KATHMANDU: The national power transmission system has lost around 430 megawatts of electricity following devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa, which damaged several hydropower projects. With electricity generation and transmission disrupted by the floods, the government has stepped up preparations for alternative power supply arrangements, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley.
The power system has come under increased strain after the transmission line connecting the Trishuli Corridor with Balaju and Chapali in Kathmandu was damaged.
According to Mohan Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has formed a task force to expedite work on an alternative power supply system.
With concerns over potential pressure on the power system during the coming winter, the Ministry held discussions on Tuesday with the Department of Roads and Kathmandu Metropolitan City regarding the construction of additional underground power grids.
During the meeting, Subodh Devkota, chief of the Department of Roads’ Kathmandu Division, and Suresh Kumar Rai, chief of Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s Public Works Department, pledged full cooperation in managing underground cables and facilitating grid construction.
Durgananda Badiyat, chief of the NEA’s Project Directorate, and Munindra Thakur, chief of the Bagmati Distribution and Customer Directorate, said efforts would be made to strengthen and streamline the distribution system to meet increased electricity demand in the Kathmandu Valley during winter.
NEA Board Member Anshu Kiran Shahi stressed the need for close coordination among all concerned agencies to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply in the Valley.
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