Darchula poised for electrification as Apihimal villages await light

Darchula: Residents of the remote Apihimal region in Darchula are finally seeing a glimmer of hope after years of living in darkness despite the nearby Chameliya River, known locally as ‘Chamleu,’ flowing at the foot of the mountains. Settlements including Lwathi, Lumcha, Khaykot, Bhattar, Gurusad, Siti, and Aarukhod of Apihimal Rural Municipality-1, as well as Ghusa, Patu, and Lithi of Ward No. 2, have long lacked electricity, making daily life challenging even as the White Mountains shine brightly.

Locals are optimistic as the work of burying electricity poles and expanding high-tension lines has begun, with transformers transported by helicopter to the villages. Ramesh Singh Lothyal of Apihimal Rural Municipality-2 said, “We have been carrying poles on our backs and burying them. More electrification will begin once the wires reach the remaining areas. Currently, only Ward No. 5 has access to the national electricity transmission line.”

Construction entrepreneur Jeevan Lothyal explained that preparations are underway to extend the line to Ward No. 2 via Apihimal Rural Municipalities-3 and 4. According to Rural Municipality Chairman Bhagat Singh Thekre, electrification from the national line is progressing rapidly, with most local levels witnessing significant infrastructure work.

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is implementing the Darchula-Dolpa Rural Electrification Project to bring electricity to all local levels in the district. Engineer Manoj Basnet of Cosmic Electrical Limited confirmed that 22 transformers have been transported to Apihimal and high-tension lines are being expanded. Across the district, 22,488 of 28,000 households—approximately 79 percent—now have electricity meters installed. Last fiscal year, electricity sales reached Rs. 57.581 million, with 1,867 new customers added and extensive work done to extend low-tension (LT) and 11 kVA lines.

Darchula’s electricity generation capacity continues to grow. While the district currently consumes only two megawatts, hydropower projects are producing much more: the Chameliya Hydropower Project generates 30 MW, Makarigad produces 10 MW, Upper Naugad Khola 8 MW, and Naugad Khola 8.5 MW. Small-scale projects like 100 kW in Khattigad and Hoparigad are also providing power to local wards.

The 28.3 MW Madhya Chameliya Hydropower Project, being constructed by Darchula Power Limited in Marma Rural Municipality-2 at a cost of Rs 5.66 billion, is expected to generate 185.62 gigawatt-hours annually. With 25 percent of work already completed, the project is slated for completion by Magh 2083. Meanwhile, the 2 MW Thaligad Small Hydropower Project is underway, with electricity expected by Baisakh 2083.

As electrification projects advance, Apihimal and surrounding settlements in Darchula are set to emerge from darkness, bringing relief to residents who have long awaited the transformative power of electricity.