SJVN holds talks with Nepal government

Mumbai: SJVN Ltd chairman and managing director Bhupender Gupta has held discussions with senior Nepal government officials to expedite the implementation of the company's 1,569-MW hydropower projects in the neighbouring country, including the 900-MW Arun-3 and 669-MW Lower Arun projects.Gupta met Nepal's Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, and Investment Board Nepal CEO Yanki Ukyab in Kathmandu on November 2 to review the progress of the projects and address implementation challenges.The discussions focused on expediting the remaining work on the Arun-3 hydropower project, resolving land-related issues and securing forest clearances for the construction of its associated 217-km transmission line.The two sides also discussed obtaining the necessary approvals to advance pre-construction activities for the Lower Arun project.SJVN is executing the projects in Nepal through its subsidiaries, SJVN Arun-3 Power Development Company (SAPDC) and SJVN Lower Arun Power Development Company (SLPDC)."The Nepal government and SJVN management agreed on the need for coordinated efforts among the concerned authorities to resolve project-specific challenges and ensure timely implementation," the company said in a statement.The projects are part of India's efforts to strengthen energy cooperation with Nepal and expand regional hydropower generation. SJVN said its investments in Nepal are aimed at strengthening regional energy security, promoting sustainable power generation and supporting economic development.