MYAGDI: A total of five hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 162 MW have been completed along the river flowing through Narchyang in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Myagdi.
In addition, a 63.3 MW project is currently under construction, while two more projects with a combined capacity of 173.14 MW are in the planning phase.
According to Ward Chairperson Lok Bahadur Pun, the 5 MW Ghalemdi Khola, 42 MW Mristikhola, 38 MW Nilgiri-1, 71 MW Nilgiri-2, and 6 MW Relekhola hydropower projects are already in operation.
Construction is ongoing for the 66.3 MW Kaligandaki Hydropower Project on the Kaligandaki River bordering Narchyang, while preparations are underway to begin the 9.14 MW Super Ghalemdi Hydropower Project.
The 164 MW Kaligandaki Gorge Hydropower Project, promoted by Kaligandaki Hydropower Limited, has proposed its powerhouse in Narchyang.
Ward Chairperson Pun said the development of hydropower projects has transformed Narchyang, bringing major improvements in infrastructure, the economy, agriculture, and social development.
“Employment and income opportunities have reached almost every household. Many people who had migrated to cities or abroad have started returning home,” he said, noting that migration has largely stopped.
The projects have supported the construction of roads, bailey bridges, health and educational facilities, including a technical school offering hydro-engineering courses. Local leader Tej Gurung added that land compensation, trade, agriculture, animal husbandry, hospitality businesses, transportation, and share investment have improved the living standards of locals.
Under constitutional provisions, 50 percent of hydropower royalties go to the federal government, while provinces and municipalities receive 25 percent each. Narchyang was connected to the national road network in 2071 BS after the Mristikhola Project built a bailey bridge over the Kaligandaki River, followed by other access roads constructed by Nilgiri and Relekhola projects that also opened new tourist routes.
Locals have invested in promoter shares of the Ghalemdi and Mristikhola projects, while the Nilgiri and Relekhola projects are preparing to issue shares.
To connect the generated power to the national grid, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) established a 220 kV substation at Dana in 2077 BS, linking electricity from Ghalemdi, Mristi, and Thapakhola projects.
According to Pramod Shrestha, operator of the Ghalemdi Khola Project and former vice president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, investor interest in hydropower development in the Kaligandaki region has increased following the construction of substations and transmission lines in Dana of Myagdi and Khurkot of Parbat.
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