LAHAN, Aug 18: People's representatives at local level in Siraha district have committed to curbing the electricity leakage in cooperation with Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). 

During an interaction organized on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the NEA at Lahan today, the people's representatives said only NEA's efforts could not suffice to curb the leakage, so cooperation was imperative to this end. 

Dhangadhimai Municipality's Mayor Hari Narayan Chaudhari said his Municipality was ready to assist NEA in curbing the electricity leakage, which is one of the major challenges in the district. "We want concrete plans and proposal from the NEA for the cooperation from Municipality. We're ready for cooperation," he committed. He suggested the NEA district office to adopt the digital meter reading for transparent management of electricity. 
Laxipur Pattari Rural Municipality Chairman, Ram Ballav Saha, however, complained that it was worrying the service seekers wait for long to have the meter reading device installed despite making payment on time. He also informed that southern belt of the district adjoining the border was rife with electricity theft. 

Moreover, Bariyapatti Rural Municipality Chairman Santosh Kumar Mehata underscored the need that NEA's smooth service delivery is essential. "We're also ready to help NEA to control theft of electricity," he added. 
Provincial assembly member Lagan Lal Chaudhari argued that although electricity and energy were the bases of prosperity, theft of electricity was serious problem. A concrete work plan could help address this problem. 
NEA Lahan Chief Bishnu Prasad Yadav said some 35 percent of electricity was leaked. 
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