By Our Correspondent
Beni, Feb. 9: Tunnel construction work in the 25-MW Myagdikhola Hydropower Project in Darbang of Myagdi Malika Rural Municipality, West Myagdi, has begun.
The construction of the secondary tunnels to reach the main tunnel has started using explosives under the supervision and management of the Nepal Army, said Binod Kunwar, chairman of Kalika Hydropower Private Limited, which is the promoter of the project.

He said that the project was being constructed with the joint investment of locals, residents and non-residents of Myagdi. He said that works had been pushed forward to complete the project within the next three years.
The construction was delayed because of the coronavirus-related restrictions. Its foundation stone was laid two years ago, Kunwar said.
According to Bal Kumar Roka, site engineer of the project, after digging 250 metres, it will be connected with the main tunnel and works to construct the tunnels to both sides, which will lead to the dam and the powerhouse, will begin.

The tunnel will be a five-and-a-half kilometres long. The dam of the project will be built at the border area of Bim, ​​Malika Rural Municipality-7 and Devisthan of Ward No. 5, and Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-7.
Electricity will be generated by taking the water from the dam to the powerhouse to be built 100 meters away at Ratodhunga.
Founders and shares from commoners will bear 30 per cent of the investment while financial institutions are expected to invest 70 per cent in the project.

The project is estimated to cost Rs 5.15 billion, Managing Director of the project Engineer Harkaman Gharti Magar, said.
Sanima Bnak is the main investor while six other banks have invested in the hydropower project.

The electricity generated from the project will be connected to the central grid through the substation located at Bim.
An agreement has been reached with Nepal Electricity Authority to buy and sell electricity at Rs 8.40 per unit for four months of winter and Rs 4.80 per unit for eight months of the rainy season.
The physical infrastructure, including the site office and housing of the project, have already been set up.