Pyuthan, 6 June, 2015Â : Majority of the micro-hydroelectricity power projects that was set up with investment of millions of rupees and with the purpose of reaching light to the poor and remote settlements have shut down in Pyuthan.
Out of 11 micro-hydroelectricity projects in the district, nine have already closed down and the remaining two are semi-operational. Chief of the Environment Energy and Climate Change Division in Pyuthan, Madan Gorathoki said “Absence of essential technical human resource as well as ignorance on part of the locals have led to the closure of the projects built essentially with local support.” With minor maintainence, some of the projects could be revived.
The division records show that a total of Rs. 18.6 million has been invested in the micro-hydel projects operated in the district.
The Khanikhola hydel project and Dwantekhola hydel in Puja VDC, Ghattekhola first and second in Arkha VDC, Pandherikhola in Syauliwang, the Susaune khola hydel remain closed.
Similarly, hydels that are running partially are Siringkhola hydel in Rajwara-3, Kharakhola hydel in Sauliwang-7 and Sarimakhola hydel in Sauliwang-1. The hydels had been producing 112 kw of power and have benifited 1,299 remote households.
Local Development Officer Shiva Prasad regmi said, “A detail study over the problem facing the micro-hydel projects was carried out and recommendation made for reconstruction to the alternative energy promotion centre.”