Lamjung, February 6

Reconstruction of scores of micro hydro electricity projects that were damaged in the 2015 April earthquake has been expedited in Lamjung of late.

Reconstruction of worst-hit hydropower projects at Kolki, Ilampokhari and Pachowk has been intensified. The repair of Kolki-based Krikhola and Chillikhola micro hydro projects is under way. Kolki folks were using power generated from the local micro hydro projects as the village is not connected to the national grid.

A total of 148 households were direct beneficiaries of the hydro projects, but they have been living in the dark after the projects were badly damaged in the devastating earthquake. The repair of Krikhola and Chillikhola projects have been intensified with the financial aid of one million rupees from USAID and Rs 50,000 from the locals.

Similarly, of the five hydro projects in Ilam Pokhari, reconstruction of two hydels has been completed while the reconstruction of three others is under way.

Chhahare Khola Micro Hydro has started power transmission after reconstruction. A total of 85 families of the locality have been benefited from the project. “Old and decayed wooden electric poles have been replaced with metal ones,” said Om Gurung, a local.

Likewise, the renovation of damaged powerhouse of Paise Khola Micro Hydro Power Project II is under way. “A total of 115 households will directly benefit from the project,” said the project Chairperson Gopi Ram Gurung. Reconstruction of Paise Khola Micro Hydro Power Project I  at Thulo Kavre of Ilam Pokhari also is under way.

Meanwhile, reconstruction of the powerhouse of Lakharkhola Hydro Power Project located at Ilam Pokhari -2, Fulangiri has been intensified. A total of 94 families in the vicinity will benefit from the project.

“Kochhanekhola Micro Hydro Power Project located at Madi of Ilam Pokhari – 1 has started generating power after canal reconstruction while repair of Kisedi Khola Micro Hydro Power Project at Pachowk has been expedited of late,” said Partnership Development Programme Coordinator Bijaya Gurung.