Khotang, December 4

After the test transmission of electricity from the one megawatt Mewakhola hydro project, load shedding has reduced in Khotang and Okhaldhunga districts.

The test transmission from the Mewakhola hydro-power project at Lafyang, Diktel Municipality started last Tuesday. Power cut has declined in areas where central transmission lines have been installed.

The hydro project was constructed by the Sapsu-Kalika Hydro Power Company Private Limited, Kathmandu.

Most areas of the two districts are now receiving power almost round-the-clock.

Chief of Nepal Electricity Authority Distribution Centre Diktel Purushottam Regmi said that load shedding had decreased after power was added from the hydro project to the Diktel-Gaighat central transmission line, with the provision that power would only be used in local areas.

Regmi said the test transmission period was of 15 days, starting from December 3.

The hydro project was constructed at a cost of Rs 220 million, informed the Managing Director of Sapsu-Kalika Hydro Power Company Arjun Rai. The transmission has reportedly ensured that 47 VDCs in Khotang and Siddicharan Municipality, Rumjatar, Mamkha, and other VDCs in Okhaldhunga are free from power cuts.