“I still have vivid memories of those majestic snow-capped mountains and navigating the treacherous steep slopes. I could see their eyes sparkle, with the mixture of awe and joyfulness, those excitement in their eyes when they saw their village getting lightened up.”
– Jiban Twayana, Installation & Support Manager, Gham Power Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
Our team embarked on a journey to Rachuli, located in the mid-western region of Nepal, a serene village that had long remained dim due to the absence of electricity. The thrilling 3 days to reach the village led us to the revelation that the villagers lived in darkness, facing severe challenges such as lack of educational development, unemployment, poor health care, gap in a communication system, difficulty to perform simple everyday tasks, and a lot more. The village homes, constructed from stones and wood were tiny and cramped, with tiny windows to stave off cold wind. The healthcare machines and educational equipment in the village weren’t in use due to unstable electricity. Determined to bring change, this mini-grid project was supported by Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC) and Tila Gufa Nagarpalika. With the government and local funding, we were able to run the installation, technical aspects, and design aspects smoothly. Today, the tiny homes at Rachuli glow from all corners of the village, transforming the lives of several families. Healthcare facilities have been significantly improved, creating employment opportunities for professionals and boosting their local businesses. Similarly, the education sector has flourished enabling the children to study even after the sunset. Moreover, the villages had limited access to the internet. Solar has not only brought electricity to every home but also facilitated internet access village-wide, connecting them with the global community.
Over 350 households are currently illuminated thanks to the solar mini-grid, positively affecting the lives of over 1,500 villagers and leading to a reduction of 196 metric tonnes of carbon emissions.
-Contributed by Roshani Shrestha, Marketing Assistant
