-
Under the current phase of the project, water is being channeled through the tunnel for “wet testing” and the machines in the powerhouse are being inspected.
-
Since the Nepal Electricity Authority has not been able to complete the transmission line on time, preparations are now underway to start electricity production within a month.
-
The project aims to generate an annual income of NPR 3 billion.
Kathmandu — The 102-megawatt capacity Middle Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project, under construction in Sindhupalchok with Chilime Hydropower Company as the main promoter, is set to begin test production within a month.
Currently, under the project, water is being flowed through the tunnel for ‘wet testing’ and the machines in the powerhouse are being inspected. According to the project officials, due to the Nepal Electricity Authority’s failure to complete the transmission line on time, the delayed electricity production is now being prepared to start within a month.
Test operations had begun by channeling water into the tunnel since the last week of last month. Ram Gopal Siwakoti, the CEO of the Middle Bhotekoshi Company, informed that after the completion of the tunnel’s wet testing, the testing of the powerhouse machines is currently underway.
“Work is being carried out with full effort. Within a few days, we will connect the electricity generated from Middle Bhotekoshi to the Khimti transmission line,” said Siwakoti. “Now, at the latest, we will begin production within this month.” The company stated that only a small portion of work remains on the Khimti line being constructed by the Nepal Electricity Authority.
Although the project has already been completed, officials have stated that production was hindered due to local obstructions. However, they now claim that there will be no further obstacles and production will begin soon. The project, which includes the construction of a dam in Chaku, Bhotekoshi Rural Municipality–5 of Sindhupalchok, and a powerhouse in Baseri, Bahrabise Municipality, had been stalled due to the lack of a transmission line.
The affected locals had demanded an increase in compensation amounts. Additionally, obstructions had been arising as the local authorities and political leadership insisted that the project should provide funds for development initiatives such as hospitals and roads.
The project, which began construction in the year 2068 B.S., had been affected by the earthquake, floods and landslides, COVID-19, local obstructions, and internal management weaknesses. However, since the water flow of the Bhotekoshi River remains stable throughout the year, technicians say that there will be no significant impact on revenue after electricity production begins.
The project aims to generate an annual income of NPR 3 billion through electricity sales. In the Bhotekoshi area, local residents and companies owned by them have invested shares worth over NPR 1 billion.
The civil work of the project is being carried out by Guangxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau of China. The project, which was initiated with the goal of completion within four years, has investments from Chilime, Nepal Electricity Authority, Employees Provident Fund, and local companies.
The project has already sold shares to affected individuals and the general public. According to the project’s technicians, good revenue is expected once electricity production begins. The construction cost of the project is estimated to exceed NPR 20 billion. Initially, the cost was estimated at NPR 12.28 billion. It has been nearly 14 years since the project began.
Source: Kantipur
