Nepal's Hydropower Sector Faces Unprecedented Challenges Due to Devastating Floods

Nepal's hydropower sector has been facing the brutal onslaught of nature for several years. For the past two to three years, as soon as the monsoon begins, hydropower projects from the eastern Hewa River, through Kabeli, to the Bhote Koshi, Dordi, and Tamakoshi corridors have been suffering unimaginable damage from floods and landslides.

The disaster that struck the Bhote Koshi basin on August 26th alone has dealt a severe blow to the hydropower sector. The catastrophe has raised serious questions about investor morale, the technical safety of projects, and the policy preparedness of the state.