Heavy rains disrupt hydropower projects across Nepal, 1,300 MW of power production halted

KATHMANDU: Continuous heavy rains have severely impacted hydropower projects across Nepal, leading to the suspension of electricity generation at several key sites. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), floods and landslides caused by the incessant rainfall over the past two days have raised river levels, forcing power generation to halt in projects that collectively produce around 1,300 megawatts of electricity.

Major affected projects include the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi, 73 MW Middle Tamor, 60 MW Solu Khola Dudh Koshi, 50 MW Upper Marsyangdi, 54 MW Super Dordi, and 200 MW from the Kabeli Corridor. In addition to these, smaller hydropower projects such as Mid Solukhola, Super Madi, and Middle Modi have also suspended production due to adverse weather conditions.

The heavy rainfall has further disrupted key transmission lines. The 132 kV Pathlaiya-Chandranigahapur line has been halted due to fallen trees, while the NEA is working to address issues in the Dana-Khusma line circuits. Similarly, efforts are underway to restore the Bhaktapur-Banepa and Chamelia transmission lines.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have deployed teams to repair the damages. However, with more rain forecast, power generation and transmission disruptions may continue.