Pokhara, 27 September | Power generation at the 144-megawatt Kaligandaki ‘A’ Hydropower Project in Syangja has been halted after the water flow in the Kaligandaki River rose significantly following three consecutive days of rainfall. The project stopped electricity generation from Beltari at 8:45 pm on Friday as the river’s flow reached a high level. According to the project, all three gates of the dam at Mirmi have been opened in response to the increased water flow.
Atmesh Paudel, chief of the Kaligandaki ‘A’ Hydropower Project, said the river’s water flow had increased unusually in September compared with the levels normally observed during June and July. He said power generation was suspended as a precaution, considering the condition of the dam and the potential risk of flooding in settlements and areas surrounding the project. According to Paudel, regular electricity generation will resume once the water flow in the river decreases to a safer level.
Continuous rainfall has also increased risks to settlements and infrastructure along the Kaligandaki River. The rising water level has affected Setibeni, a settlement at the meeting point of Syangja, Parbat and Gulmi districts, where several houses have reportedly been inundated. Daily life in the surrounding areas has also been affected by the persistent rainfall. The project authorities are continuing to monitor the river’s flow and the condition of the dam while taking precautionary measures to reduce potential risks.
