Kathmandu, August 8
The government has formed a committee to examine the losses faced by different hydropower projects that were affected by the recent flood in Dordi Khola of Lamjung district.
After holding discussions with local representatives, member of parliament from Lamjung and different hydropower developers at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), Energy Minister Barsha Man Pun has said that the government will provide some compensation to the hydropower developers based on the suggestions of the committee.
t least five people were killed and 19 others remain missing following the flood in Dordi River on July 23. The flood caused by incessant rainfall inflicted huge damages to the infrastructure of two hydropower projects.
The flood swept away major construction materials and instruments of 25-megawatt Upper Dordi A and 54-megawatt Super Dordi.
While the total loss to the property due to the flood is yet to be ascertained, the developers of the two hydropower projects estimate their losses to amount to billions.
The flood also damaged the infrastructure of Liberty Hydro Project, including dozer, excavators and tractors, among others, used for the construction of the project.
The ministry has formed the committee under Ram Gopal Kharbuja, joint secretary at the ministry. Other members are from Department of Electricity Development, Nepal Electricity Authority, Department of Water Resource and Irrigation, Independent Power Producers’ Association – Nepal and one independent expert.
According to Ram Kumar Shrestha, former president of Lamjung Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the MoEWRI has assured to provide some financial support to the affected hydropower developers.
Currently five hydropower projects are under construction in Dordi Khola.
Source: The Himalayan Times
