As per the MoU, the FNCCI and local government bodies will play the role of developer, promoter, mediator, facilitator, motivator and mediator for the development of micro hydropower. On the basis of preliminary possibility, each district will generate 1-5 MW of electricity, stated the MoU.
Joshi added that the project had already received applications from more than 10 districts to construct micro hydropower projects. Taplejung, Panchthar, Khotang, Sankhuwasabha, Terhath-um, Myagdi, Baglung, Lamjung, Gorkha, Rolpa, Makawanpur and Nuwakot have stepped forward to start hydropower projects.
We will be receiving proposals for technical support within one month and work will begin in 10 districts accordingly, said Kush Kumar Joshi, president of the FNCCI. Associations and organisations along with Hydro Solutions will be requested to do technical studies and carry out the project work as technical partners.
Joshi said that licenses for generating up to 10 MW should be provided by local government bodies instead of the Ministry of Water Reso-urces. ADDCN president Lumsali stressed the need for a sound policy to promote investment in the micro hydropower sector.
He said that the micro hydropower sector was being dominated by traditional and unproductive investments. We have massive investments in the real estate sector and big hydropower projects, but there is no investment in micro hydropower compared to these sectors, he said.
