Flood Recovery Needs Action, Not Red Tape
Summary
The government is under pressure to speed up reconstruction of flood-damaged hydropower projects after the Bhotekoshi flood caused more than Rs 100 billion in losses. Developers say bureaucratic delays and approvals from multiple agencies are slowing recovery efforts that are critical to restoring electricity generation.
Key Points
- The August 26 Bhotekoshi flood damaged a dozen hydropower projects, including plants under construction and operational facilities with a combined capacity of 669 megawatts.
- The total damage is estimated at more than Rs 100 billion, making reconstruction a matter of national importance.
- Developers say they must seek approvals from at least 13 government and regulatory agencies, creating major delays.
- The article calls for a single-window, time-bound mechanism under the prime minister’s authority to coordinate reconstruction.
