Karnali Chisapani Hydropower Project Advances with Estimated Cost of Rs 1.147 Trillion
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has initiated the study process for the Karnali Chisapani Hydropower Project, marking a significant milestone for the largest hydropower project in South Asia. With an estimated cost of Rs 1.147 trillion, the NEA is utilizing its own resources to undertake the study for the 10,800-MW project.
A high-level team, led by Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, along with Energy Secretary Sushil Chandra Tiwari, Director General of the Department of Irrigation Churna Bahadur Oli, and NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising, conducted an on-site visit to both the project and the affected areas on December 25 and 26.
The NEA aims to complete the study process within the next three years. The prospect of the Karnali Chisapani Project has generated excitement among locals, echoing the positive impact witnessed during the construction of the Karnali Chisapani Bridge in west Nepal.
Khadga BK, Chairperson of Panchapuri Rural Municipality, Surkhet, expressed enthusiasm and pledged meaningful cooperation to ensure the success of the mega project. He urged the federal government to address the justified demands of the locals, emphasizing the transformative potential of the hydropower initiative.
The proposed project envisions a reservoir located approximately two kilometers above the Karnali Chisapani Bridge, connecting Bardiya and Kailali districts. The dam, standing at 270 meters tall, is designated as a 'rock fill dam' in NEA's current study. The reservoir spans 167 kilometers, encompassing the Karnali, Bheri, Seti, and Thuligad rivers, according to NEA senior engineer Nasib Man Pradhan.
The project is anticipated to impact settlements and structures in Bardiya, Kailali, Surkhet, Achham, and Doti districts. A study conducted in 1989 estimated that 11,570 hectares of land and 54,600 individuals would be affected. NEA assures that the current situation will be thoroughly studied to clearly identify the affected areas.
