NEPAL-PRACHANDA 2 LAST

Prachanda said that Nepal is expecting high-level Prachanda said that Nepal is expecting high-levelimportant visits within this year from both the neighbouringcountries. After Prachanda’s visit to Delhi, Indian President PranabMukherjee and Chinese Prime Minister are expected to visitNepal in November. Prachanda said he was also expecting Prime MinisterNarendra Modi to visit Nepal within a couple of months, adding"this time I will extend him invitation to visit Janakpur,Lumbini and Muktinath, important Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimsites of Nepal." He said during his visit to India, he will emphasise onexpediting and implementing already agreed projects betweenthe two nations rather than signing new agreements. To a question whether Nepal is still committed togenerating 10,000 MW of electricity within ten years, which hehad promised during his first tenure, Prachanda said, "Thescenario has changed and now we have to generate 20,000 MW ofelectricity in the next ten years." He said discussions will be held to move forward Mahakaliproject, Pancheshwor project as well as development of ruralroads and east-west railway line construction in the countrywith the Indian officials during the visit. Prachanda said he would also ask India to provide a granta 400 MW Lower Arun hydropower project. In the past, India had assured to provide money toconstruct 250 MW Naumure hydropower, which could not bematerialised due to unfavourable situation. Prachanda also promised to provide additional Rs 100,000to each of the 5 lakh families affected by the last year’searthquakes. The government has already promised to provide Rs200,000 as financial assistance to rebuild their houses. During his visit to India, Prachanda said he would alsoseek additional grants meant for post-quake reconstructionworks. India last year promised to provide USD one billionfinancial assistance to Nepal for the reconstruction worksafter the devastating earthquakes. PTI SBPNSA