Makwanpur, September 25
A local government official has said reports claiming that the Kulekhani hydropower project’s reservoir dam is being prepared for opening are false.
Bhimfedhi Rural Municipality Chairperson Hidam Lama said the water level at the Kulekhani reservoir has not risen to a point where the dam needs to be opened.
He also urged the public not to create confusion by sharing old photos and videos from two years ago on social media.
According to Lama, citing information provided by the chief of Kulekhani First Hydropower Project, the water level stood at 1,522.38 metres on Wednesday. It had fallen to 1,522.18 metres by Friday.
The Kulekhani dam was previously opened on October 12, 2024, when the release of water caused significant loss of life and property.
The Kulekhani reservoir has a maximum capacity of 1,530 metres. If the dam gates are opened, the resulting flow could affect riverbank areas in Bhimfedhi, Indrasarovar and Bagmati rural municipalities in Makwanpur, as well as parts of Sindhuli, Sarlahi and Rautahat.
“Please do not be alarmed by misleading reports,” Lama said. “If the water level at the Kulekhani dam rises to a point where it needs to be opened, residents in downstream areas should remain alert based on the notice issued by the Nepal Electricity Authority. But there is no such risk at present.”
The Kulekhani First Hydropower Centre of the Nepal Electricity Authority said it has a system to issue warnings through sirens if a rise in the reservoir’s water level creates a safety risk.
According to the authority, one siren means the first warning, two sirens mean the second warning, and three or continuous sirens indicate an emergency.
In such a situation, residents in downstream areas have been advised to move to safer locations.
