KATHMANDU: The government has granted permission to different hydropower projects for utilizing national forest areas.

The Cabinet meeting held today at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar decided to permit the Sutikhola Hydropower Project, Tamakoshi-5 Hydropower Project, Upper Sankhuwasabha Hydropower Project, and Setikhola Hydropower Project to utilize the forest areas.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, who also serves the government spokesperson, stated that the government has designated Chandrakala Paudel, Secretary at the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, also to perform the duties and responsibilities of Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Nepal Insurance Authority, until further arrangement.