A study on socio-economic imapact of hydropower project a case study of jhimruk hydropower project,pyuthan district

Abstract

The role of hydropower in economic development in the context of a Least-developed country likeNepal can never be underestimated. The electricity generated from the hydropower plant is not onlyessential for industrial growth but is equally inevitable for human living. This study attempts toappraise the importance of electricity in the development of Nepal. Moreover, it focuses on thesignificance of small hydropower project in the context of Nepal. The present study has attempted to bring these aspects of the small hydropower projects into thelimelight through the study of impact of Jhimruk Hydropower Project in the overall sector of the studyarea, that is, five different VDCs in Pyuthan District. The 12 MW project was financially supported byNorwegian Agency for Development Cooperation and United Mission to Nepal. The study has employed both primary and secondary sources for data collection. Under the primarysource, the study has been based on questionnaire, interview and direct observation of the project siteand affected areas. Likewise, different reports and official publications regarding hydropower plantshavebeen taken into consideration for the statistical data. Ten households from each of the five VDCs(Khiara, Tighra, Baraula, Pakala,Ramdi) have been selected randomly for the purpose of the study. Thestudy found mixedsocio-economic impact of the project onthe project affected areas.Majority ofthe population are still dependent on agriculture for livelihood. There is very little chance for non-farmemployment. The study further finds out that the population is not substituting electricity for firewood.This is because of the higher prices of electricity when compared to firewood. One basic problemassociated with water from Jhimruk has been that no sufficient water has been left in the river from thatdiversion. This has not only affected water for irrigation but also for drinking purposes. Many villagesare dependent on Jhimruk river for supply of drinking water and washing purposes. Since much of thewater has been taken away from the river, drinking water is difficult to obtain. Women and childrenare engaged for long hours to fetch water. The agricultural production is also found to be lessened during the post-project period. The paddyproduction went down by 8.71 percent and wheat and barley by 5.47 percent and 11.11 percentrespectively. The study has also found that the temperature of the region is constantly rising, wateranimals are thus displaced and fishermen are left unemployed. The study further reveals that Jhimrukhydro project has positive impact on the employment level. With the fall indown stream flow, theproject has compensated the affected population by supplying piped drinking water. To sum up, installation of small hydropower projects like Jhimruk hydropower is significant fromseveral angles like, to fulfill national demand for electricity, protect environment, uplift living standardof rural people, reduce regional disparity and enhance economic activities in the rural areas.