Kathmandu, August 26
The District Coordination Committee (DCC) of Sankhuwasabha has urged the government not to grant permission for the construction of a hydropower project on the Barun River, citing concerns over religious significance, environmental impact and conservation of the protected area.
The committee has sent a letter to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers requesting that approval not be given for the 132 MW Lower Barun Khola Hydropower Project proposed at Syalshila in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality-4 of Sankhuwasabha.
DCC Chief Suman Shakya said the Barun River holds significant religious and cultural importance and needs to be protected.
The committee said Bhotkhola Rural Municipality’s 13th executive meeting had already decided to preserve the Barun River as a religious heritage site and oppose hydropower construction inside the Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area.
Supporting the local government’s decision, the DCC has urged concerned authorities to follow the provisions of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 2029 and policies related to protected areas while considering approval for infrastructure projects.
According to the committee, Sankhuwasabha has the potential to generate around 6,000 MW of electricity from various rivers besides the Arun River. Around 75 MW has already been connected to the national transmission line, while projects with a combined capacity of around 3,576 MW are under development along the Arun River.
The committee warned that constructing the hydropower project on the Barun River could affect religious sentiments, the environment and the overall ecosystem of the region.
It has also requested the authorities to implement provisions under policies related to physical infrastructure development inside protected areas.
The Barun River is regarded as a site of religious and cultural importance by both Hindu and Buddhist communities. Locals associate several traditional beliefs with the river, while the annual Makar Mela held on January 15 along its banks serves as an important gathering point for residents from upper and lower regions of Bhotkhola.
Local residents have been demanding protection of the river, arguing that the hydropower project could alter its natural character and affect its religious significance.
Earlier too, locals had called for stopping hydropower development plans on the Barun River.
