In an effort to reduce loadshedding in the region, local government in Upper Kurram has set up a micro-hydel power station on the banks of River Kurram at Norkhan Kanda.

The hydropower plant, which cost Rs10 million, has freed citizens from the shackles of constant loadshedding.

Local residents Haji Habib Ali, Munir Hussain and Jamal Hussain told DawnNewsTV that they used to face 20 to 22 hours loadshedding on daily basis before the plant was established.

While the local residents were happy at the establishment of micro-hydropower station, they urged the government to protect their cultivated lands on the bank of River Kurram which always floods during monsoon because of raised water levels.

Local PPP Leader Jamil Turi appreciated the completion of micro-hydropower station. He also suggested that the government should build more stations at feasible places in order to reduce loadshedding in the region.

Talking to DawnNewsTV, a senior administrative official of FATA Development Programme Government to Community (FDPGC) said that their group was given the task of completing two micro-hydel power stations in Kurram Agency.

"We have completed one in Norkhan Kanda and the other one in Sarpakh area of Central Kurram is nearing completion."

Kurram Agency is blessed with an abundance of renewable energy potential, but so far this potential remains unharnessed. A few more sites have been identified for the establishment of power plants including Zeran, Shalozan, Malana, Pewar. These plants aim to meet the ever-increasing demand for cheap power in the region.