By Bhaktibilash Pokharel, Gaighat, Feb. 2: The Gaighat branch of Nepal Electricity Authority is striving to make Udayapur District free from darkness by operating various projects.

The NEA Gaighat Branch informed that electricity of the National Transmission Line had already reached to seven out of eight local levels of the districts.

Roshan Kumar Singh, chief of the Gaighat Branch said, "Although it has been a long time that electricity from the National Transmission Line reached Triyuga, Katari, Chaudagandaki and Belaka Municipalities of the district, the locals of Udayapurgadhi, Tapli, Limchungbung, and Rautamai Rural Municipality were compelled to light oil lamps and solar lights due to the absence of electricity."

"But now, all the local levels except Tapli Rural Municipality have been lightened," he added.

Electricity from the nation's transmission line had not reached Udayapurgadi Rural Municipality having a total of 30,780 population as per the 2068 national census. The locals of Udapaurgadi were dependent on micro hydroelectricity projects for electricity. However, the rural electrification plan of the NEA has been able to distribute electricity to 500 houses of Kurkantar and Bahunitar of ward no. 1 and 2. Singh said that works were underway to provide electricity to other wards as well.  

"Rs. 150 million budget has been allotted to four Rural Municipalities for the expansion of electricity and works of installation of transmission line has been going on via bidding," added Singh.  

Meanwhile, Tapli Rural Municipality has not received wires from the Provincial Office of the Authority. "However, electricity poles are being installed in order to connect electricity line from Betini of Katari Municipality to Rupatar of Tapli Rural Municipality within this Fiscal Year," said Singh.

NEA Gaighat Chief Singh said that the rural areas required numerous electricity poles and wires due to the lack of proper roadway, transportation challenges, and scattered settlements. "Thus it will take time to ensure easy access to electricity in the rural areas," he added.

Likewise, electricity in the most rural Limchungbung Rural Municipality of the district has been brought from Halesi of the neighbouring district Khotang. Singh said that electricity service to 2,500 customers was already provided to Limchungbung.