A 150-MW Jawa Tila Hydropower project is to be built in Jumla where the electricity supply is far below the demand.

A board meeting of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) held recently decided to initiate the project estimated to cost Rs 35 billion.

The NEA board meeting was held under the chairpersonship of Pampha Bhusal, Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation.

According to the ministry sources, Naresh Bhandari, an erstwhile provincial member of Karnali from Jumla had conducted a desk study on the matter and submitted along with it an application at the ministry to initiate construction of the project a year ago. And the NEA board initiated the process by considering the application.

Jumla locals have expressed happiness over the decision saying the construction of the hydel project will ensure a sufficient and smooth supply of electricity not only in the district but also in the Karnali province.

Bhandari, who is also former provincial minister of Karnali, said that the water from Tila and Juwa will be used for the project.

Gor Bahadur Budha, a local of Patarasi Rural Municipality, expressed confidence that the project will enhance the economic life of the district.