Major Structures of the 40 MW Khani Khola-1 Hydro Damaged by Heavy Flood

Kathmandu; A flood has caused serious damage to the structures, including the dam, of the under-construction 40 MW Khani Khola-1 hydropower project in the high himalayan range of Dolakha district. On the evening of July 9^th, a natural dam created by a landslide upstream of project area burst, leading to a flood that damaged most of the structures in the dam site.

The powerful flood that occurred suddenly has mainly caused severe damage in the dam site, according to Kesang Dikee Lama, Managing Director of Green Life Hydro Power Limited. "Although we have collected details of physical damage, we are yet to assess the economic losses," she said. "It will take about two months to compile a complete report once we assess the damage also along the project access road." She has also mentioned that despite construction being at a higher altitude in the district, both gathering information and restart the work would take time.

According to the company, the project's intake and undersluice have suffered extensive damage, and the connecting pipes have been washed away by the flood. It has also been reported that two construction camps built for workers have also sustained serious damage.

Lama informed that the flood has also affected the access roads up to the Singati to the powerhouse. She mentioned that construction activities can only resume after the upcoming month of Bhadra, once the access roads to the project site are restored. The electricity generated from the project will be connected at NEA 132/33kV Substation at Singati and will then be evacuated through Singati-Lamosangu 132 kV transmission line.