Kathmandu: The Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN), along with its member hydropower companies, has contributed Rs 130 million and one rupee (Rs 13 crore 1) to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund to support the search, rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts for citizens affected by the Bhotekoshi floods.
The contribution, collected under IPPAN’s initiative, was handed over by IPPAN President Mohan Kumar Dangi to Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha during a program held at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation in Singha Durbar on Tuesday. Representatives of hydropower developers and IPPAN member companies also submitted their donation cheques and payment vouchers during the event.
According to IPPAN, the Bhotekoshi floods severely affected 12 hydropower projects, including eight operational projects and four under construction. Damage to transmission lines and substations has disconnected approximately 431 MW of electricity from the national transmission system, including power generated by the affected operational projects.
The floods have caused extensive damage not only to hydropower structures but also to transmission infrastructure, access roads, bridges, and other physical assets. IPPAN stated that transportation and communication disruptions in the affected areas have made it difficult to conduct detailed damage assessments at project sites.
Hydropower Sector Donates Despite Heavy Losses
IPPAN noted that the contribution comes at a time when many of its member companies and hydropower projects have themselves suffered significant physical and financial losses.
According to the association, member companies contributed amounts ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 16.5 million, reflecting broad support from Nepal’s private energy sector.
IPPAN also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of engineers, technicians, experts, specialists, and workers associated with hydropower and transmission projects in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and other affected districts. While damaged infrastructure can be rebuilt, the association emphasized that the loss of human lives is irreplaceable, describing the donation as an expression of humanitarian solidarity.
Decision Made on August 27
IPPAN’s 206th emergency executive committee meeting, held on August 27, 2026, decided to provide financial assistance through the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund for the rescue and relief of citizens affected by the Bhotekoshi disaster in districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading.
Following the decision, IPPAN called upon its member hydropower companies to contribute humanitarian assistance. The association subsequently collected donations from member companies and transferred a total of Rs 130 million and one rupee to the relief fund.
“The Private Sector Must Stand with the Government”
Speaking at the handover ceremony, IPPAN President Mohan Kumar Dangi said the private sector must stand alongside the government during times of major crisis.
He noted that although private hydropower projects have suffered substantial damage themselves, they chose to contribute out of a sense of collective responsibility. According to Dangi, the contribution should be viewed not merely as financial assistance but also as an expression of solidarity, compassion, and humanitarian responsibility toward affected citizens, project employees, energy entrepreneurs, and their families.
He further pledged that IPPAN and the private energy sector would continue to support efforts to address humanitarian needs arising from the disaster in coordination with the government and relevant agencies.
Energy Minister Praises Private Sector Support
Receiving the contribution, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha praised IPPAN and its member companies for their support.
He said the government is continuing search and rescue operations, relief distribution, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
Minister Shrestha noted that the contribution is especially significant given that many private hydropower projects have themselves sustained major losses. He added that the scale and complexity of the disaster require cooperation beyond government efforts alone, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration among the private sector, development partners, local communities, security agencies, and rescue organizations.
Ministry Secretary Sarita Dawadi also said the support received from IPPAN would contribute to the government’s rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.
IPPAN stated that, alongside addressing immediate humanitarian needs, it will continue working with the government and other stakeholders on the long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected communities and energy infrastructure.
Jalasarokar