New Hydropower Project on Chameliya River

Kathmandu. Another project is to be constructed on the Chameliya River, which is established as the hydropower center of the Sudurpashchim Province.

The 28.30 MW capacity Middle Chameliya Hydropower Project, promoted by Darcula Power Company, is to be constructed on that river. The project, which falls within the Api Nampa Conservation Area of Darcula, is located in Marma Rural Municipality.

The project, based on river flow, was granted a power generation license by the Department of Electricity Development on March 26, 2024 (Chaitra 13, 2081 BS). The entire structure of the project is proposed to be on the left bank of the Chameliya River.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment published a public notice on Monday, as proposed for the supplementary environmental impact assessment of the project.

Previously, on March 20, 2024 (Chaitra 7, 2080 BS), the project's environmental impact assessment report was approved by the then Ministry of Forest and Environment.

Similarly, on January 11, 2025 (Poush 21, 2082 BS), consent was obtained for the supplementary environmental impact assessment study. The notice states that the study is being conducted to assess the environmental impact that may arise due to changes in the project's design and relocation of structures.

A power purchase agreement between Nepal Electricity Authority and promoter Chameliya Power Limited was signed on October 16, 2023 (Ashoj 29, 2080 BS). Similarly, the financial management of the project was also completed on June 4, 2025 (Jeth 21, 2082 BS).

The proposed project site is located about 30 kilometers northwest of Gokuleshwor in Darcula district. On the upper bank of the project is the 40 MW Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project. Similarly, on the lower bank is the 30 MW Chameliya Khola Hydropower Project.

The electricity generated will be connected to the Authority's Balach Substation. The project will produce 118.52 GWh of energy during the rainy season and 67.100 GWh during the dry season. The total cost of the project, which is targeted to be completed within the next three years, is Rs 6,236,267,390.