India hopes two power projects in Nepal

New Delhi: After Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to Tehri project in India, the fourth highest dam in the world, the likelihood of such projects being built in Nepal has increased.

Prime Minister Prachanda made an inconspicuous visit to Tehri on November 14, accompanied by Minister for Water Resources Bishnu Poudel.

“He was convinced that building big structures is not as complicated as people think, and that social unrest surrounding such projects is manageable if handled properly,” said SRT Sai, Chairman and Managing Director of the Tehri Hydropower Development Corporation.

India is interested in at least two mega projects in Nepal, including the 269 m Koshi high dam, and the 6,480 MW Pancheswore project. Although the DPR for the Pancheswore project was supposed to be finalised a long time ago, the two sides have not been able to agree on the exact design.

Tehri Hydro Development Corporation, which has by now gathered experience in constructing mega structures and handling massive social engineering projects, is likely to be given responsibility for both the Pancheswore and the Koshi high dams if Nepal gives the nod.

The Tehri hydropower project is a massive undertaking comprising two large reservoirs and a network of underground tunnels. The Tehri Dam is an artificial rock-filled mountain with a base of 1.2 km, and a height of 260 m.

The dam has created 42 square kilometres of pondage, submerging the once bustling town of Tehri, and allowing generation of 2,400 MW of power.

The highlight of the Tehri project, in addition to its 260 m high dam, is its peaking capacity. It can pump back waters from a downstream reservoir to generate 1,000 MW of power during the peak load hours.

The THDC, which started the project in 1990, took 16 years to overcome public protests, convince environmentalists and complete the construction work.

The experience has left the Indian government and THDC more confident than ever in handling mega projects, as well as carrying out a parallel social engineering projects like resettlement and social development.

Nepal government, however, may not be ready to take any decision about the two projects right now given the political fallout it may have.

“We are not yet ready to move ahead with the Koshi or Pancheswore because of people’s opposition,” a senior official at the water resource ministry said.
But if top leaders are convinced of the benefits and manageability of big projects, the people of the country may follow suit.