The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has begun the preliminary study for the construction of 300 MW Utter Ganga Hydropower Project (UGHP) based in Baglung. The reservoir-type hydropower plant is planned to be constructed by collecting the water from Uttar Ganga stream of Dhorpatan and other streams around the area.
“We have planned a 300MW plant in the first phase,” said Pradeep Thike, project coordinator. The project is estimated to cost Rs 51 billion.
The NEA wants political consensus for an approval from Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and locals.
Keshav Raj Bhatta, officiating general manager of NEA’s Generation Operation Division said that the authority has started preparations for survey but it needs approval from Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve and Department of Forest. “Though they are positive to our proposal, they are yet to give formal approval,” he said.
NEA officials say that approval from all sides is required to develop the project as big storage dam would have to be constructed. According to them, the capacity of the project could be increased.
NEA engineer Mukunda Parajuli said the project could be upgraded to 1,000 MW. Although the initial survey was started a decade ago, there was no progress due to the conflict at the time. Preparations for survey works have been initiated after a one-year delay.
Parajuli explained that the project, with its site situated in high altitude, can generate maximum energy using ultra-modern technology to send water from dam. He said that it would take four and half years for a detailed survey and one and half years for detailed design before the project’s construction begins in earnest.
Source : eKantipur
