Minister Shrestha calls for energy cooperation among three-tier govts

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, July 22: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has said that effective coordination, shared ownership and result-oriented cooperation among the federal, provincial and local governments are indispensable for the sustainable development of the energy, water resources and irrigation sectors.

Addressing a meeting of the thematic committee attended by energy ministers and energy secretaries from all seven provinces, organised by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation on Tuesday, Minister Shrestha said that the goal of a prosperous Nepal envisioned by the constitution could only be achieved through close cooperation among the three tiers of government.

He urged the energy ministers and secretaries of all provinces to use the meeting not merely as a forum for discussion but as an opportunity to formulate a joint action plan with clearly defined responsibilities, time-bound implementation and regular monitoring.

Minister Shrestha said that the government has adopted a policy of conserving rivers not only as sources of water resources but also as the fountain of civilisation, culture, biodiversity, environmental balance and human existence.

Stating that rivers of religious, cultural, environmental and social significance would be studied scientifically, he said the government was committed to preserving the traditions, culture and spiritual values of indigenous communities associated with rivers as part of the nation's heritage while ensuring clean and continuously flowing river systems for future generations.

According to him, the government has initiated the process of formulating a new water resources policy and legal framework focusing on the overall conservation, scientific management and sustainable utilisation of rivers. The minister said the ministry has prepared a draft Water Resources Bill in line with the spirit of the federal governance system and is preparing to table it during the current session of Parliament.

Noting that the constitution grants all three levels of government the authority to utilise natural resources, he said that once the bill is enacted, provincial and local governments will also be able to formulate necessary laws within their respective jurisdictions. 

He added that the experience, suggestions and active participation of provincial and local governments are crucial in this process, and the ministry is committed to drafting legislation that reflects the ownership of all three levels of government.

Highlighting the need for an integrated plan to expand year-round irrigation in cultivable land, ensure the timely supply of seeds and fertilisers, and improve the marketing of agricultural produce, Minister Shrestha said that project selection and resource allocation would become more effective if provincial and local governments submitted their proposed projects to the federal government on time.

He also said the ministry has introduced a bill relating to renewable energy and energy efficiency, which would provide a clear legal basis for promoting energy-efficient technologies, reducing production costs, advancing clean energy and regulating the development of renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen, solar, wind and biomass.

Minister Shrestha said the ministry is keen to strengthen cooperation with provincial and local governments in expanding renewable energy projects, including micro and small hydropower, solar and biomass.

He stressed the need to make the expansion of irrigation facilities, river management, flood control, erosion prevention, reservoir conservation and disaster risk reduction common priorities for all three levels of government.

During the discussion, priority was given to strengthening coordination among the three tiers of government for the development, utilisation and conservation of water resources. 

Participants also discussed the need for legal provisions clearly defining the authority, duties and responsibilities of the three levels of government in the development and operation of water resources projects. 

They emphasised the need to create an enabling environment for implementing the principles of integrated water resources development.