POWER FOR NEPAL: Odd Hoftun & the History of Hydropower Development

Chautari Book Series - 84

Translated by Katherine M. Parent
Photos: 16

“Odd Hoftun’s life and work are much more than a calling. In his field, he is a pioneer. Based on Norway’s history and development, he built up the power industry in Nepal in an unparalleled manner. Innovative, committed and determined, he provided power and water to hundreds of thousands of the poor in Nepal, and contributed to pushing the country into the future. His basis was an unshakeable belief in the human ability to help themselves. Hoftun’s life and Nepal’s development are inextricably linked with each other.”

Erik Solheim, former Minister of Environment and Development, Norway

“Odd Hoftun was my boss. While I was familiar with his simplistic life style and never ending work-hours, and the many industries and organizations he helped set up, this book has made me further appreciate Odd’s achievements in Nepal. Those who work in development or in the hydropower sector will enjoy this book. Others should be impacted by Odd’s drive and perseverance even when the results were unknown.”

Kumar Pandey, Independent Power Developer

Peter Svalheim (b. 1958) is a Norwegian journalist and writer.

Contents

• List of Abbreviations - vii
• Acknowledgements - ix
• Introduction: The Guru and the Gorge - 1
• Chapters:
  1. Sound of Water - 5
  2. An Ordinary Engineer? - 20
  3. A Fairytale Country? - 35
  4. A Different Kind of Mission - 44
  5. Crossroads at Butwal - 67
  6. Conflicts, Tensions, and a Miracle - 96
  7. Small is Beautiful - 123
  8. Tinau – A Test of Endurance - 145
  9. Five Years in Kathmandu - 173
  10. Andhikhola - 195
  11. A Whole New World - 246
• Afterword: It’s All about People - 279
• Index - 282