SONEUK Talk Series 05: The Socio-Economic Realities of the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project

On July 30, 2025, the Society of Nepalese Engineers in the UK (SONEUK) held its fifth talk programme, shifting the focus from purely technical engineering to the human and economic dimensions of large-scale infrastructure. The session, titled "Socio-Economic Impact of the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project on Local Communities," was presented by Er. Manoj Kapri, a Project Planner at PMPS Consulting Ltd.

A Project of National Pride

The session, moderated by Er. Nirdesh Khatiwada, opened with an overview of the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project. Recognized as a "National Pride Project" for Nepal, its primary objectives include:

• Energy Sovereignty: Achieving national energy sufficiency and security.

• Environmental Goals: Playing a pivotal role in meeting Nepal’s net-zero carbon targets.

The Human Element: Resettlement and Challenges

The heart of Er. Kapri’s presentation was the complex relationship between infrastructure development and community displacement. He provided a detailed look at the socio-economic ripples caused by the project:

• Resettlement Status: A critical analysis of the current progress (and significant delays) in relocating affected families.

• Human Stories: Er. Kapri added emotional depth to the technical data by sharing personal narratives from individuals directly impacted by the project's footprint.

• Strategic Recommendations: He offered professional insights into how resettlement planning could be modernized to reduce implementation bottlenecks and better protect local livelihoods.

Dialogue on Implementation

The subsequent Q&A session lasted over an hour, with participants diving into the logistics of large-scale displacement and the ethics of balancing national energy needs with local community rights. The discussion highlighted the specific challenges of implementing high-stakes projects in Nepal’s unique geographical and political landscape.