In Mugu district, the electricity service provided by Nepal Electricity Authority’s Gamgadhi Distribution Center has been neither safe nor well-organized, forcing local residents to endure severe hardships. In wards 10 and 11 of Chhayanath Rara Municipality, the electric poles, wires, and transformers are inadequate in capacity relative to electricity consumption, causing significant difficulties for the local population.
Fatal Electrocution Incident Claims Lives of 10 Mules
Due to the installation of low-capacity transformers and unsafe electrical earthing, at around 3 PM on Sunday, 10 mules died after being electrocuted. These mules were traveling from the district headquarters, Gamgadhi, towards Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality when they were electrocuted in the Kusa Tauka area of ward 11, Chhayanath Rara Municipality.
Kanna Bahadur Mall, the owner of the mules, said, “Because of the rain, electricity from the transformer leaked into the ground. We were unaware of this. Suddenly, 10 of my mules were electrocuted and died. I was also shocked by the current, but since I was wearing sandals, I only received a mild jolt. But now, after losing the mules that support my livelihood, how will I survive? Each mule costs more than NPR 150,000.”
He added, “If the electric poles had been properly installed, the transformer capacity sufficient, and earthing secured, this accident would not have happened. The fault lies with the electricity office and its staff. Therefore, the Nepal Electricity Authority must compensate for my loss.”Among the dead donkeys, there are 4 belonging to Karn Bahadur Malla of Ward No. 1, and 3 belonging to Jaggi Baduwal and Prithvibahadur Aidi of Ward No. 10.”
Electricity Authority Response and Risk of Future Accidents
Similarly, on Friday, a buffalo belonging to Khadka Bahadur Budha of ward 12, Chhayanath Rara Municipality, also died due to electrocution at the same location. Sajan Aidi, chief of the Gamgadhi Distribution Center, said, “After the Friday incident, we immediately sent staff to resolve the problem.”
He further explained, “However, due to rain and strong winds on Sunday, the wires got entangled, causing electricity to leak into the ground, which led to the accident.” He acknowledged the severe loss to a poor family and stated, “The death of the mules has devastated the family’s condition. It is as if their means of survival has been cut off; they cannot afford to buy more. Therefore, I will recommend compensation according to regulations to the provincial and central offices.”
Local residents warn that unless improvements are made in the management of electricity services, such incidents may recur in the future.
