KATHMANDU, Dec 30: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has initiated a new study of the Karnali Chisapani Hydropower Project, arguably the largest hydropower project of South Asia. As per the current price estimates, the project is expected to cost Rs 1147 billion.
The NEA initiated the new study of the 10,800-MW project with its own resources.
A high-level team comprising Minister for Energy, Water Resources and irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Energy Secretary Sushil Chandra Tiwari, Director General of the Department of Irrigation, Churna Bahadur Oli and NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising carried out an on-site visit to the project site as well as the project-affected areas on December 25 and 26.
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The NEA started the study of the Karnali Chisapani Project with an aim to complete it within the next three years. Locals are very excited after the government initiated the new study process, giving the project special importance.
Khadga BK, chairperson of Panchapuri rural municipality, Surkhet, said they would provide meaningful cooperation to make the project successful. "We are excited to know about the news that such a mega project is being constructed in our area. We are exhilarated. We urge the federal government to move ahead the process by addressing the justified demands of the locals," he added.
The reservoir of the proposed project would be constructed nearly two kilometres above the Karnali Chisapani bridge that connects Bardiya and Kailali districts. A 270-metre tall dam would be built on the Karnali River. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)'s current study says that it would be a 'rock fill dam'.
The reservoir would be 167 kilometres long – 100 kilometres on the Karnali river, 45 kilometres on the Bheri river, 16 kilometres on the Seti river, six kilometres on the Thuligad river, according to NEA senior engineer Nasib Man Pradhan who was involved in the study.
The project will affect the settlements and structures located near the river in Bardiya, Kailali, Surkhet, Achham and Doti districts.
As per a study conducted in 1989, the project will affect a total 11,570 hectares area and 54,600 locals. NEA said the affected area would be clearly identified by studying the latest situation.
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