Solar energy helps Khayarkandra homestays improve services

KANCHANPUR: The Khayarkandra community homestays of Shuklaphanta Municipality-3 launched for promotion of eco-friendly tourism and income of rural community has been lately facilitated by solar energy.

The solar power backup has been availed at homestays in a bid to provide uninterrupted services.

There are eight homestays running with joint support of Shuklaphanta Municipality, Connect Project and the Himali Prakriti. The backup system installed in the houses running homestays would convenience both the homestay managers and visitors.

It cost Rs 759 thousands to install the system for all households running homestays.

Technical supervisor at Himali Prakriti, Puran Singh Dhagunna, informed that the new facility would not only help promote renewable energy but also ease the activities at homestays and help increase income. “Importantly, the scheme is helpful for rural eco-friendly tourism,” he added.

Khusiram Chaudhary, one of those managing homestays, said the load shedding would not afflict them anymore with the installation of backup powered by solar energy. “Earlier, the visitors were hassled due to load shedding. But we can provide power for light, fan, mobile charging and other necessary services round-the-clock,” he said, adding that it has eased tourists’ stay.

Another Tikuram Dagaura said the service delivery has been further reliable with the backup in place.

Deputy mayor of Shuklaphanta Municipality, Kalpana Panta, also observed that solar power would not only ease homestay services but also help reduce carbon emission and protect environment. “It is beneficial to advance concept of sustainable tourism,” she added.

The homestays having proximity to the Shuklaphanta National Park are attraction to be assimilated with culture, tourism and natural beauty. The visitors here are served Tharu cuisines and entertained with indigenous dances and songs. Both the domestic and foreign tourists visit these rural home-cum-hotels.