Bad Business in Bajhang

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Micro-hydro-power technology, when unthinkingly grafted to remote areas, can destroy the spirit and the savings of entrepreneurs.

There is a warning being whispered these days in the village of Byasi in Nepal's far western district of Bajhang: "Don't give your daughters in marriage to Mr. Joshi's sons."

The reason is that many people believe Dhana Raj Joshi is headed for bankruptcy. But how could it be? Joshi comes from a well-to-do priestly clan which served the rajas of Bajhang. Besides officiating as a well-regarded pundit, he is also a school teacher and has income from his land and a shop that sells calico. What changed his fortune? "Oh, the micro-hydro business," say the villagers of Byasi.

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Himal Southasian
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