Floods and Landslides Cripple Hydropower Projects in Myagdi, Nepal

Construction and operation of hydropower projects in Nepal's Myagdi district are facing severe disruptions due to recent floods and landslides. The adverse weather conditions have not only halted progress on multiple projects but have also forced the shutdown of two facilities with a combined capacity of 20 MW.

Four hydropower projects under construction in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality are particularly affected. Difficulties on the local roads have completely disrupted the transportation of essential construction materials, equipment, and fuel. This logistical nightmare impacts projects including the 53.5 MW Upper Myagdi-1, 37 MW Upper Myagdi, 65 MW Myagdi Khola, 14 MW Mudikhola, and the 6.5 MW Darkhola hydropower projects.

Further complicating matters, road access to the 9.14 MW Super Ghalemdi Hydropower Project in Narchyang has been cut off. The 6 MW Rele Khola Hydropower Project has been non-operational since late June due to floodwaters accumulating at its dam. Adding to the damage, the powerhouse of the 14 MW Gharkhola Hydropower Project was buried by a dry landslide on August 11, resulting in one fatality and one injury.

Project chiefs report that landslides at Ghumawne, Bangepahiro, and Ilpu, along with flooding in the Shivaratri Khola, have prevented vehicles carrying vital supplies like cement and steel rods from reaching project sites since June. "We have continued work by using the available equipment and existing construction materials," said Jyotikumar KC, project chief of Upper Myagdikhola-1. "However, we have been unable to work at the expected pace because floods and landslides have disrupted the transportation of construction materials."

The monsoon season has also delayed the construction of a crucial motorable bridge over the Shivaratri Khola, hindering vehicle crossings. Project officials are resorting to alternative measures, including using excavators to help vehicles cross rivers and clear landslides, but these workarounds have inevitably slowed down construction timelines. The Upper Myagdi Hydropower Project, despite achieving 60 percent physical progress, is also experiencing delays. Similarly, the Darkhola Hydropower company faces challenges transporting materials due to landslides on key access roads.

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We have continued work by using the available equipment and existing construction materials. However, we have been unable to work at the expected pace because floods and landslides have disrupted the transportation of construction materials.