Rasuwa. The power generation of 111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project has been halted as a precautionary measure after the water level in the Lhende River started rising and flooding on Sunday evening.

Chief of Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Centre, Santosh Adhikari, said that the power generation has been halted since Sunday evening in view of the possible risks. He said that the power generation would be resumed from Monday if the water level in the river remains normal.

The flood in Lhende River on July 7 last year had caused a big loss to various structures including the dam of the project. According to the technicians, the gate leading to the tunnel was closed fearing that the project could be damaged again.

According to Satyaram Jyakhwa, executive director of Rasuwagadhi Hydropower, the water level in the river is being monitored continuously. He said that the power generation would be resumed from today itself if the situation seems safe.

Cargo vehicles and newly imported vehicles kept at the Rasuwagadhi Customs Yard have been immediately shifted to safer places after the water level in the river started rising, said the security personnel there. Drivers have demanded the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Committee (Intermodal Transport Development Committee) to construct more embankments and security of the yard as there is a risk of flooding from the northern part of the customs yard.

Gosainkunda rural municipality-2 chair Kami Tshering Tamang has urged the locals not to go near Lhende rivulet and Bhotekoshi rivers and not to park vehicles near the river banks. Assistant Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, Druba Prasad Adhikari, said that the light flood occurred on Sunday evening has not caused any significant loss in other places except Mailung road.

The District Administration Office (DAO) has urged the vehicles en route to Rasuwagadhi via Betrawati-Kalikasthan-Dhunche-Syafrubesi to use the Mailung road section. Chief District Officer Narendra Pariyar has urged the drivers and passengers not to use risky roads.

The administration has urged one and all not to stay on the river banks and other risky areas and adopt special precaution while traveling as the water level in the rivers and rivulets is increasing due to incessant rainfall. CDO Pariyar urged the general public to provide assistance in rescue and relief works by immediately informing the emergency number 1234 if any disaster occurs anywhere.