UCPNM obstruction of hydropower projects

September 29, 2010

Dr Bhekh B. Thapa
Former Ambassador to India and USA and Minister of Finance

Dear Dr Thapa

Thanks a lot for your kind words.

I have reminded people, in my articles and interviews, time and again that no treaties related to water resources were signed against national interest during the days of much maligned “absolute monarchy” from 2017 to 2047. One can bad mouth the abolished monarchy for many things but it was never involved in selling Nepal short. People should learn to appreciate it and learn lessons from it. Unfortunately, most of the people in the power now are prepared to sell even their mothers (begging your pardon for too strong word) for a few silvers or a chance to achieve power and pelf.

The role of highly educated people in all this, I find, is very surprising. I have denounced them for being part of disinformation campaign, especially with regard to water resources. I would like to cite a few examples.
Dr Ram Sharan Mahat and Dr Shankar Sharma used to go around telling publicly that Nepal’s Indian currency balance of payment deficit problem will be solved to the extent of 25% by west Seti project alone. I had to publicly challenge them through an article published in TKP in 2008 proving that only 0.45% of Indian currency deficit of that particular fiscal year will be mitigated by that particular project.

Similarly Dr Shankar Sharma publicly proclaimed that Nepal will earn Rs 250 billon in royalties from 10,000 MW. I challenged him and pointed out that it will amount to Rs 4.9 billion only if the hydropower projects are able to achieve plant factor of 50% and the electricity is to be sold at US 6 ¢. I have uploaded my email to him (sent to NNSD) in my website which can be accessed by following the link below:

http://www.ratnasansar.com/2008/12/nepal-to-earn-rs-250-billion-in-royalty.html

I have taken it up as a “crusade” to enlighten general public as to how can Nepal benefit from our “famed” water resources and hydropower and in the ways under we don’t benefit in reality.

With best regards,
Sincerely,
Ratna Sansar Shrestha, FCA
Senior Water Resource Analyst
http:www.RatnaSansar.com/

From: Bhekh B Thapa [mailto:bhekhbt@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 10:02
To: Ratna Sansar Shrestha
Subject: {Disarmed} Re: UCPNM obstruction of hydropower projects
Dear Ratna,

I have appreciated your efforts and communication.Thank you.I have not been proactive or even reactive thinking the time is for younger generation to carry the torch.In this case I was very disappointed with the then government for the very hush environment in which major decisions were taken to sanction projects of great significance without due regard to the constitution and for that matter thinking why Nepal chose a different route thus far.My disappointment was with the new party that advocated a strong national outlook all along.Rectifying past mistake is a right step but people should be told why and with honesty and admission of bad judgment of the past.

Keep up your efforts,we are in a difficult situation.A carefully articulated strategy is in order.

Bhekh Thapa
________________________________________

From: Ratna Sansar Shrestha rsansar@mos.com.np
To: Ratna Sansar Shrestha rsansar@mos.com.np
Sent: Tue, September 28, 2010 7:26:43 AM
Subject: FW: UCPNM obstruction of hydropower projects

Dear Colleague

I have written up a critique of the press communiqué released by UCPNM last week which has been published by Gorkhapatra today. This is based on the live interview with me conducted by ABC TV last Friday. I am attaching it for your perusal. You can also access this article at my web site by clicking the link below: