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 is 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. The Board approval of both windows are expected on Dec 19 and 20, 2007.

Problems:

• Scoping of Environmental Impact Assessment covers only 6 km downstream from the outlet. Bardia National Park is located 80km downstream, where endangered Ganges River Dolphins are recorded.
• More than 12,000 people who are living with diverse forests in the mountain area will be displaced to southern flat area where significantly less rich in natural resources than the submerged area.
• There is no free, prior and informed consent with affected people. People claimed that there is no appropriate consultations and information disclosure in the affected area.

Action:

• 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:

• ADB Public Sector PID
• ADB Private Sector PID
• Project Company Site
• WAFED:(a NGO based in Nepal)
• International Rivers (a NGO based in the US)

Contact Person: Yuki Tanabe