Micro hydropower projects became standstill in Parbat

The micro hydropower projects established to bring light to the dark slums in various remote parts of the district have come to a standstill.

11 projects in the district which were built two decades ago with the investment of UNDP, World Bank and Government of Nepal have now been completely closed. Until five years ago, only three projects were in operation, but now they have been closed with the expansion of the reach of the central transmission line. In the last few years, through community electrification, the reach of the central transmission line has been extended to all wards at all local levels in the mountains.

The 12 KW Agua Khola of Saroukhola in Dakshin Parbat, the 7 and a half KW Gadhisiddh and 11 KW Bachchakhola of Pangrang, the 12 KW Gedi Khola of Huwas, the 16 KW Dhukot of Bhorle VDC, and the 16 KW Ghatekhola small hydropower operated in Cang VDC are completely closed. Bachchakhola small hydropower project of 19 and 21 kilowatts of Bachchakhola in Bachcha village has stopped generating electricity.

Thadokhola small hydropower project of 27 KW capacity in Modi Rural Municipality-1 Bhuktangale of Parbat has become derelict after being swept away by a landslide two years ago. On the other hand, Mahashila rural municipality-2 Voxing's 6 KW Chachrekhola and 9 KW Chharchrekhola small hydropower projects have been stalled since the extension of the central transmission line in the village two years ago. Despite the lack of maintenance and low capacity, the locals neglected the maintenance.

According to Manju Shilakar, head of the energy branch of the then District Development Committee, he said that there was a lack of budget for repairs. After he stopped working for a long time after the repair, the locals ignored it. Shilakar said that although the electricity produced in the village is cheap, after the central line came, consumers are ignoring it.