By Shailendra Rokaya, Bajhang, Oct. 6: Construction of the Kalanga Hydropower, the first and the largest hydropower being built with private investment in Sudurpaschim State, has entered the final stage and the company has a plan to produce hydro-electricity from February by completing all the works within January.

Located at a remote area of Paunta of Bungal Municipality-5 in the district, construction of the Kalanga Hydropower was started on March 21, 2017 with an objective to complete the construction works within three years. However, COVID-19 pandemic affected the works and delayed its completion by four months.

Shiva Ghimire, a board member of the hydropower, said that the hydropower was being made with domestic investment and technology and that its construction works would be completed within four months.

"Over 92 per cent of the hydropower construction has been completed. We are generating 65 megawatt of electricity at Bugal area. Total capacity of the hydropower is 65.33 megawatt. We have finished the most difficult work of tunnel construction of about 3.5 kilometer, completed powerhouse construction as well as the dam," said Ghimire.

Total investment of the hydropower is Rs. 2.8 billion and of the total, 25% is invested by individuals while the rest is invested by different banks.

Some 500 people have been employed at the hydropower for construction related work.