Flood Devastates Energy Sector, Damaging Hydropower Projects and Infrastructure
Summary
A devastating flood in the BhoteKoshi and Trishuli rivers has destroyed or badly damaged dozens of hydropower structures in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, causing losses estimated at more than 134 billion rupees. The Nepal Electricity Authority and private developers are now facing a major reconstruction crisis, with uninsured state projects expected to rely on government or donor support.
Key Points
- The flood in the BhoteKoshi and Trishuli rivers severely damaged 11 hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, including facilities under the Nepal Electricity Authority and private developers.
- Preliminary estimates put the total damage to the energy sector at 134.6976 billion rupees, while the government’s RDNA projects reconstruction needs could reach 390 billion rupees.
- The Nepal Electricity Authority says it did not insure many of its projects because premiums were too high, leaving it to seek donor or government support for reconstruction.
- Former executive director Kulman Ghising and current executive director Dirghayukumar Shrestha both said the lack of insurance has now created a major financial burden.
