MUSTANG: The Chinese government has handed over a 70-KW solar panel project constructed at Lomanthang of trans-Himalayan district Mustang to the Nepali side.

The project constructed at the cost of around Rs 50 million, as per the bilateral agreement signed a year ago, was handed over to Nepali side amid a programme at Lomanthang.

It is learned that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Local Development Officer (LDO) of Mustang, Baldev Prasad Joshi, on behalf of Nepali side and Executive International Officer on Tibet Affairs, Kwasing, from Chinese side.

With the installation of solar panels, as many as 1,400 locals belonging to 221 households of Lomanthang have been granted access to electricity, said LDO Joshi. He informed that the Chinese team had looked after the entire work, from solar lines expansion to its wiring.

"Now the electricity is adequate at Lomanthang. It has been made possible due to cordial bilateral relations between Nepal and China", he added, "The Chinese side has taken the responsibility of maintenance and protection of the project".