Provinces Propose ‘Three S’ Concept to Federal Government for Energy and Water Resource Management

The provincial governments have proposed the ‘Three S’ concept—Coordination, Coexistence, and Cooperation—to the federal government to implement policies ensuring coordination among the federal, provincial, and local levels in the management of energy and water resources. A bill has been introduced that classifies rivers scientifically according to the Strahler order system and clearly delineates jurisdiction among the three tiers of government. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy is preparing to present legislation in Parliament to mandate energy efficiency labeling on electrical appliances and address water resource management. (5th Shrawan, Kathmandu)

The proposal was presented today at a meeting of the Subject Committee attended by energy ministers and energy secretaries from all seven provinces, focusing on the utilization, operation, and management of energy and water resources. During the meeting, the Ministry reviewed and discussed with the provincial governments two bills: the “Bill on Amendment and Consolidation of Existing Water Resource Laws” and the “Bill on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.”

Provincial ministers and secretaries expressed concerns that the roles, rights, responsibilities, and management functions of provincial governments were not clearly defined in the bills. They emphasized the necessity for real implementation of coordination, coexistence, and cooperation among the federal, provincial, and local levels. Maheshwar Shrestha, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, stated that the provinces raised the issue of overlapping authority and urged its removal.

“Currently, the same river or area is managed simultaneously by federal, provincial, and local governments without proper coordination,” he said. “The provinces’ main concern is that the ‘Three S’ concept—coordination, coexistence, and cooperation—has not been effectively implemented in practice.” The ministry has committed to facilitating effective coordination, cooperation, and coexistence among the three government tiers. Suggestions from provincial and local governments will be incorporated into both the water resources and renewable energy bills.