Lamjung, Nov. 22 -- Construction of the 50MW Marsyangdi Besi Hydropower Project in Lamjung has come to a halt after locals opposed the plan, arguing that building a hydropower project on the Marsyangdi river would destroy human civilisation and eliminate water sources across the region.

The project, initially launched by Divya Jyoti Hydropower Limited, was later advanced by Api Power Company Limited after it acquired more than 51 percent of the shares.

The plan includes constructing a dam on the border between Belauti Bisauna in Ward 6 and Letefant in Ward 10 of Besisahar Municipality, and building a powerhouse in Saldanda, Ward 10.

Project manager Umesh Nepal said work was suspended after locals staged protests during the preparatory ...