Floods cause extensive damage to the Indrawati III Hydropower Project

KATHMANDU: Recent floods in the Yangri and Indrawati rivers in Sindhupalchowk district have caused significant damage to the Indrawati III Hydropower Project. The dam at Tipeni of Panchpokhari, part of the 7.5 MW project, was filled with sand, leading to the destruction of the substation and powerhouse. This has resulted in a power supply disruption affecting most of the district’s electoral constituency No.2. Additionally, the road from Pitekhola to Tipeni has been blocked, creating severe challenges for patients due to the lack of alternative access routes.

The floods have not only impacted the hydropower project but have also washed away the suspension bridge and Yangri Bridge connecting Chinde Jatan. Agricultural land along the banks of the Yangri and Indrawati rivers has been swept away, making several settlements, including Chinipul, Majhirumti, Tipeni, Khasrebalawa, and Khaldekhola, vulnerable to further floods and landslides.

The ‘Bailey Bridge,’ built last year in Melamchi to connect Melamchi, Indrawati, and Panchpokhari, is also at risk. In Melamchi, the newly constructed bus park, playground, and an under-construction covered hall are prone to flooding. Furthermore, the ‘Bailey Bridge’ at Khagdal Stream, connecting Bahrabise Municipality-3 and 5 along the Arniko Highway, has been washed away by floods.

Local authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and prioritize emergency response efforts. The disruption in the power supply has left many residents without electricity, complicating the recovery process. With roads blocked and bridges washed away, transporting relief supplies and medical assistance has become increasingly difficult.

Emergency response teams are on high alert as they attempt to restore critical infrastructure and provide support to affected communities. The government is coordinating with local agencies to expedite relief efforts and ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas.

As the district grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the focus remains on restoring essential services, repairing damaged infrastructure, and preventing further disasters. The resilience and cooperation of the local community, coupled with timely intervention from authorities, will be crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by this natural calamity.