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Work on a solar energy project in Khalanga, Jumla, is moving ahead with the aim of providing a long-term electricity supply to the district.

The Karnali Solar Energy Project is building a plant with a capacity of around 1 megawatt near Karnali Technical School. Officials said the project is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs2 billion.

Once completed, the project is expected to benefit around 9,000 consumers. A portion of the facility will generate 950 kilowatts of electricity, which authorities said will support households as well as small and medium-scale industries in Khalanga.

Resident Man Bahadur Rokaya said the project would bring lasting relief to power shortages in the district. “Connecting one megawatt of solar energy is not a small matter,” he said. “It will generate enough electricity for the district, and demand will also be met.”

The Nepal Electricity Authority distribution office said about 50 percent of the work has been completed. Officials said civil construction is ongoing, including transformer foundations and solar panel installation.

Project manager Abhishek Adhikari said the work is being carried out under the supervision of the NEA Jumla distribution centre. Centre chief Lalit Kumar Mandal said the remaining works include the installation of charge controllers and power control systems for the solar units.

A total of 1,772 solar panels will be installed, along with 300 battery units to manage storage and distribution. Construction is currently being carried out by a team of 16 workers.

Officials said the remaining installation work, including key electrical components, is yet to arrive. The distribution office said electricity from the project is expected to reach households within the next five months.

Jumla was connected to the national transmission grid in 2022, but residents continue to face unstable supply, with frequent fluctuations affecting daily life. Officials said the solar project is expected to provide a more reliable alternative once completed.

The project is also being expanded across Humla, Mugu, Jumla and Dolpa, officials said.

Kathmandu Post