KATHMANDU, Jan 11: Indian ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae has inaugurated the upgraded Thame Khola Hydropower Plant in Namche VDC of Solumkhumbu district on Sunday.
The capacity of the plant was upgraded from 630 KW to 930 KW with India's assistance of Rs 44 million, according to a press release issued by the Kathmandu-based Indian Embassy.
The Thame Khola Small Hydropower Plant -- supplying power to the upper Khumbu valley in Solukhumbu disrict -- is located within the premises of Sagarmatha National Park in the Everest region. The plant supplies electricity to 18 villages of Khumjung and Namche VDC of Khumbu valley in the district and is operated by the Khumbu Bijuli Company.
The project seeks to mitigate the country's energy shortage by adding 300 KW to the plant. The upgradation works started in May, 2013 and completed in September, 2015.
After the upgradation, 5000 people residing in the region will receive continuous supply of electricity and it is expected to improve the economic and financial aspects of the local community in the district.
According to the press release, the project is symbolic of India's determination to partner Nepal in energy security, through cooperation in development of large, medium and small hydropower plants as well as through trade of electricity and multiple cross-border transmission lines.
Likewise, one more project, Drinking Water Supply Project in Khumjung and Kunde villages of Khumjung VDC is under implementation stage with the Indian government's assistance worth Rs 40 million in Solukhumbu district. The government of India has, in the past, also provided three ambulances to various health organizations in the district recognizing the need of the people of Nepal and India's continued commitment to help support the government of Nepal in its endeavor toward socio-economic development.
The embassy also claimed that under India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme, the government of India has been providing financial assistance for various large and small development projects in different parts of Nepal. "These development projects, mainly in the sectors of education, health and infrastructure development, have been undertaken in response to local needs and in partnership with Nepal."
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