Nine hydropower projects in Nepal, totaling 461 megawatts in capacity, are in jeopardy of losing their permits.

The Ministry of Forests and Environment has refused to grant permission for feasibility studies to hydropower projects, even though they obtained survey licenses from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation. Projects that have already paid substantial royalties now risk having their licenses revoked.

According to Independent Power Producers Association of Nepal (IPPAN), the affected projects include the Middle Ghunsa Hydropower Project (30 MW), Upper Pelma Khola Hydropower Project (24.8 MW), and Gumchhe Khola Hydropower Project (7.5 MW). Others include the Ghunsa Khola Hydropower Project (155 MW), Lagang Khola Hydroelectric Project (9.7 MW), and Yanma Khola Hydroelectric Project (65.8 MW).

Additionally, the Simbuwa River Hydroelectric Project (40 MW), Langtang River Hydroelectric Project (20.3 MW), and Upper Barun River Hydroelectric Project (109 MW) are also at risk of license revocation due to the feasibility study impasse.