Apr. 21: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pledged to address the issue of underground electricity lines in Chitwan’s Madi Municipality. 

After confronting issues with the current underground electricity passing through Chitwan National Park, the installation process for a double-circuit line has progressed following a supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

However, the supplementary EIA file got stuck at the Ministry of Forest and Environment, reslting in a delay in calling for the tender.

To resolve the issue, a delegation led by the Mayor of Madi Municipality Tara Kaji Mahato had a meeting with Prime Minister Prachanda on Saturday.

Mayor Mahato stated that he briefed the Prime Minister about the electricity issues in Madi Municipality, road infrastructure within the park, safety from wild animals, and the development and construction projects in Madi.

Following the meeting, PM Prachanda instructed the heads of the relevant agencies to prioritise and address the issues earnestly.

The Prime Minister emphasised that both the Ministry of Forest and the Neapl Electricity Authority must take the issue of Madi seriously and work towards its resolution. 

PM Prachanda, while emphasising the paramount importance of working for the welfare of the people, reiterated that their well-being was the primary concern.

National parks cannot be protected at the cost of people's suffering. Environmental conservation is achievable only by addressing the sentiments and concerns of the people.

Mayor Mahato quoted PM Prachanda, saying, “Let everyone facilitate development work from their respective positions.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Minister of State for Forest and Environment Deepak Karki, parliamentarian Ganga Belbase, former lawmaker Krishna Bhakta Pokharel, Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority Kul Man Ghising, and other representatives from Madi were present at the meeting.