On January 08, 2017, H.E. Ambassador of India, Shri Ranjit Rae inaugurated upgraded Thame Khola Hydropower plant in Namche VDC of Solumkhumbu district. The work of capacity building of the plant from 630 KW to 930 KW has been undertaken with India’s assistance of NRs.44 million.
The Thame Khola Small Hydropower Plant supplying power to the upper Khumbu valley in Solukhumbu Disrict is situated within the Sagarmatha National Park in the Mt. Everest Region. The plant supplies electricity to 18 villages of Khumjung and Namche VDC of Khumbu Valley in the district and is operated by the Khumbu Bijuli Company.
- The project seeks to mitigate Nepal’s energy shortage by adding 300 KW to the plant. The upgradation works started in May, 2013 and completed in September, 2015. After the upgradation, 5000 people residing in the region will receive continuous supply of electricity and will improve the economic and financial aspects of the local community in the district.
- The project is symbolic of India’s determination to partner Nepal in energy security, through cooperation in development of large, medium and small hydropower plants as well as through trade of electricity and multiple cross-border transmission lines.
- Hitherto, one more project, Drinking Water Supply Project in Khumjung and Kunde villages of Khumjung VDC is under implementation stage with the Government of India’s assistance worth 40 million in Solukhumbu district. Additionally, the Govt of India has, in the past, provided 03 ambulances to various Health organizations in the district recognizing the need of the people of Nepal and the GoI’s continued commitment to help support Government of Nepal in its endeavour towards socio-economic developments.
- Under India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme, the Government of India has been providing financial assistance for various large and small development projects in different parts of Nepal. These development projects, mainly in the sectors of education, health and infrastructure development, have been undertaken in response to local needs and in partnership with the Government of Nepal
Source: Embassy of India, Kathmandu