KATHMANDU: The 111-megawatt Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project has suspended electricity generation as a precautionary measure after water levels in the Lhende Khola increased with muddy floodwaters on Sunday evening.
Project Chief Santosh Adhikari said power generation was halted from Sunday evening considering the potential risk to the project infrastructure. He added that generation would resume from Monday if the condition of the river returns to normal.
The decision was taken after technicians closed the gate supplying water to the tunnel system amid concerns of possible damage.
Last year on July 8, a flash flood in the Lhende Khola caused major damage to the project’s dam and other structures. The project was brought back into operation after repair and reconstruction works, but officials said they stopped operations again to prevent possible damage from another flood event.
Executive Director of Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Satyaram Jyakhwa said the flow of the river is being continuously monitored and electricity production will resume once conditions are considered safe.
Vehicles moved from Rasuwagadhi customs yard
Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Bhotekoshi River have prompted authorities to relocate cargo trucks and newly imported vehicles from the Rasuwagadhi customs yard to safer locations.
Security personnel at the site said vehicles were moved after concerns that floodwaters could enter the northern section of the customs yard.
Drivers have urged the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board to strengthen protection measures and construct additional embankments around the yard to reduce future risks.
Gosaikunda Rural Municipality-2 Chair Kami Chhiring Tamang has urged residents to avoid areas around the Lhende Khola and Bhotekoshi River and requested people not to park vehicles near riverbanks.
Administration issues travel advisory
Assistant Chief District Officer of Rasuwa Dhruva Prasad Adhikari said Sunday’s minor flooding did not cause significant damage except for risks along the Mailung road section.
Due to safety concerns on the Mailung route, the District Administration Office has advised vehicles travelling to Kerung to use the alternative route through Betrabati–Kalikasthan–Dhunche–Syafrubesi before reaching Rasuwagadhi.
Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar urged passengers and drivers to avoid risky roads and exercise caution while travelling.
With continuous rainfall increasing water levels in rivers and streams, authorities have advised residents not to stay near riverbanks or other vulnerable areas.
Pariyar also requested the public to immediately report any emergency situation through the toll-free emergency number 1234 to support rescue and relief operations.
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