December 8, 2015
At this juncture in Nepal’s fuel-deprived crisis, it can ill afford to be pulling back on alternative sources of energy.
And yet, that is exactly what is happening.
Gregory B. Poindexter, associate editor of HydroWorld.com., just posted an article announcing that Lamjung District, the epicenter of the April earthquake, has been further punished because of the ongoing blockades at border points in India and transportation strikes in Madhes.
Critical fuel delivery to several hydroelectric construction sites has stopped. As a result, work has been suspended at five hydroelectric projects. Simply put, without petrol to power construction apparatus, further construction for alternative energy is impossible.
The sites include: 50-MW Upper Marshyangdi-A at Bhulghule; 3-MW Tallo Midim at Midim Khola; 28-MW Supardordi; 49-MW Tallo Dordi; and 25-MW Upper Dordi-A, according to local sources.
The Upper Marsyandi-A hydroelectric facility was scheduled to begin generating power as soon as this month, but because the lack of fuel has halted construction, the project start date has been extended six months.
Chief District Officer Mohan Akela said daily, 10,000 liters of diesel and 5,000 liters of gasoline are needed, but the district is only receiving about 1,500 liters of diesel fuel deliveries each day.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..