalizes Historic Power Export Deal with Bangladesh via India

In a significant achievement under the leadership of the Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Ministry, Nepal has successfully inked a historic tripartite agreement to export 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh through India. The agreement, signed between Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Bangladesh Power Development Board, and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam of India, marks a new chapter in regional energy cooperation.

Alongside the export deal, Nepal has also taken steps to secure electricity imports from India to manage domestic demand during the dry season. Under new agreements, Nepal will import 200 MW through the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line and 30 MW via the Tanakpur-Mahendranagar line, ensuring reliable energy supply.

In the last 100 days, the ministry has overseen the completion of major infrastructure projects, including the Chilime and Trishuli hub substations, as well as several high-voltage transmission lines. The 4 km-long 220 kV line from Middle Bhotekoshi to Barhabise and the Dhalkebar-Inaruwa 400 kV transmission line are now operational, further strengthening Nepal’s energy distribution and trade capacity.

The ministry has also prioritized irrigation, completing the Rani Jamara Kulariya project in Kailali, which now provides irrigation for 14,300 hectares of land. Talks with the Asian Development Bank have been concluded for launching new irrigation initiatives under the Irrigation Management Enhancement Project and Mechanized Irrigation Innovation Project.

Despite challenges posed by natural disasters, including floods and landslides, the ministry has actively engaged in the reconstruction and maintenance of irrigation and flood control infrastructure. The department completed 5 km of embankment construction along key rivers, reclaiming about 4.5 hectares of flood-affected land.

In hydrology and meteorology, 92 data processing centers have been upgraded, ensuring timely dissemination of flood and weather forecasts. Four additional manual stations were converted to fully automated systems to enhance the quality and accuracy of data.

The energy ministry’s report card for the first 100 days showcases remarkable progress in regional energy trade, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness, with 98% of its planned activities successfully implemented.