Detailed feasibility study of Kaligandaki project begins

Published On: December 3, 2018 10:20 AM NPT By: CHHABILAL TIWARI

PARBAT, Dec 3: Detailed feasibility study of Kaligandaki Multipurpose Project commenced from Friday, with Phalebas Municipality of Parbat district starting a discussion with the technical team of Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation.

The meeting marked the beginning of the first phase of detailed survey for the project to be constructed in Parbat, Baglung and Gulmi districts, according to Padam Pani Sharma, mayor of Phalebas Municipality.

A team of the Department of Electricity Development (DoED), including engineer Rabi Nepal, had conducted a field survey of the geographical situation, powerhouse, embankment construction, among others on Friday.

The study of embankment covered areas from Khabarabhir to Bihadi Rural Municipality of the district, according to engineer Nepal. “Currently we are studying geographical status and other aspects of the project,” he added.

As a major hydropower project benefitting Province 4 and 5, the Kaligandaki project has been highly prioritized by both the government and international donor agencies. This project is beneficial for the development of Kaligandaki riparian zone, said Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, chairman of National Assembly.

Timilsina added that the project was expected to significantly contribute to the development of tourism, irrigation and roads and water transport in the three base districts -- Parbat, Baglung and Gulmi.

According to a preliminary study conducted by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in 1995, Kaligandaki Multipurpose Project can generate 1000 MW electricity and irrigate vast areas of land in the three districts. Besides, waterway could be operated in the 60-kilometer stretch of the reservoir. The project has planned to construct 145-meter-high embankment with eight kilometers of tunnel. The powerhouse will be constructed at Ward 6 of Bihadi Rural Municipality.

The project was approved by the Phalebas Municipal Council considering its promise of contributing to the development of tourism and economy in the entire project area. The project was initiated by six rural municipalities including Phalebas with the involvement of Investment Board of Nepal and the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.