Kathmandu, Oct 10: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Pampha Bhusal has urged the entrepreneurs to construct structures for operating all types of home appliances with the use of electricity within the coming year.    

She said this while addressing a greetings exchange programme organized today by the Mahalaxmi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lalitpur on the occasion of the Bijaya Dashami, Deepawali, Nepal Sambat New Year 1142 and the Chhath festivals.    

"Let us construct infrastructures to replace the LP Gas from kitchens within one year. Let us use the induction cooktop. Let us replace LP gas bought with Indian currency exchanged with the dollar and make the maximum use of the hydroelectricity generated within the country," the Energy Minister said.     

Stating that availability of energy, road and drinking water was the basis for social and economic transformation, she said the time has come to use hydropower by replacing all types of energy sources.    

Minister Bhusal expressed the commitment on the occasion to provide electricity to the amount demanded by the transport and industry sectors in the coming days, adding that she has reduced the electricity tariff to promote the use of electricity after assuming the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation portfolio.    

She said a decision has been made to provide electricity free of cost to the people living under the poverty line. Likewise, irrigation facility would be expanded and the policy of providing subsidies on electricity required for this purpose would be promoted.    

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation also offered her best wishes on the occasion of the festivals, saying the cultural festivals helped strengthen community feelings and national unity.    

President of the Mahalaxmi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sanjaya Narayan Shrestha urged the minister to help in the proper management and improvement of electricity structures, including the electricity poles, in the municipality.    

Meanwhile, speaking at a greetings exchange and tea reception organized by Bethegal Locality Development Committee at Thecho of Godavari Municipality-12 today, the Energy Minister underscored the need of promoting hydroelectricity and replacing fossil fuel.