BAGLUNG: Tarakhola Rural Municipality in Baglung has rapidly emerged as a hub for hydropower development, with six hydropower projects either completed, under construction, or in the planning phase— all harnessing the steep and powerful Tarakhola River.
Two hydropower projects have already been completed, while two are under construction and two more are in the development pipeline.
Sayapatri Hydro Company has successfully completed the construction of the 2.5 MW Daram Khola ‘A’ Hydropower Project in Wards 2 and 3 of Tarakhola, and power generation is already underway.
This marks the first privately developed hydropower project in the area; earlier efforts were limited to small-scale, community-run plants.
Following the success of Sayapatri Hydropower, momentum has grown for additional projects. The 380 kW Tarakhola Hydropower Project, completed five years ago, is already connected to the national grid.
Currently, construction of the Madhya Tarakhola–Madhya Daram ‘A’ Hydropower Project is progressing well, with around 60% of the work completed.
Meanwhile, the 4 MW Daram ‘A’ Hydropower Project is gaining pace, with 40% of the infrastructure work already finished, according to project operator Milan Khatiwada.
Two additional projects—the 3.5 MW Lower Tarakhola Hydropower Project and the 4.5 MW Madhya Daram ‘B’ Project—are in the preparatory phase.
Chairman of Tarakhola Rural Municipality, Dhan Bahadur BK, emphasized the role of local investment in these projects and their potential impact: “With significant investment from local residents, these hydropower projects will greatly contribute to the economic development of Tarakhola.”
Galkot Rural Municipality Chairman Prakash Gharti echoed this sentiment, saying: “It is a matter of pride that so many electricity projects are being developed in our rural municipality. Their completion will not only enhance energy production but also uplift the local economy and improve livelihoods. That’s why we are all excited and hopeful.”
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