Business activities have started to pick up at marketplaces around the Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project site after remaining subdued for nearly one year following the deadly earthquake of April 25, 2015.

With the resumption of electricity supply to Lamabagar in Dolakha—one of the districts worst-hit by the quake—Lal Bahadur Khadka has resumed operations of his corn flour mill. The mill, based at Lamabagar’s Gongar Bazaar near the 456MW project, produces roasted corn flour.

Around 500 villagers, who had left Gongar Bazaar after the tremors, have started to return. “As the people are returning now, the business activity is picking up pace again,” said Krishna Bahadur Gurung, who had stayed back even as everyone left. 

The locals are running businesses from temporary shelters at Gongar Bazaar that was devastated by the earthquake and subsequent floods. They said business activities increased especially after the electricity  transmission line was repaired, resuming power supply.

Works on the hydropower projects have also resumed. Local health professional Raju Shrestha said Gongar Bajaar is reviving again after the return of workers, technical officers, Nepali and Chinese experts involved in the project.

Pari Karki, who runs a meat shop, said her sales have jumped to 25kg per day in the last few weeks. Vegetable shops have also started to haul vegetables and daily essentials from district headquarters Charikot and Kathmandu Valley after the rise in demand.

The project makes arrangement of food and lodging for important guests, while other officials and workers are sheltered and served by eight hotels, out of which three big ones are operating in full capacity. “It has only been three months since our services resumed,” said proprietor of Hotel Heaven.

The Gongar area now sees a noisy daytime as heavy vehicles, machines and equipment operate. The locals are now waiting for full resumption of the project’s operations.

However, the locals are still fearful of potential floods. The project also says the Gongar area faces risks of flooding until the monsoon ends.