GORKHA: Preparatory work has begun for the construction of the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project ‘A’ and ‘B’ in Gorkha district.
The projects include the 13.4-megawatt Budhigandaki ‘A’ and the 226-megawatt Budhigandaki ‘B’, according to project engineer Durgesh Magar. Both projects are being promoted by New Nepal Hydro Electric Company Pvt Ltd.
Engineer Magar said Budhigandaki ‘A’ will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 31.32 billion, while Budhigandaki ‘B’ will cost around Rs 56.99 billion. Under Budhigandaki ‘A’, a dam will be built at Lusyang in Dharche Rural Municipality-3, with water conveyed through a four-kilometre tunnel to a powerhouse at Machhakhola.
The project will use run-of-the-river technology, generating electricity by dropping water from a height of 111 metres. Power generated at Machhakhola will be connected to Budhigandaki ‘B’ through a 12.7-kilometre transmission line.
Similarly, the 226-megawatt Budhigandaki ‘B’ project will have its dam in the mining basin of Dharche-7. Electricity will be generated at the Soti powerhouse through a 9.5-kilometre tunnel, with water dropped from a height of 197.97 metres, also using run-of-the-river technology.
Magar said the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and power purchase agreements (PPA) for both projects have been completed. A final survey is currently underway to incorporate changes following the earthquake, and preparations are in place to begin construction from the upcoming dry season.
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