This case study assesses the management aspects of Micro-Hydropower Plant (MHP) in Sikles and Chhomrong, two Gurung villages in the southern Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) region. Both the plants were built by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) under the Alternative Energy Programme (AEP). The study analyses the strengths and weaknesses of managing MHP from1) technical, 2) financial, 3) management and 4) social perspectives.
The Sikles plant, being larger and older, has been plagued with problems such as lack of effective policing measures, expensive landslide damage, high staff turnover, and no savings. Demand now exceeds supply, causing the Village Electrification Committee (VEC) to ban the use of low-wattage electric cookers and negate much of the firewood-saving effect of electrification. However, market penetration has reached 100%, and many positive social benefits, such as extended evening hours and reduced drudgery, have been noted.
The newer Chhomrong plant has had fewer technical problems, but also suffers from demand exceeding electricity supply. As a result, though much firewood has been saved by its ban in tourist lodges, most households still cook with firewood due to the insufficient power supply, and income generation using electricity is limited mainly to tourist lodges. In addition, there is a communication gap between the Chhomrong VEC and the ACAP office.
Two levels of recommendations stem from these results:
1. For the near-term: a number of suggestions are made to improve the management of both Sikles and Chhomrong, applying these to other similar MHPs in the ACAP region where appropriate.
2. For the long-term: ACAP should view MHPs in the context of a larger system to support its goals. Investment in MHP construction alone does not necessarily lead to firewood conservation or to sustainable development. A more holistic approach that provides for education and technology for end uses, income generation, and long-term self-sufficiency is suggested.
The recommendations suggested are aimed at electricity users, VEC and ACAP staff, both AEP related and conservation related. Overall, the Sikles and Chhomrong MHPs show progress towards ACAP's long-term goal of community self-management. However, much needs to be done before this goal is reached.
