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Biraj Bhakta Shrestha ,Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, has stated that effective coordination, shared ownership, and result-oriented collaboration among the federal, provincial, and local governments are essential for the sustainable development of the energy, water resources, and irrigation sectors.

Addressing the meeting of the thematic committee attended by Energy Ministers and Energy Secretaries from all seven provinces, organized by the Ministry of Energy on Tuesday, Minister Shrestha said that the goal of a prosperous Nepal envisioned by the Constitution can only be achieved through cooperation among all three levels of government.

He urged participants to use the meeting not merely as a forum for discussion, but as an opportunity to establish a joint action plan, define clear responsibilities, ensure timely implementation, and create a mechanism for regular monitoring.

Minister Shrestha stated that the government has adopted a policy of protecting rivers not only as sources of water resources but also as the foundation of civilization, culture, biodiversity, environmental balance, and human existence.

He informed that rivers of religious, cultural, environmental, and social significance will be scientifically studied. He emphasized that the government has a responsibility to preserve the traditions, culture, and spiritual values of Indigenous communities associated with rivers as national heritage while ensuring clean and continuously flowing river systems for future generations.

According to him, the government has initiated the process of formulating a new Water Resources Policy and legal framework focused on the overall conservation, scientific management, and sustainable use of rivers.

Minister Shrestha said that, in line with the spirit of the federal governance system, the Ministry of Energy has prepared a draft Water Resources Bill and is making preparations to present it during the current session of Parliament.

Referring to the Constitution, which grants all three levels of government authority over the use of natural resources, he said that once the bill is passed, provincial and local governments will also be able to enact the necessary laws within their respective jurisdictions. He stressed that the experiences, suggestions, and active participation of provincial and local governments are crucial in this process, adding that the ministry is committed to drafting legislation that ensures ownership by all levels of government.

Highlighting the need for integrated planning to expand year-round irrigation facilities on agricultural land, ensure the easy availability of seeds and fertilizers, and improve the marketing of agricultural products, he said that if provinces and local governments submit project proposals to the federal government on time, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill. He explained that the proposed law would promote the use of energy-efficient technologies, reduce production costs, encourage clean energy, and establish a clear legal framework for the development and regulation of renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen, solar, project selection and resource allocation would become more effective.

Minister Shrestha also stated that the ministry has introduced a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill. He explained that the proposed law would promote the use of energy-efficient technologies, reduce production costs, encourage clean energy, and establish a clear legal framework for the development and regulation of renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen, solar, wind, and biomass.

He further said that the ministry is eager to strengthen cooperation with provincial and local governments in expanding renewable energy projects, including micro and small hydropower, solar, and biomass energy.

He emphasized the need to make the expansion of irrigation facilities, river management, flood control, erosion prevention, reservoir conservation, and disaster risk reduction common priorities of all three levels of government.

Minister Shrestha also stated that climate change is no longer an issue for any single level of government alone and should be addressed jointly by the federal, provincial, and local governments through a shared vision and common action plan.

During the discussion, priority was given to strengthening effective coordination among the federal, provincial, and local governments for the development, utilization, and conservation of water resources. Discussions also focused on the need for legal provisions clearly defining the authority, duties, and responsibilities of all three levels of government in the development and operation of water resources projects.

Under the proposed Water Resources Bill, discussions were held on regulating the use, development, and conservation of both surface and groundwater resources. Participants stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for the practical implementation of the principles of integrated water resources management.

The meeting also discussed the need to preserve the natural character of water resources while keeping them free from pollution through effective conservation measures, water quality control, and pollution regulation. Particular emphasis was placed on establishing the necessary legal and institutional arrangements to protect groundwater resources and groundwater recharge areas.

Similarly, discussions on the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Bill focused on promoting coordinated implementation among the federal, provincial, and local governments. It was emphasized that clear roles and effective coordination among all three levels of government are essential for promoting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and implementing related programs.

The meeting also discussed the need for federal legal provisions to clearly allocate authority and responsibilities and ensure coordination among federal units in the development and operation of large-scale water resources and hydropower projects.

The meeting is expected to lay the foundation for strengthening coordination among the federal, provincial, and local governments to promote the sustainable use, conservation, and development of water resources, as well as the expansion of renewable energy across the country.