Rasuwa Hydroelectric Project Halts Production Due to Flood Risk

Rasuwa. The 111 MW capacity Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project has stopped electricity generation as a precautionary measure since Sunday evening after the water level in the Lhende Khola began to rise with mud mixed in the floodwaters. According to Santosh Adhikari, chief of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Center, electricity generation was halted from Sunday evening considering the potential risks. He informed that electricity generation will resume from Monday if the river condition returns to normal. Last year on Asar 24, the flood in the Lhende Khola caused significant damage to the project's dam and various structures. Technicians said that the gate for diverting water to the tunnel has been closed due to fears of renewed damage to the project, which was brought back into operation after repair and reconstruction. According to Satyam Ram Jhakwa, Executive Director of Rasuwagadhi Hydropower, the river's flow is being continuously monitored, and if the situation appears safe, electricity generation will resume today. Similarly, as the water flow in the Bhotekoshi River also started to increase, cargo vehicles in the Rasuwagadhi customs yard and newly imported vehicles have been immediately moved to a safe location, according to security personnel stationed there. Drivers have demanded that the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee (Pvt. Ltd.) construct additional security and embankments for the yard as there is a risk of floods entering the yard from the northern side. Kami Tshering Tamang, ward chairman of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-2, has urged local residents not to go near the Lhende Khola and Bhotekoshi River and not to park vehicles near the river. According to Dhruv Prasad Adhikari, Deputy Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, the light flood that occurred on Sunday evening has not caused significant damage except to the Mailung road. However, as the Mailung road section is at risk, the District Administration Office has urged vehicles traveling to and from Kerung to use the old road route via Betrawati-Kalikasthan-Dhunchhe-Syafrubesi to reach Rasuwagadhi. Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar has requested passengers and drivers not to use the risky road. Due to continuous rainfall, the water flow in rivers and streams is increasing, and the administration has urged people not to stay near riverbanks or in other risky areas and to exercise special caution while traveling. Chief District Officer Pariyar has requested the general public to immediately report any disaster situation by calling the emergency free number 1234 and to cooperate in rescue and relief efforts.