KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Birajbhakta Shrestha inspected the Kulekhani Hydropower Project dam in Makwanpur on Saturday to assess its condition following heavy rainfall that pushed the reservoir water level close to a critical threshold.
The minister visited the project site to review the situation after intense rainfall from September 25 to 29 caused a significant rise in the reservoir level. During the inspection, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha briefed him on the condition and operation of the facility.
Following the inspection, Minister Shrestha said the dam is currently safe and stable. He said the project had remained on high alert throughout the period of heavy rainfall, with necessary measures taken to manage the rising water level and minimize risks downstream.
“We managed the water level, maintained round-the-clock surveillance and kept downstream areas on alert through timely information,” Shrestha said. “The situation has now been brought under control, and the dam is stable.”
The minister also noted that the recent heavy rains caused damage to several hydropower projects and transmission structures across the country. Although the sharp rise in the Kulekhani reservoir level posed challenges for power-supply management, he said the current water storage provides greater confidence in managing electricity supply during the upcoming dry season.
Shrestha reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening energy security and ensuring a reliable, regular and quality power supply across the country.
NEA Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha described Kulekhani as a backbone of Nepal’s power system, particularly because of its role in meeting peak electricity demand.
He said the condition of the dam is currently normal and confirmed that the project remains capable of playing its important role in the national power system.
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