KATHMANDU: The government is working to ensure resumption of power supply through alternative methods in the flood-hit areas in Melamchi in Sindhupalchowk district.

Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal instructed the concerned authorities to resort to the alternative methods to resume power supply at the earliest.

A tower of a 66-KV transmission line of a local hydropower project was damaged in the massive flood that occurred on 15 June this year. Similarly, three transmission lines were swept away in the subsequent flood on July 31.

Furthermore, electricity poles in different places were also swept away by the floods leading to power outage in those places. Helambu, Kilau and Melamchi Bazar and their surrounding places have been shrouded in darkness since the twin floods.

Minister Bhusal summoned the Chiefs of the concerned authorities such as Nepal Electricity Authority, Bagmati Provincial Office, and Department of Grid Operation in her office here today and directed for the same.

During the meeting, Melamchi Electricity Distribution Centre
Chief Madhav Neupane shared that the floods had swept away the corridor of the Melamchi River and bridges.
Furthermore, he informed that a total of 414 electricity poles were damaged in the first flood while around 40 to 50 poles were wrecked in the subsequent flood.
Power supply has resumed in Melamchi Nagar and Indrawati villages in the district while Paanchpokhari and Helambu areas still remain sans electricity.
Minister Bhusal has also instructed the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre to install solar energy panels in the flood-hit areas to illuminate the affected areas.