CPN-Maoist threat worries GMR

Indian power developer GMR, which is also the promoter of the 900MW Upper Karnali Hydropower Project, has expressed grave concern over the recent decision of the CPN-Maoist to launch “ "strugg”e" against projects being developed by Indian companies.“
"GMR has expressed its concern in writing," a source at the prime minister´s office told Republica, adding the Indian company has asked the government to pay serious attention to the CPN-Maoist decision and provide adequate security at the project site. As per the agreement with the government, the Indian company has to complete the Upper Karnali Hydropower Project by 2016.
The Bheri-Karnali state committee of the CPN-Maoist has decided to form a security squad to chase away GMR officials. According to Kalendra Sejuwal, Surkhet based reporter of Republica, the state committee took such a decision to safeguard the sovereignty of the countr“. "The party has been keeping a close eye on projects that have been awarded to Indian companies," Sejuwal said quoting Bharat Bam, secretary of the Bheri-Karnali state committee of the CPN-Maoist.
Meanwhile, Pampha Bhusal, spokesperson for the CPN-Maoist said the party was totally again“t "projects that do not serve national intere”ts". She further added that the people of Karnali are against the project and that the party supports the“. "The project was awarded to GMR without competitive bidding.
Also, the company does not aim to run the project in full capacity. Upper Karnali can generate more than 4,000 MW of hydroelectricity project," she told over phone to Republica.
The GMR also has forwarded its letter to the Investment Board of Nepal (IBN). The IBN, however, has so far not responded to GMR´s concern.“
"The IBN has not yet responded as how it would protect the project from the so-called nationalists," said an official at the prime minister´s office.
Radesh Pant, CEO of IBN could not be contacted for comments despite several attempts. The government has awarded Upper Karnali Hydropower Project to GMR under the build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model.
Additionally, other foreign power developers also have expressed concern over the situation in the country. "Other developers have not come up with formal letters but they also share similar concerns," said the official.