Opinion | Can Nepal walk the talk on green investment?
Summary
Nepal is being urged to pair climate resilience with green investment after the August 26 floods and the recent Rasuwa disaster exposed the limits of weak infrastructure and poor planning. The piece argues that large hydropower and multi-purpose dam projects could help manage floods, generate electricity and attract foreign investment if they are designed responsibly.
Key Points
- Nepal's August 26 floods and the Rasuwa disaster have renewed calls for climate-resilient infrastructure and better planning.
- The article says Nepal must move beyond slogans like 'Build Back Better' and prioritize sustainable development, early warning systems and hydrology studies.
- It argues that carefully vetted foreign direct investment could support major hydropower and dam projects, but only if land, environmental and indigenous rights concerns are addressed.
- The piece warns that procedural hurdles, investor distrust and weak environmental governance are preventing Nepal from turning green investment promises into action.
