Kathmandu, September 16
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has cancelled his scheduled visit to South Korea, citing the need to prioritise rescue, rehabilitation and restoration of electricity services following a natural disaster in Nepal.
According to the ministry, Shrestha cancelled the visit due to the extensive damage caused to the energy sector by the disaster and the need to focus on restoring and regularising power supply.
The ministry faces the responsibility of effectively coordinating search and rescue efforts as floods in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system have caused significant damage to energy infrastructure, while a large number of people remain unaccounted for.
It must also oversee the restoration of damaged energy infrastructure, ensure a regular and reliable electricity supply, facilitate support for affected private-sector energy companies, and expedite post-disaster reconstruction and recovery efforts.
Shrestha had been invited as a keynote speaker at the Global Infrastructure Cooperation Conference 2026, scheduled to be held in Seoul from September 15 to 17.
The Cabinet had approved the visit on August 13, with Shrestha scheduled to travel with a delegation including Nepal Electricity Authority Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha.
