Floods Damage Over 10 Hydropower Projects in Nepal

Kathmandu – A flood that entered Nepal through the Lehende River (Bhotekoshi) via Tibet, China last Tuesday has severely impacted over 10 hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, according to the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN).

The flood damaged both operational and under-construction hydropower plants, halting electricity generation of around 250 MW and stopping construction work on projects totaling more than 350 MW. IPPAN reported significant physical and economic losses.

Production has stopped at several key projects, including the 111 MW Rasuwa Gadhi, 60 MW Trishuli 3A, 25 MW Trishuli, 22 MW Chilime, 14 MW Upper Mailung, 14 MW Devighat, and 5 MW Mailung Khola. Damage to the Trishuli 3B Hub Substation, which transmits electricity from multiple plants, is the main reason for the shutdown.

Except for Devighat, Trishuli, and Trishuli 3A, most of the affected projects involve private sector participation. All under-construction projects are led by the private sector.

Construction has also halted at the 216 MW Upper Trishuli 1, 100 MW Super Trishuli, and 37 MW Trishuli 3B projects due to flood damage. Damage to the Trishuli 3B Hub Substation and transmission lines could result in electricity production losses worth millions of rupees daily.

IPPAN also expressed concern over the destruction of infrastructure along the Nepal-China trade route. Dozens of cargo containers and hundreds of vehicles at the Timure Dry Port and customs point were washed away. The bridge connecting the main trade route has collapsed, affecting over NPR 100 billion in annual trade and revenue collection. IPPAN urged the government to expedite efforts to reopen the border.

IPPAN thanked security forces for rescuing about 150 people, including 36 workers at the Rasuwa Gadhi project, and called on the government to support swift reconstruction and prevent further loss.