Socio-Economic Impact of Small Hydropower Project: A Case Study of Ridikhola Hydropower Project on Ruru VCD, Ridi Gulmi District

Abstract

This study entitled "Socio-Economic Impact of Small-Hydro Power Project: A Case Study of RidiKhola Hydropower Project on Ruru VDC Gulmi District" has been conducted. The role of hydropower either it is developed or developing country is essential. Hydropower is renewable energy which can be taken as a backbone of the nation in economic development in the context of least developed country like Nepal. The electricity generated from the hydropower plant is not only essential for industrial growth but is equally inevitable for rural development too. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of the small hydropower projects in rural development on socio-economic aspects through income and employment generation, health and sanitation, education and information technology and suggest solution for sustainable development of small hydropower. Descriptive and exploratory research design was applied for this study to understand the impact of RidiKhola Hydropower Project on the lives of the people. To fulfill the main objective close-ended and open ended questions were used. As this study was based on explaratory designs it deals with the different spectrum of the respondents life. As found in the study area there were involved 45.65 percent respondent with their age 26-40. It was taken consideration that the people from 26 to 40 are physically and mentally active and they can give proper ups and downs in their lives due to Ridi Hydro Power project. This reserch incorporates and deals with the opinions of 46 respondents including 58.70 percent male and 41.30 percent female. As Nepal is dominated country of Hindus, in the study area 86.96 percent respondents were follower of Hinduism followed by 8.70 percent Buddhist and 4.35 percent Christians. Majority of the respondents were dependent on foreign job whereas after the installation of RidiHyrdo power more than fifty percent job holders are from local people. It was found that Kerosone was totally eliminated after the installation of this hydro power. Traceable improvement was also in their children's study and diretly and indirectly there is positive impact of Ridi Hydropower in Ruru VDC of Gulmi district.