The news of Kulman Ghising’s removal from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has come as a surprise to many, especially those who remember the immense challenges Nepal faced with power shortages just a few years ago.
Ghising’s tenure at NEA marked a turning point in the country’s energy sector, and it’s hard not to feel a sense of loss when considering his departure.
Before Ghising took charge, Nepal was battling one of the longest-standing issues: load shedding. We were used to enduring hours, sometimes even days, without electricity. It affected everything — businesses struggled, schools were disrupted, and daily life felt like a constant uphill battle.
I remember how frustrating it was to plan anything that required power, whether it was charging devices or simply having light in the evening. The situation seemed hopeless, and for a country that relies heavily on energy to drive its economy, it was a serious crisis.
But then, Kulman Ghising took charge in 2016. To say he changed things for the better would be an understatement. Ghising wasn’t just a bureaucrat overseeing the power sector — he became the face of hope for millions of Nepali people.
He didn’t just talk about ending load shedding; he made it happen. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. From a time when we could barely rely on electricity for a few hours, we suddenly had consistent power supply across the country. No more planning life around load shedding schedules.
What made Ghising’s leadership so remarkable was that he didn’t just focus on quick fixes. He understood that the issue wasn’t just about generating more power, but also about managing the existing resources better. He invested in improving infrastructure, strengthening transmission lines, and reducing power losses.
And he pushed forward hydropower projects that made Nepal’s energy sector more self-sufficient. The completion of projects like the Upper Tamakoshi Hydroelectric Plant was a huge step in that direction.
The end of load shedding in 2018 was a victory that every Nepali citizen could feel. It wasn’t just a technical achievement; it was a sign that things could improve, that the country could make progress despite the odds.
For businesses, it meant not having to rely on expensive backup generators. For households, it meant a better quality of life. For the country, it meant new opportunities.
However, not everything during his leadership was smooth sailing. The controversies surrounding some projects, like the delays in the Nuwakot Solar Power Station, seem to have overshadowed the successes in the eyes of those who made the decision to remove him.
I can’t help but feel that these issues, while important, don’t erase the profound impact Ghising had on ending load shedding, which was the most pressing issue of all.
In my opinion, Kulman Ghising’s legacy will always be tied to his ability to turn a critical situation around. He gave Nepal what seemed like the impossible — consistent electricity, and in doing so, he gave us a sense of hope for the future.
While it’s unfortunate that he has been removed from NEA, his contributions cannot be overlooked. Nepal will forever be grateful for the electricity we now have — something we once took for granted but now realize was a luxury.
As we move forward, it’s essential to remember what Ghising achieved and to build upon that progress. There’s no denying that his leadership was a key factor in improving Nepal’s energy situation, and I sincerely hope that Hitendra continues to follow the path he set.