Rasuwa. Hitendra Dev Shakya, managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), visited the site to take stock of the latest progress of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project which was damaged by the floods in the Lehende River (Bhotekoshi) on July 7.

When he arrived, reconstruction work was still going on. The structures damaged by the floods have not been fully recovered. Large boulders and logs were still visible around the dam site while the logs taken out from the powerhouse were still dusty.

Not only that, due to the mud that entered with the flood, many structures of the powerhouse were seen here and there for repair. On the occasion, Minister Shakya inspected the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project and also inquired about the technical aspects of the project.

CEO of Chilime Hydropower Project Baburaj Maharjan, Director of Department of Production Development and Assistance Raja Bhai Shilpakar, NEA Director Shree Ram Pokharel, Chief of Trishuli Hydropower Centre Suraj Dahal, among others, reached Rasuwagadhi to observe the dam, powerhouse and other structures of the Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project that were most damaged by the floods. Stating that they have worked diligently even in difficult time along with the inspection, he directed to carry out works using more effective technology in coming days. “We have achieved this success by working relentlessly in mental anxiety, now we have brought two units into operation, which is a commendable work,” he said, adding, “These two units are generating 45 MW of electricity even in this dry season.” Maintain this dynamic. The progress so far has been good. But natural disasters struck. However, in other cases, I think it will do better if your hard work improves further. ’

He said that the authority was ready for necessary support and suggested the authority to move ahead better than the present in the coming days by correcting some shortcomings in the design.

He said that the design of the river has changed its course and the design should be changed accordingly. “The old design will not solve the old problem,” he said, “Now we have to move forward in a different way.” We have to look at the floods for one year and then move forward with a permanent solution. ’

He also praised the government for using its own resources rather than taking contracts. “The progress is good. But there is still a lot of work to be done before the next flood occurs. This work has to be expedited,” he said, adding that the construction of the dam should also be expedited. ’

He also inspected the power house. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the project, Satyaram Jyakhwa, informed that the project has a target of generating Rs 3.25 billion annually.

“The managing director of the NRA has come here to see the progress of the work done so far and has given suggestions and instructions regarding the works to be done in the coming days,” he said, adding, “We will move ahead accordingly.” We have made an insurance claim of Rs 1.73 billion. We’ve just slowly got back into the rhythm. Now we will move forward with more preparations. ’

According to Santosh Adhikari, chief of the project, the project has set a target of generating 61 crore 38 lakh 75 thousand units of electricity annually.

The floods in Rasuwa had obstructed the construction of the 350 MW project. Likewise, the production of electricity from 250 MW projects was halted. The floods had damaged more than 10 hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts.

The production of 60 MW Trishuli-3A hydropower project, 24 MW Trishuli Hydropower Center, 22 MW Chilime Hydropower Project, 14 MW Upper Mailung, 14 MW Devighat Hydropower Project and 5 MW Mailung Khola Hydropower Project were halted in those days.