By Netra Shahi, Jumla, Oct. 5: Guthichaur Rural Municipality in Jumla has established its own radio FM with an aim to provide information about the novel coronavirus and other issues to the locals, free of cost.

Moti Prasad Jaisi, an official of the Gaupakika said that the test broadcasting of the 98.4 MHz radio had already completed.

"Until now, Rs. 2.4 million has been spent for the operation of radio and additional infrastructure and equipment are being installed for the expansion of its reach," said Jaisi. He added that the budget had already been allocated to install a relay tower.

"As information and communication is one of the most important infrastructures for development, the radio station has been set up on the basis of the constitutional right and course of action of our Rural Municipality," said Hari Bahadur Bhandari, Chairman of the Rural Municipality.

Currently, the radio communication service is available at Guthichaur Rural Municipality, Chandannath Municipality and Patarashi Rural Municipality among others. Preparations are underway to keep a relay station at Chimara for the expansion of the service, said Bhandari.

To ensure proper service and facility to the officials working at the radio station, the Rural Municipality has already prepared a course of action which is yet to be passed by the village assembly.

After the completion of the installation of relay tower, some 2,500 households of the Rural Municipality can receive the radio communication service. The Rural Municipality said that the radio can also be expanded to other local levels of the district, Jajarkot, Mugu and Dolpa.