Kathmandu, September 10
The reconstruction of the energy sector damaged by the devastating floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers is estimated to cost Rs 390 billion, according to a rapid damage and needs assessment.
The Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) report prepared by a joint technical team comprising the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority found that hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 783 MW were damaged in Rasuwa and Nuwakot.
The report identified damage to 13 hydropower projects and five solar power projects with a combined capacity of 24 MW. The energy and road sectors suffered the largest damage from the floods.
According to the report, Rs 390.623 billion will be required for the recovery and reconstruction of the energy and grid systems alone.
Among the damaged projects are the 216-MW Upper Trishuli-1, 111-MW Rasuwagadhi, 120-MW Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi, 20-MW Langtang Khola, 22-MW Chilime, 5-MW Mailung Khola, 24-MW Trishuli Hydropower Station, 14.1-MW Devighat Hydropower Station, 60-MW Upper Trishuli-3A, 37-MW Upper Trishuli-3B and 15.6-MW Middle Trishuli Ganga.
The 25-MW Nuwakot Solar Power Project and other solar projects were also affected.
The report said the floods damaged power-generation facilities, access roads, transmission systems and other infrastructure.
It also stated that 917 employees and workers of the affected projects remain unaccounted for. The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, foreign experts and technicians, and technical teams from the affected companies are involved in search and rescue efforts.
