Kathmandu, September 9
Ujyaalo Nepal Party chair and former Energy Minister Kulman Ghising has reached the Chilime Hydropower Project in Rasuwa to assist in the ongoing rescue operation inside the project’s tunnel.
According to his secretariat, Ghising went to Chilime at the request of the Nepal Army to help with necessary coordination and provide technical advice. A rescue team, including foreign experts, is attempting to make its way through the tunnel to reach the powerhouse.
Ghising had previously served as the executive director of the Chilime Hydropower Project. Based on his experience there, he was brought in to coordinate efforts to rescue those believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.
Earlier, Ghising had also conducted an on-site reconnaissance of the flood-affected areas, including the Chilime tunnel.
The Nepal Army said a joint team, including foreign experts, has prepared a passage inside the Chilime hydropower facility using four large pipes, each six metres long, that are large enough to allow people to walk through.
The Army said large rocks along the road from Syafrubesi to the Chilime Hydropower Project tunnel were blasted and cleared to allow heavy equipment to be transported to the site. Only 95 metres remain before reaching the main rock formation, it said.
Until Tuesday, travel to the Chilime area was possible only by helicopter. Preparations are now underway to open a temporary road to the rescue site. Authorities are also preparing to continue the rescue operation through the night.
The rescue team is attempting to reach the powerhouse, located about 200 metres inside the tunnel. As of Tuesday, the team had advanced approximately 90 metres into the tunnel.
The rescue team has intensified its search amid suspicions that six people may still be trapped inside the tunnel.
