Page 37 - 08_Social_Studies and Population Education Book 8_2078 Revised and Updated Edition

Hydro-power was generated for the first time in Nepal in 1968 BS during the

time of Chandra Shumsher in Pharping, south of Kathmandu. Pherping Hydro-
power station’s capacity was 500 KW. The second hydro-power station was
established in 1991 BS during the time of Juddha Shumsher at Sundarijal in the

north of Kathmandu, having the capacity of 640 KW.

There is tremendous potentiality in Nepal for electricity production.
There are plenty of rivers which flow continuously throughout the year in
Nepal. It has the potential of producing 83,000 mega watts hydropower.

From the economic and technical point of view around 43,000 mega watt
hydropower can be produced. But till date only 1,000 mega watt hydropower
has been produced. Majority of the power produced in Nepal has been utilized
only in cities. There is still a shortage of power in the remote areas.

The lack of sufficient amount of electricity has directly affected industries, trade,
agriculture sector, etc. After the completion of some micro hydroelectricity
projects, and control over leakage and widespread corruption in this field, the
problem of power-cut has been gradually decreasing as well. We can minimize

the problem of power shortage in the following ways:
Reduce the unnecessary use of electric power at home.

Make the public aware about proper use of electricity at home.

Use less electricity consuming appliances.
Turn off the switches of the used appliances after the use is over.

Use alternative sources of energy like solar power, bio-gas, wind power, etc.
Use bright colours or paints at home.

Key Terms
Bio-gas : any gas fuel derived from the decay of organic matter
Generator : a dynamo or similar machine for converting mechanical energy into electricity
Hydropower : electricity produced from machines that are run by moving water
Solar power : power obtained by harnessing the energy of the sun’s ray

Note to the teacher: Organize an educational tour in the places/community where renewable energy
technology and micro hydro projects are being operated.

SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 8 37