Independent Power Producers Association Nepal (IPPAN)
P.O. Box : 20010
Heritage Plaza II, Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal 
Phone No : +977 1 4240975
Fax No : +977 1 4240975
E-mail : info@ippan.org.np

Source: Republica; 30.1.2010

GMR dispute local: Maoist

UCPN (Maoist) spokesperson Dinanath Sharma has said his party has "no policy" against any ongoing mega hydropower project in the country.

Referring to the dispute at the Upper Karnali Hydropower Project, Sharma said, "The problems have arisen from local level and it is natural for the people to seek their rights.” He added, "We are now in the process of writing a new constitution, which will guarantee the people´s rights over natural resources."

The Maoists some five days back threatened the GMR-ITD Consortium, which is currently preparing a detailed project report (DPR) of the Upper Karnali , to stop work immediately. Maoist politburo member Khadka Bahadur Bishwakarma had given January 30 deadline for halting all work.

Also speaking with myrepublica.com on Saturday, senior Maoist leader CP Gajurel said the ongoing standing committee meeting of his party has "not raised" the Upper Karnali issue. "No discussion has taken place over the matter," he said.

Indian ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood had on Friday said the Maoist leaders had assured him that the standing committee will take a decision on the matter. The Indian government and GMR have taken the issue with the government and the Maoist top brass.