Five hydroelectric projects under construction in Raghuganga Municipality, Myagdi, have committed to fulfilling their corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations after facing pressure from local residents. Following prolonged community demands and discussions involving political parties and local representatives, the projects signed written agreements to address various concerns. Initially reluctant, they have now agreed to a 33-point commitment, with a primary focus on improving local roads, a major issue for residents. The five projects involved are the 40 MW Rahughat Hydroelectric, 22.5 MW Thulukhola ‘A’, 35.5 MW Rahughat Mangle, 21.3 MW Thulukhola, and 48.5 MW Upper Rahughat Hydroelectric.
During meetings on February 27 and March 9, stakeholders raised concerns about the projects’ failure to meet CSR responsibilities. As a result, Raghuganga Municipality Chairperson Bhaba Bahadur Bhandari confirmed that the companies agreed to take immediate and long-term actions. A key part of the agreement includes upgrading local roads. The Mauwaphant-to-Bhukhel section of the Beni-Jomsom road will be upgraded with gravel, with Rahughat Hydroelectric funding 80 percent of the work while the remaining 20 percent will be shared by the other projects. Tundi Power, United Energy, and Thulukhola Hydropower have pledged Rs 15 million this fiscal year to upgrade roads from Mauwaphant to Dagnam, Chimkhola, and Patlekhark. Additionally, each project will contribute Rs 2.5 million for road upgrades in the Jhi and Pakhapani areas. The projects have also committed to working with municipal, provincial, and federal governments for long-term road improvements.
Beyond infrastructure, the projects have agreed to distribute 10 percent of their shares to local residents beyond just the directly affected areas. They have also pledged to ensure transparency in the use of CSR funds, with budget allocations based on joint recommendations from ward and municipal authorities. Other commitments include continued funding for drinking water schemes, irrigation projects, and educational assistance for local schools.
The agreements were signed by representatives of the hydroelectric projects, including Ganesh KC, Managing Director of Raghuganga Hydropower; Indra Prasad Dhakal, General Manager of Tundi Power; Pradeep Khatiwada, Finance Head of Thulokhola Hydropower; and Gopal Prasad Niur, Managing Director of United Energy Limited. During the meeting, Members of Parliament Khum Bahadur Garbuja and Hari Bahadur Bhandari warned that failure to comply with the agreements would result in severe consequences for the projects. The commitments mark a crucial step toward ensuring that these hydroelectric projects contribute to local development alongside their energy production goals.
