Socio-Economic Impact of Celichama Micro- Hydropower Project (A Case Study of Bhagwati Vdc of Darchula)

Abstract

Energy plays a vital role in national development because it is essential not only for meeting necessities like cooking and lighting but is also vital for productive sector of the economy. The total energy consumption in Nepal was 8.205 million TOE hi 2002 (about 15 GJ per capita) of which traditional energy provided 85.27 percent, commercial energy provided about 14.24 percent and renewable energy provided only 0.48 percent of the total energy consumption. About 48.5 percent of the total population has benefited from electricity. It is estimated that in Nepal more than 6,000 rivers flows, whose total length is about 45000 km. The theoretical and commercial potential of hydropower in Nepal are about 83.00 MW and 42000 MW respectively. However, only about 560 MW has been generated by the various hydropower stations. Micro-hydropower is the ideal answer tot he present energy crisis of Nepal. It is the most proven, most reliable and potentially cost effective. The present study is focused in the socio- economic impact of Celichama MHP in Bhagwati VDC of Darchula. It was conducted with following objectives: - To identify the role of MHP in rural electrification. - To assess the present energy situation in Bhagwati VDC of Darchula district. - To find out the people's participation for the development and promotion of MHP in Bhagwati VDC. Bhagwati VDC of Darchula district was selected as the study area. For the fulfillment of the above objectives, the study guided by sample frame from where the sample population 20 percent and the total sample is to be 46 households. Structured, unstructured questionnaire and focused interview techniques are used for data collection. Survey found that more than 42 percent of the total households benefited from MHP in the study area. After the installation of MHP, more than 36 percent of the sample households utilized their surplus time on household activities. Literacy class was introduced and students could study one hour more every day during evening by using electric bulbs. Only about 21.74 percent of sample households were involved in productive work by using MHP and the income level was increased considerably. It was recommended that, simple and transparent procedures for loan sanctioning should be developed and institutionalized. Capabilities should be built up at village level for operation, maintenance and repairing. There is a need to integrate MHP system promotion with income generating and social development activities in order to justify the subsidy scheme. Community owned and managed micro-hydropower plants should be promoted.