Keeping the lights on in the Hidden Himalayas

Dear Friends and Supporters

These are very difficult times to be working in one of the remotest parts of the planet. Travel restrictions still apply and our implementation partner - LIDS - is finding it difficult to retain and manage their staff. Basically we have no new information to share with you but we are still in contact with LIDS and hope to have some positive feedback soon. 

This whole project, that provides clean and renewable energy to essential services and remote mountain communities, will improve and diversify the local economy and contribute to a healthier society. The Service Centre project is very new for this part of the world and will help to strengthen the economy and provide fresh opportunities.

We are sorry we cannot provide you with more solid news at this point but we are working hard to get feedback and we will let you know as soon as we have some. Some good news is that we have not received any news of major breakdowns and the many MHPs and Solar schemes we have built over the years continue to function and provide homes and clinics with clean and bright energy.

Thank you for your patience and continued support. We hope you will stay with us to the finishing line and, if you can, please mention us to friends and colleagues. Thank you for all you have done to help us.

Namaste

Tony Sharpe.  

Dear Friends and Supporters

My apologies for appearing to repeat myself but Covid 19 continues to dominate and control life in this remote part of the world. The Indian variant has forced a complete lock down and Humla is closed to all non-essential travel. However, it is very difficult to enforce when the main method of transport is by foot and many people are desperate to return to their homes in the hills. The government have stepped up controls and medical resources but these are generally only in the main centres and not in the remote villages. The Nepal Trust continues to provide help and support to the government through its HEAL programme. An additional problem has been very unusual and late winter storms that have closed access to the higher villages and mountain passes. Probably a consequence of climate change that is now becoming very evident in the Himalayas.

Our renewable energy programme struggles to compete with the issues and problems created by Covid and our implementing partner LIDS is finding it difficult to attract business. Several other local initiatives have appeared on the scene and attract some business which makes it very difficult for LIDS to fully establish itself. However it can be argued that this development will have a positive impact as stimulating competition will help to develop and expand renewable energy services  and be good for the environment.

The Nepal Trust has been in discussion with LIDS to find a way around their current difficulties. A reduced affordable rent has been agreed with them and all outstanding tools and equipment have now been supplied and installed. Two Technicians  have been recruited. Anticipated plans and business have been badly affected by Covid and unseasonal weather but are broadly on course to fulfill our objectives as lock downs and daily life improve.

Businesses around the world are struggling to survive during the pandemic. The remote Himalaya is not unusual in this respect but it has many other problems due to its remoteness which add fresh problems that need to be worked out. The Service Centre is a great idea that has come in time and will bring new prosperity to these hardy mountain people and be good for the planet. New power schemes are popping up all the time that will need maintenance. The Nepal Trust alone has built 7 micro-hydro schemes and 11 Solar Energy projects; all will need maintenance and the Service Centre is designed to provide that skill and knowledge. 

Many thanks for all your help and support and we hope you can stay with us to the finishing line. Please tell your friends or anyone you think can help. It's a hard life in the Hidden Himalayas and renewable energy makes a huge difference!

Namaste