Socio-economic and environmental impact of Micro-Hydro power project (A case study of Manpang-I micro hydro power project,Budhathum–VDC of Dhading district, Nepal)

Abstract

The thesis work is entitled as "Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Micro-Hydro-Power Project : A Case Study of Manpang-I Budhathum VDC of Dhading District". The study has attempted to display the socio-economic and environmental impact of MHP in rural areas. It is a descriptive type of study based on primary data. The 56 respondents were selected from 200 household. It was selected random sampling method for this study. The main objective of this study is to examine the socio-economic and environmental impact of Manpang-I MHP plant, to find out the attitude of community and sustainability of micro-hydro project in rural area. Among the total 56 respondents Brahmin and Chhetri (60.71%) has dominated other caste. All of the respondents (56) reported that their life standard has been changed after electrical facility. Majority of respondent's (75%) family income has been increased after MHP. Most of the respondents (64.29%) have unable to meet their annual food demand by crops and livestock. The status of forest has been improved after establishment of MHP in the study area. More than 53 percent respondents reported that the sanitation is improved after MHP. Positive impact has seen in human health. One rice mill and Sah- mill is established in study area after electricity.. More than 85 percent respondents reported that there is positive effect in social cultural properties like change in behaviour and change in thinking. There is operation schedule in powerhouse and maintenance responsibility has gone to user committee in terms of maintenance, women's participation is low. From the study report, more than 75 percent respondents are satisfied by electricity.