KATHMANDU: The proposed Kaligandaki Reservoir Hydropower Project will be developed with a capacity of 640 MW. Although it was initially estimated at 844 MW, detailed studies have concluded that a 640 MW capacity is more feasible.
The project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is currently under preparation. The dam is planned to be constructed about 10 kilometers upstream from the confluence of the Seti and Kaligandaki rivers, in the Urleni–Khangkot area of Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-6 in Gulmi and Bihadi Rural Municipality-2 in Parbat. The project will feature a dam approximately 244 meters high.
Once completed, the reservoir will create a lake extending up to Khaniyaghat, covering a length of around 29 kilometers. The project will have a net head of 183.4 meters and a discharge capacity of 405 cubic meters per second, with an estimated annual energy generation of 1,645.65 GWh.
The design includes four steel penstocks, a powerhouse, and four Francis turbines. The powerhouse is proposed to be located in Barrachaur of Bihadi Rural Municipality in Parbat district.
The project is expected to impact several local levels, including Jaljala Rural Municipality, Kusma Municipality, Phalebas Municipality, and Bihadi Rural Municipality in Parbat; Baglung Municipality and Jaimini Municipality in Baglung; as well as Kaligandaki Rural Municipality in Gulmi and Galyang Municipality in Syangja.
The feasibility study and environmental assessment are being conducted by the Department of Electricity Development, along with consultants Smack International JV and Z Consult.
The project site is accessible via the Prithvi Highway, the Pokhara–Baglung road section, Dobilla–Phalebas road, Kaligandaki Highway, and the Kaligandaki Corridor.
Comment