Tanahun — The Tanahun Hydropower Project has continued construction even during the Tihar festival. The 140-megawatt capacity hydropower project under construction at Jhapputar in Rishing Rural Municipality–1 has maintained its progress through Tihar as well.
The project office has stated that work is being continued today as well with the goal of completing the project on schedule. Construction is taking place in two shifts, day and night.
In Phase 1, the foundation work for the dam construction is progressing rapidly, while in Phase 2, the main tunnel’s concrete lining and powerhouse work are ongoing, according to project spokesperson Sachin Gautam. He mentioned that 200 personnel are deployed across the two phases to carry out the work. Previously, work on the project continued even during the Dashain festival.
Project Chief Shyamji Bhandari stated that some Nepali workers were given leave to celebrate Tihar, with arrangements for them to return to work immediately after the festival, while most workers have continued working. “Out of the three phases of the project, two phases are currently progressing without interruption,” he said. “We have not halted work even during festivals to ensure timely completion of the construction.”
Under Phase 1, the construction of a 140-meter-high dam is being carried out by Song Da Corporation, Vietnam–Kalika Construction Pvt. Ltd. Project Chief Bhandari stated that work on the powerhouse under Phase 2 is progressing rapidly. According to him, work is ongoing on the tunnel, powerhouse construction, and the supply, installation, and operation of hydromechanical and electromechanical equipment.
The construction work for Phase 2 is being carried out by Sino Hydro Corporation, China. The excavation of the underground powerhouse has been completed, and work is underway on concrete switchyard construction, penstock installation, and installation of equipment in the powerhouse. Project Chief Bhandari stated that, overall, 62 percent of the project has been completed so far.
The project office has stated that the capital structure and financial management, including transmission lines, rural electrification, and interest during the construction period, amounts to 505 million US dollars.
Project Chief Bhandari informed that the financial management has been arranged with contributions of 150 million from ADB, 184 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), 85 million from the European Investment Bank, and 86 million dollars from the Government of Nepal and Nepal Electricity Authority.
Source: Kantipur
