What Went Right
Sustainability Versus Dependence in Nepal's Hydropower Development

Through the study of Nepal, shows a successful alternative to dominant energy infrastructure development paradigms typically imposed on developing countries.

Mark Liechty (Author)

9781316514900, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 25 August 2022

332 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.5 cm, 0.58 kg

'If asked, most of us would likely explain Nepal's many development challenges as stemming from its status as a flailing minnow sandwiched between the behemoths India and China; as an enduring Shangri-La mired in its ancient cultural and familial heritage; or as the inexorable legacy of harsh colonial imposition and contemporary neoliberal hubris. What Went Right provides a more nuanced and compelling alternative: Nepalis have long sought enhanced well-being, but on their own terms and by finding locally legitimate solutions to their particular development problems, especially as it pertains to harnessing energy from water. Mark Liechty carefully highlights how difficult, fraught, and contingent such a strategy is, and how long it takes to fully consolidate itself, but in so doing demonstrates how respectful partnerships, dogged persistence, and sustained grassroots improvisation can succeed where so many other top-down technical approaches have stumbled.' Michael Woolcock, World Bank and Harvard University

This book explores why Nepal's hydropower sector is one of its few development success stories. Unlike most other 'developing' countries, in Nepal local firms design and build hydropower facilities using Nepali engineers, builders and labor. Nepal has largely avoided the trap whereby most poor countries are forced to accept energy infrastructure projects that are foreign designed, funded and built – typically resulting in debt, dependency and unsustainability. It traces the struggle between two competing development paradigms: one that emphasizes gradual national human capacity building – at the expense of speed and efficiency – and another that emphasizes rapid, large-scale infrastructure building – at the risk of unsustainability and dependency. At stake is whether what passes for 'development' benefits the countries in which it occurs, or the banks and investors that finance capital-intensive projects. What Went Right brings a vision for sustainable development into vigorous conversation with development strategies that have proven to be less productive.

Preface
1. A corporate vision: Business as development philosophy
2. Butwal Technical Institute, Tinau, and the origins of the Butwal Power Company
3. Andhi Khola
4. Jhimruk
5. The 'Great Upheaval': Khimti and the limits of the Hoftun hydropower vision
6. Melamchi and the rush to privatization
7. Privatization, the long haul
8. The new BPC: Cultures in conflict
9. Conclusion: From seed, to plant, to seed
Bibliography, Index.

Subject Areas: Constitution: government & the state [JPHC]