PressAdda
Kathmandu- Following the directive of Energy, Irrigation, and Water Resources Minister Kulman Ghising, the Nepal Electricity Authority cut power to major cement industries in Dang’s Ghorahi and Sonapur, and Arghakhanchi, citing unpaid dues and halting operations.
नेपालीमा पढ्न यहाँ क्लिक गर्नुस्
Ghorahi Cement produced 3,000 metric tons of clinker daily, Sonapur produced 35,000 bags of cement, and Arghakhanchi Cement had a capacity of over 60,000 bags per day.
Following the shutdown, over 600 workers in Dang and more than 300 in Arghakhanchi have been placed on indefinite leave. Managers reported severe impacts on production, exports, and employment due to the power disconnection.
Ghorahi Cement’s spokesperson Amar Suvedi said, “The industry and employees are waiting for government intervention to resolve the issue.” Arghakhanchi Cement’s administration chief, Ajay Bhattarai, added, “The company had been paying regular electricity bills, but following Minister Kulman Ghising’s directive to recover dues, the shutdown occurred.”
Sonapur Cement’s executive chief, Hari Pathak, said, “The industry is losing over NPR 5 million daily. There’s no point calling employees while operations are halted.”
Basanta Joshi, president of the Dang Industry and Commerce Association, said, “The shutdown is unfortunate. It affects employment and the local market. The government must find solutions responsibly.”
The Nepal Electricity Authority reported outstanding dues of NPR 508.5 million for Ghorahi Cement, NPR 243 million for Sonapur, and NPR 448.4 million for Arghakhanchi Cement.
