Work at Chameliya hydel halts after Chinese, Nepali workers clash

DHANGADHI: Work on the 30 MW Chameliya Hydroelectric Project has stopped since Friday following clashes between Nepali and Chinese workers.



The dispute over operating a generator subsequently sparked clashes at the under-construction project on Chameliya River at Shikhar VDC in Darchula district, about 950 kilometers west of Kathmandu.



Some workers including Jagdish Gaila sustained minor injuries during the clashes.



Following the fight, the Chinese workers stopped work since Friday, said Yagya Raj Bohora, Chief District Officer of Darchula.



According to him, the Chinese workers accused the local administration of providing security only to Nepali workers. "After this, we have committed in writing to make necessary security arrangement for the Chinese workers," he added. A polce team led by Sub Inspector Bhakta Bahadur Bam has been deployed at the project site for security.



Pushpa Raj Joshi, Assistant Manager of the Project, said, work will resume on Monday.



Around 100 Chinese workers have been working at the project. China Gezhouba Water and Power (Group) Co. Limited was awarded the Civil Contract and the construction work started on January 10, 2007.

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