Kathmandu: In Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality–5, Malkwang of Myagdi, electricity has now reached every household through the central transmission line. Under the Nepal Electricity Authority’s “Ujyalo Myagdi” program, the transmission line has been extended from Dhawalagiri–6, Marang, to Malkwang.
According to Amar Chhantyal, the chairperson of Ward 5, “By installing poles for the main and branch lines, stringing the wires, and setting up a 100 kVA transformer, electricity has been supplied to local households. In the initial phase, 43 houses, the ward office, health post, and schools have been connected with a total of 46 meters.”
Previously, locals relied on electricity from the Nandibang River small hydropower project. However, with the extension of the central transmission line, stable and reliable electricity is expected to bring qualitative improvements in local administration, education, and health services. Chairperson Chhantyal also mentioned that the authority has committed to extending the line to the Hopakhola area in the next phase.
The Nepal Electricity Authority has been implementing a plan since 2021–2024 to extend the national transmission line to about 2,183 households in 14 locations of Myagdi, with a budget of NPR 220 million. Under this plan, many settlements in Malika, Dhawalagiri, and Bul rural municipalities have already been electrified, and transformers have been installed in 370 households in Lulang.
From an analytical perspective, the electrification of Malkwang is expected to bring significant improvements in education, health, information technology, and local businesses. With electricity access, local production, shop operations, and emergency services are anticipated to become easier. However, for sustainable use, regular maintenance of transformers and lines, theft prevention, and energy-saving measures are also necessary at the local level.
According to the authority’s plan, the extended central transmission line aims to provide stable and reliable electricity access to all settlements of Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality in the future, which is expected to advance the municipality’s overall economic and social development.
Jalasarokar