Politics free - Nepali Times

From The Nepali Press
Politics free
Editorial in Kantipur, 24 September

FROM ISSUE #522 (01 OCT 2010 - 07 OCT 2010) | TABLE OF CONTENTS

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The government is on its way to forge deals with several domestic and foreign investors for building seven mega hydropower projects. But the Maoist decision to stop these projects has raised serious concern about the future of hydropower in the country. It is clear that the Maoist decision to halt operation of five projects with Indian and Nepali investment is politically motivated. In fact, some of these projects had been given permission for feasibility studies by the Maoist-led government itself. The Maoist decision has come at a time when its leaders have been publicly complaining about how India has hindered them from forming the government and this can't be mere coincidence. Hydropower which remains Nepal's biggest hope for economic growth has once more turned into a political weapon.

Nepal's trade gap with India is Rs 17.7 billion, that deficit can only be plugged with hydropower exports. A World Bank report pointed out energy deficit as the biggest obstruction to commercial development in Nepal. Power cuts have forced businesses to use diesel generated electricity, which has led to a rise in the production cost. Also, millions of worth of generators and inverters are being imported every year. The cost is passed down to consumers. Last winter there was 16 hours of power cut every day. This year it is likely to be repeated. Instead of exploiting hydropower for political gains, the Maoists should be helping the projects to gather momentum. They should keep national interest above politics and call off their ban at once.

1. who cares
hydro business is like running a scam business just like pigeon trade where trader sells same pigeon repeatedly.

only a few countries are in a position to sell same water to their customer again and again. malaysia has been selling same water to singapore repeatedly.

nepal too is in a position to sell same water as well as energy from same water to india again and again but commies have been obstructing our fool proof scam.

commies must be indian agents.

another angle:

there is no need to worry much regarding unfair trade. cause there must be law (national and international) that says unfair deal is void from the beginning.

so, if oppositions think, there is unfair dealing, they can always ask india to renegotiate and if india disagrees then they can always knock international court.

but, if the dealing is fair and still oppositions unilaterally revoke the deal then india can do the same.

if NT has had a respected for freedom of speech, i would have used the language that commies understand.

Posted on: 01 OCT 2010 | 7:21 PM NST

2. Gole
#1 who cares.

Every news paper should dare to make the blog like the Speakers Corner of the Hyde Park, London?
Why not create a Speakers Corner in one part of Tundikhel where we can practice democracy before the coming Cultural Revolution of Kam-reds and the Gang of Four? During the Cultural Revolution saying were,:Our country is now practicing great democracy ;you can criticize any body except Maotusi (Chairman Mao) and FutusiLin( Vice-Chairman LinBio) because they don't have any short-comings, all the rest have short-comings.:
Guess our Tusi and Futusi?

Posted on: 02 OCT 2010 | 5:43 AM NST