Birgunj, June 20 - Unannounced power outages and frequent tripping in the Birgunj–Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor have severely impacted industrial production. Hari Gautam, President of the Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that daily power outages average more than eight hours, significantly reducing the productivity of industries.
Decline in Production Due to Power Cuts
According to President Gautam, power supply interruptions occur 10–12 times a day in the Bara–Parsa Industrial Corridor, reducing industrial production capacity by 30–35%. He expressed concerns about the negative implications for the country's economy, urging an immediate resolution.
"Electricity is a raw material for industries. Without it, industries cannot operate. The lack of reliable power supply has also damaged industrial equipment," Gautam said.
Importance of the Industrial Corridor
The Birgunj–Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor is home to around 1,200 industries, including those manufacturing cement, iron and steel, animal feed, food products, pharmaceuticals, and cigarettes. These industries require a daily power supply of about 300 MW to operate smoothly. However, the rising temperatures have caused an imbalance between supply and demand.
Response from the Nepal Electricity Authority
Avadhesh Dubey, head of the Nepal Electricity Authority's Birgunj Distribution Center, refuted claims of eight-hour-long power cuts by the industrial sector, attributing the issue to supply-demand imbalances caused by extreme heat. "We are aware of the challenges and are working on solutions," Dubey said.
Expectations for Resolution
In 2018, the industrial corridor was declared free of power cuts. However, recent power supply challenges indicate a possible return to previous conditions. Industrialists have called on the government and relevant authorities to address the issue for a long-term resolution.
