KATHMANDU, May 28: A total of 1,300 MW of electricity will be added to the national grid, says the government budget for fiscal year 2020/21.

Presenting the budget, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada announced the increment in electricity supply based on the completion of a number of projects like Upper Tamakoshi and Upper Sanjen hydropower projects, which are in the final stage of construction.

The budget also talks about prioritising alternative sources of energy including hydropower, solar energy and production of electricity from organic waste. For the purpose, the government has allocated Rs 4.13 billion.

According to Finance Minister Khatiwada, the installation of an additional 200 mini solar energy plants in rural areas will be given priority. Similarly, the government is subsidizing the use of electricity for cooking by households, transporters using electrical vehicles and the industries that use electricity at their production plants.

Reiterating its commitment mentioned in the previous budgets, the government this time has also announced next year's timeline to complete the Melamchi Drinking Water Supply project that has hung in balance for almost three decades. "The government will put its full effort to bring the project into operation in the next fiscal year," said Khatiwada.  

The budget also talks on increasing accessibility to the drinking water to 94% of the population. A total of Rs 43.10 billion has been allocated for the management of drinking water supply system and sewage disposal.

 
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