After a 23-year gap, the village of Ghodegaun in ward 6 of Tila Rural Municipality in Jumla district, is once again celebrating the restoration of electricity. This time, power comes from solar energy generated in the nearby Pokharigaun in ward 7, bringing joy to the community.

Ghodegaun first saw electricity in 1997, when 5 kilowatts of power was generated from the local Ghatte Khola river. However, this supply lasted only for four years, until 2001, largely due to the Maoist insurgency, which was at its peak then. The machinery fell into disrepair, as the conflict made maintenance impossible.

Now, with electricity finally back in the village, all 86 households are basking in the glow of power. Previously, the absence of electricity made daily activities difficult, affecting schools, healthcare institutions, and public places. Villagers relied on pine torches for lighting, struggling to manage daily tasks without electrical assistance. Local residents expressed happiness that the village has transformed into a bright and vibrant place.

Dinesh Bahadur Rokaya, a local resident, said, “With the return of electricity, darkness has been banished from our village. Not only has the village become lively, but the future of our children has also brightened.”

The solar power line installed from Pokharigaun in ward 7 of the rural municiaplity has now brought electricity to Ghodegaun. Due to its remote geographical location, national transmission lines have yet to reach the area. Wealthier families had previously relied on solar panels, while poorer households depended on kerosene lamps and pine torches for light.

Gogan Bahadur Rokaya noted, “With the village illuminated, the gap between the rich and the poor has narrowed. Everyone’s homes are now bright.”

Before electricity was restored, villagers could not charge mobile phones or use any electrical appliances. While a few listened to the radio using battery cells, not everyone could afford that option. And villagers had to visit schools, health posts, or the local ward office just to charge their devices.

To extend the electricity line to Ghodegaun, the rural municipality allocated Rs800,000, with an additional Rs5.1 million provided by the federal government. The restoration of electricity coincides with the ongoing Dashain festival, further brightening the local mood.

With electricity now available, villagers can undertake activities such as grinding, milling, and other tasks that were previously hindered by the lack of power. As rivers dry up in winter, this change is especially significant, allowing villagers to conduct essential farming activities without the need to travel to distant mills.

The return of electricity in Ghodegaun marks a new chapter in the village’s development, promising a brighter future for its inhabitants.