Kathmandu, June 5 (RSS): Five small hydel projects have been successfully completed in Tanahu district under the Rural Energy Development Programme first phase launched jointly by HMG and UNDP.

A total of 107 kilowatt of electricity has been generated from the projects, benefiting 702 households.

Besides that, 81 solar energy systems, 45 bio-gas plants and 400 improved ovens have been built in the area under the same programme and another 65 bio-gas plants are now under construction, according to the Rural Energy Development Programme, Tanahu.

The projects are located in Deurali, Kauhushivapur, Baidi, Bhirkot, and Kotdurbar VDCs.

The programme has been extended to Chhimkeswori, Firfite, Raipur, Kota and Gajarkot VDCs from this fiscal year.

Under the programme, 73 kilowatt of electricity will be generated from five small hydel projects, benefiting 720 households.

Similarly, a survey has been completed for 28 peltric sets, which will add 45 kilowatts of energy and provide electricity to 463 households. The peltric sets will be set up by the end of 2000, according to energy advisor to the rural energy development programme, Tanahu Yogesh Pradhanang.

The rural and alternate energy service centre has been set up with cooperation from the DDC rural energy development branch for the construction and repair of alternate energy systems and the aim is to publicise the energy system model by establishing the energy development branch as a separate technology promotion centre.

The DDC has allocated a budget of Rs 400,000 this year for a district energy fund besides formulating energy policies for the uplift of rural living standards by developing alternate energy in the district.

A total of Rs 16,686,470 has been invested so far under resource mobilisation, the Rural Energy Development Programme has stated.

Similarly in Charikot the Bhadrawati Small Hydro Power Project will start distributing electricity at Lalipang VDC in Dolakha district by mid-July.

Under the project run by the Rural Energy Development unit of UNDP, a 350-metre canal has already been prepared, while construction of the power house and laying in of penstock pipes is underway.

According to engineer Ananda Pradhan, mechanical and electrical materail required for the 15-kw project have already arrived here.

The total cost of the project is Rs 1,724,298 million, of which the Rural Energy Development unit will provide Rs 725,298 and His Majesty’s Government Rs 380,000.

The project will benefit 159 households of Lapilang VDC Ward Nos. 5, 6 and 7.