Tarakhola Rural Municipality in Baglung has been rapidly developing as a hub for hydropower projects. Situated along the steep-flowing Tarakhola River, the area has already completed two hydropower projects, with two more under construction and another two in the pipeline.
Sapatri Hydro Company successfully completed the 2.5 MW Darm Khola ‘A’ Hydropower Project in Wards 2 and 3, and has already started generating electricity. This is the first privately developed project in the area, whereas earlier, only small-scale community-based hydropower projects were in operation.
Following the completion of Sapatri Hydropower, five additional projects are being introduced in Tarakhola. Among them, the 380 kW Tarakhola Hydropower Project was completed five years ago and connected to the national transmission line, while four others are currently under construction.
The 3 MW Mid-Tarakhola Mid-Darm ‘A’ Hydropower Project has already achieved 60% completion. Similarly, the 4 MW Darm ‘A’ project has completed 40% of its infrastructure works, according to project operator Milan Khatri. Two other projects—a 3.5 MW Lower Tarakhola Project and a 4.5 MW Mid-Darm ‘B’ Project—are in the planning phase.
Chairperson of Tarakhola Rural Municipality, Dhan Bahadur Bik, said that since locals have invested in the projects, they will significantly contribute to economic development. “With progress in Mid-Tarakhola and Mid-Darm ‘A’, and work advancing on three other projects from Tarakhola to Galkot, these hydropower projects with millions of local investments will greatly support Tarakhola’s economic growth,” he said.
Rural Municipality Chairperson Prakash Gharti added that project construction has boosted local enthusiasm. “It is a matter of pride that multiple hydropower projects are being developed in our rural municipality. This will undoubtedly uplift the local economy and bring positive changes in people’s lives. That is why everyone is excited,” he said.
