KATHMANDU: The village of Namrung in Chumanubri Rural Municipality-4, northern Gorkha, has been without electricity for seven days.
The power service was completely disrupted after floods on Sept. 5 destroyed two micro-hydropower projects and their infrastructure.
Ward Chairman Pema Gyalbo Lama stated that the floods swept away a 100-kilowatt project, which had recently entered its trial transmission phase after an investment of approximately Rs 70 million, along with an existing 15-kilowatt facility. The destruction of these structures has plunged the village into darkness.
The power outage has severely impacted daily life, affecting communications, mobile charging, and students’ studies. Additionally, the floods destroyed the homes of four local residents.
The disaster also washed away a bridge, briefly disrupting travel for hundreds of tourists heading to Larke Pass; however, local representatives and the community have since constructed a temporary wooden crossing to facilitate movement.
Given the remote geography and the risk of further damage during the monsoon season, immediate reconstruction of the power plants is considered challenging. Residents have urged all three tiers of government to provide alternative arrangements, such as solar lighting, in the interim.
The rural municipality noted that locals have also demanded the long-term reconstruction of both hydropower projects to restore regular electricity service.
