The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has issued a comprehensive 32-point directive aimed at strengthening national energy security, promoting sustainable water resource management and modernizing irrigation systems. According to a press release issued on Baisakh 4, 2083 BS, the directive was approved through a ministerial-level decision on Baisakh 3, 2083 BS. It establishes specific deadlines and responsibilities for the ministry, its subordinate agencies and other concerned institutions. The reforms prioritize professionalism, transparency, consumer-oriented services and improved institutional performance across Nepal’s energy and water resources sectors.
Under the directive, the government plans to implement procedures for open access and wheeling charges within 30 days, classify pending power purchase agreements (PPAs) for resolution and publish a concrete electricity export roadmap through Nepal Power Trading Company. To improve transparency in transmission and licensing, the ministry will introduce a licence performance dashboard and a 24-hour AI-powered consumer assistance service called “AI Sathi.” The directive also provides for extending the licence period of reservoir-based hydropower projects to 50 years, updating hydrological data series to address climate change impacts and reviewing existing penalty provisions.
In the water resources sector, the government plans to establish a Transboundary Water Resources Unit under the Water and Energy Commission to strengthen Nepal’s technical position on cross-border water issues. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has been instructed to develop a system capable of providing verified data within seven days. Meanwhile, additional resources and monitoring will be ensured for nationally significant irrigation projects, including Babai, Bheri-Babai and Sikta, to support their timely completion. The ministry will also initiate immediate diplomatic efforts to secure water from Tanakpur for the Mahakali Irrigation Project.
The directive further prioritizes restarting the procurement process for the Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Project, with a target of completing the contract agreement within 120 days. The ministry will also develop a convergence plan linking irrigation with agriculture and industry, alongside a special drought resilience strategy for the Terai-Madhesh region. These measures are intended to improve infrastructure delivery, strengthen climate resilience and support more efficient use of Nepal’s energy and water resources. The press release, signed by Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Sandeep Kumar Dev, states that the complete details of the ministerial directive are available on the ministry’s official website.
