Nepal, March 28 -- Amid a host of challenges-such as reopening PPAs, signing agreements for run-of-the-river projects whose PPAs have been stalled, advancing reservoir-based hydropower projects, securing funding approvals for irrigation schemes, and ensuring reliable electricity supply for electronics-Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has taken charge as Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. He was elected from Kathmandu constituency 8 in the House of Representatives election held in February, securing 24,592 votes.

He had briefly served as minister for youth and sports in the Pushpa Kamal Dahal government in 2024.

Shrestha was previously a leader of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party before contesting on a Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) tic...