Nepal, Electricity: The Power Crisis

I just wonder when and if we ever be able to cope with the power crisis that has plagued the country. Our country's politics is very unappealing as it is just focused on feeding the politicians for the huger for the power but not providing the basic needs to the people. It's sad how people are still suffering through crippling electricity cuts. As I read before, availability of electricity is limited to about 18% of the total population, while the rural population has just about 5%. Probably the reality of the situation is even worst.

One of the Nepal's top television networks, Kantipur Television has used only a kerosene (paraffin) lantern to light its 30-minute-long 7pm news bulletin. (source: BBC)

River-driven, hydro stations around Nepal are not overhauled in time. Due to insufficient rain, Kulekhani reservoir is running out of water and both of turbines there are not in a working order. The destruction of import lines from India because of last August's flooding in southern Nepal also added to the problem. Most of all, it seems there is lack of planning to tackle this major problem.

I also read before that the NEA was preparing to hike the electricity tariff by 30 percent and also said that the country will continue to reel under power cuts for six to seven more years and in this dry season, the duration of load-shedding will be up to 14 hours a day.However, to my surprise, Uttar Kumar Shrestha, MD, Nepal Electricity Authority recently said, " After five years, Nepal will not have any power cuts." I hope what he says is true and Nepal won't become a land of the blackout permanently.