Sankhuwasabha DCC urges halt of Barun River hydropower project

The Sankhuwasabha District Coordination Committee (DCC) has formally requested the Nepalese government to reject permission for a proposed 132 MW hydropower project on the Barun River. In a letter addressed to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, DCC Chief Suman Shakya argued that the project, located within the Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area, poses significant risks to the environment and local ecosystems.

The committee highlighted that the Barun River holds profound religious and cultural importance for both Hindu and Buddhist communities. The DCC noted that the Bhotkhola Rural Municipality had previously decided to preserve the river as a religious heritage site.

To address energy needs, the DCC pointed out that the Sankhuwasabha district possesses significant hydroelectric potential, estimated at nearly 6,000 MW from various rivers excluding the Barun. Currently, 75 MW is connected to the national grid, and projects totaling approximately 3,576 MW are under development on the Arun River. The committee maintains that halting the Barun River project would not cause significant economic loss while protecting protected areas and religious sentiments.