Floods disrupt 32 hydro projects, Ilam alone sees damage in 16 plants

KATHMANDU: The recent torrential rains from October 3 to 5 (Asoj 17–19) have severely affected 32 hydropower projects across 10 districts in three provinces, according to the Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN).

As of Monday afternoon, IPPAN’s preliminary report shows that 17 operational hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 180 MW and 15 under-construction projects totaling 338 MW have been damaged by floods and landslides triggered by continuous rainfall.

IPPAN President Ganesh Karki said that the early warning collaboration between IPPAN and the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology this year helped minimize human casualties. “Unlike in past years, when unreliable or late flood warnings caused significant loss of lives, this year’s timely alerts prevented major human damage,” Karki noted. He added that although there has been infrastructure loss, physical damages are relatively limited compared to previous years thanks to early preparedness measures.

Ilam Most Affected — 15 Projects Shut Down

Ilam district in Koshi Province has emerged as the most affected area, with 15 operational hydropower projects forced to shut down production. These include:

Mai Khola (4.5 MW)

Mai Khola Cascade (8 MW)

Sanima Mai Khola (22 MW)

Mai Cascade (7 MW)

Super Mai (7.8 MW)

Super Mai A (9.6 MW)

Super Mai A Cascade (3 MW)

Jogmai Khola (7.6 MW)

Jogmai Cascade (5.2 MW)

Lower Jogmai (6.2 MW)

Maibeni (9.5 MW)

Upper Mai (9.9 MW)

Mai C Cascade (5.1 MW)

Puwa-2 (4.96 MW)

Upper Puwa-1 (3 MW)

Outside Ilam, two other projects — the Hewakhola (14.9 MW) in Panchthar and Likhu-4 (52.4 MW) in Bagmati Province — were also impacted. While Likhu-4 resumed generation after about an hour, production at all other affected plants remains suspended.

Access Roads and Under-Construction Projects Severely Damaged

Most of the damage to under-construction hydropower projects has occurred along access roads, which have been heavily eroded by landslides. In Manang, the 49.95 MW Dana Khola Hydropower Project developed by Lalupate Hydropower reported multiple landslides along its 12-kilometer access route. “Since the project’s construction had just started, the newly built access roads were swept away in several locations,” said Mohan Kumar Dangi, the project’s director.

In Ilam, the 10 MW Siddhikhola Hydropower Project, promoted by Siddhi Hydropower, was only 10 days away from starting commercial generation when floods delayed its operation. Similarly, in Panchthar, the 21.5 MW Sabha Khola B and 9.9 MW Hewakhola projects lost major construction materials and machinery to floods.

Sindhupalchok also saw serious destruction, with access roads to four major projects — Bramhayani (36.51 MW), Upper Bramhayani (15.15 MW), Balephi (40 MW), and Lower Balephi (22.5 MW) — completely washed away.

Other affected under-construction projects include:

Langtang Khola (20 MW) in Rasuwa

Irkhuwakhola B (15.5 MW) and Upper Irkhuwakhola (14.5 MW) in Bhojpur

Upper Thulo Khola (22.5 MW) in Myagdi

Hidi Khola (6.82 MW) in Lamjung

Khimti-2 (48.8 MW) in Ramechhap

Ghasali Khola (4.5 MW) in Dhading

Due to blocked roads leading to both operational and under-construction plants, IPPAN stated that a full assessment of damages will take more time.

Early Warning System Prevented Human Losses

IPPAN credited the coordination with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for successfully transmitting flood warnings to project sites, preventing major casualties. The organization emphasized the need to expand digital monitoring and real-time data sharing systems to protect future energy infrastructure, as hydropower remains Nepal’s most vital sector for energy security and economic growth.