Landslide halts tunnel work on Modikhola

PARBAT, SEP 14 -

Tunnel work on under-construction 20MW Modikhola Hydropower Project has stopped after landslide debris piled up at the entrance of the tunnel.

“We stopped the work as rain started to push the landslide debris into the tunnel,” said Pawan Yadav, manager of Manang Trade Link, developer of the project. “The work cannot move ahead as long as the rains stop.”

After tunnel work stopped, workers involved have returned to their homes, according to site supervisor Krishna Lamichhane.

According to the contractor, 900m track opening of the 4,400m tunnel has been completed, but the havoc might push back the completion date. “Tunnel digging started from the dam site at Patichaur and the project site at Paradi,” said Yadav.

The project, which started in July 2012, is expected to complete by mid-September 2015. Manang said it would work in partnership with other companies to complete the project as soon as possible.

Source: The Kathmandu Post