Bhadrabir Sarki of Tatopani-4 Niyapane is surprised to see electricity running 24 hours a day. He, who used to get light from a lamp, is now using electricity. Earlier, the poor bought solar panels and lit the lamps. Some used candles and some even lit lanterns, he said. "We, who are financially weak, lit the lamps."

Now, his village is lit at night. This has made it easier for children to study and use electrical appliances. Kamala of Tatopani-4 says that Nepali electricity has improved health and has also helped in cleanliness. Earlier, a pine lamp used to produce a lot of smoke. There was a possibility of making the house black and making people sick, Kamala said. "Now, electricity is not only providing light. Health and sanitation activities have also been positively affected. According to him, the village now has internet. They are sharing their joys and sorrows through video chats with their relatives.

Nearly 3,000 households like Bhadrabir and Kamala have electricity from the Gidikhola Hydropower Project. Locals who were forced to spend nights in the dark are now getting a glimpse of light. The 214-kilowatt capacity project has provided electricity to 6 out of 8 wards of Tatopani Rural Municipality.

Three wards of Chandannath Municipality are also within reach of this project. Durga Prasad Pandey, president of Jalpadevi Vidyut Cooperative Society, said that when electricity is on, not only the village is dazzled but also the market is being sold. The Gidikhola Hydropower Project was built at a cost of Rs. 100 million.

Although the construction of electricity started in 2061 BS, electricity was produced and expanded to the villages since 2074 BS. According to Chairman Pandey, the tender was invited for 120 million rupees, and the contractor took over the construction for 100 million rupees, despite the estimated cost of 160 million rupees.

There is an investment of 150 million rupees by locals in the construction of electricity. There is a loan of 163 million rupees from the bank. Only 40 million rupees were given as ADB's grant of 570 million rupees for alternative energy.

Electricity is available round the clock in villages including Jarmi Lachu, Dangibara, Babira, Rawatbara, Khadkabara, Dhaulapani, Hiankhola, Gautambara, Jaitpur, Hanku, Niyapani, Gidikhola, Paththeni, Aireni, Lamra, and others in the 6 wards of Tatopani Rural Municipality. Electricity from this project has reached all the villages except Bohoragaun in Chandannath-8, 9 and 10. ‘With the use of electricity in the village, everything from furniture industries to Kutani grinding mills have been operated. Children have also been given relief in reading and writing,’ said Chairman Pandey.