Kathmandu: As rescue efforts in the tunnel area of the Chilime Hydropower Project become increasingly challenging, a proposal has emerged to construct a separate parallel rescue tunnel alongside the ongoing operation.
Energy sector expert and former Chilime CEO Leelanath Bhattarai said that despite the difficulties, rescue teams have continued their efforts and expressed confidence that those trapped inside the tunnel can ultimately be rescued. He stressed that the current rescue operation should continue without interruption.
At the same time, Bhattarai has advised the Chilime project management to move forward with the construction of a parallel rescue tunnel while the ongoing rescue mission continues.
According to him, a rescue tunnel built now could also serve the project in the future by enhancing its safety. He suggested that the tunnel could later be converted into an escape tunnel for emergency situations.
Bhattarai noted that such a tunnel would be essential for the safety of power plant operators and technical personnel working at the facility in the future.
“It is understood that the rescue operation at Chilime is extremely difficult. However, the rescue team is making continuous efforts, and I believe they will eventually succeed in rescuing those trapped inside the tunnel. Therefore, the rescue mission must continue,” Bhattarai wrote on social media.
He further recommended that, alongside the ongoing rescue attempts, the company management should seriously explore the feasibility of constructing a separate rescue tunnel.
According to Bhattarai, the proposed tunnel could later function as an emergency exit route for the powerhouse. He pointed out that operating the powerhouse in the future could remain challenging unless a safe evacuation route is established, particularly from the crown section of the underground facility.
He also expressed confidence that the project management is already aware of the importance of this issue.
The suggestion comes at a time when the main challenges facing the ongoing rescue operation at Chilime are gaining access to the tunnel and removing the mud, debris, and other obstructions accumulated inside it.
Bhattarai’s proposal has sparked discussion not only about the immediate rescue mission but also about the long-term structural safety of the hydropower project. His central argument is that any tunnel constructed to address the current crisis should also be designed as a permanent safety feature, ensuring both successful rescue operations today and improved operational security in the future.
Jalasarokar
