Economic Contribution of Gandaki Hydropower Project : A Case Study of Revan VDC, Kaski District

Abstract

This study, in general attempts to appraise the importance of electricity in the development of Nepal. This research, however, focuses on the significance of the small hydropower project in the context of our country. Obviously Nepal has been facing many challenges due to lack of capital, infrastructure and technology to install large hydropower projects. In Such case, it is rather wise and practical to install small hydropower projects to fulfill our demand for electricity because it can be installed with small amount of capital to fulfill our demand for electricity because it can be installed with small amount of capital. So, we can encourage the private sector to invest on it. Likewise, it does not demand as sophisticated technology as the large projects to do. Moreover, it is free of hazardous environment impact. In all, it unlike the big projects, has more positive impacts than negative ones. So, the small hydropower projects can play a key role in the overall hydropower projects into the limelight through the study of impacts of Gandaki Hydropower Project in the overall sectors of the study area. Nepal has immense endowment of water resources. Theoretical and technical potentialities of hydropower are endowment of water resources. Theoretical and technical potentialities of hydropower are estimated to be 83,290 MW and 45,610 MW respectively. However economically viable capacity is accounted to be 42,133 MW. It is expected that electrification will create various opportunities of development activities in the rural areas. Neither traditional sources are in the position to meet the requirements of energy nor sustainable. The hydropower plant of Zurich of Switzerland built in 1882 is the first hydropower plant in the world. In the context of Nepal, Fharping Hydro plant (500 KW) is the first hydropower plant. Nowadays, the demand for electricity is increasing day by day, the total hydro-electricity generate in Nepal is 846MW. The Gandaki Hydropower is based on run-off-river type project with 48000 KW capacities. The project has created abundant opportunities for knowledge and skill. So, their economic status has become better than before. In conclusion, installation of small hydropower project like Gandaki is relevant/significant from various angle in the present context of Nepal to fulfill the national of electricity. The protect increase economic activities in the rural areas, uplift living standard of rural people, employment, and reduce regional imbalance of development.