Project Summary:

West Seti Hydroelectric Project is a controversial electric export dam project from Nepal to India, and the project is expected to receive loans and political guarantees by ADB, China Ex-Im Bank and etc. ADB was preparing for a public sector loan to Nepali government, private sector loan, political guarantee and equity investment to West Seti
Hydro Ltd. lead by an Australian Company, SMEC.

According to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, more than 10,000 people will be displaced, which will be the largest displacement of development projects in Nepal. Moreover, there are numerous serious problems on information disclosure and consultation, and negative influence on the environment and the local people.

Action:

• July 29, 2011, The Nepalese Government scraped the project proposal of West Seti Hydropower Project. A press release (PDF) was issued by WAFED.
• March 10, 2009: Questions and Comments on the West Seti Hydropower Project (PDF)
• April 22, 2008: Briefing for the 41st Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank: West Seti Hydroelectric Project (PDF)
• August 20, 1007: Report on West Seti Hydroelectric Project and ADB policy violation (PDF)

Related Links:

• WAFED:(a NGO based in Nepal)
• International Rivers (a NGO based in the US)

Contact Person: Yuki Tanabe