Ridi Power Shuts Down 9.9 MW Iwa Khola Hydropower Project After Flood Damage to Pipeline Infrastructure
Ridi Power Company Limited has announced the temporary shutdown of its 9.9 MW Iwa Khola Hydropower Project in Panchthar district after severe flood and landslide damage rendered the project's pipeline unsafe for operation.
According to the company, continuous heavy rainfall since Jestha triggered floods and landslides that caused significant riverbank erosion around the project's headrace pipeline. The erosion damaged critical support structures, including anchor blocks, pipe supports, and other civil infrastructure.
The company stated that persistent rainfall also caused erosion beneath the pipeline, creating excessive pressure that led to multiple pipe bursts and cracks at various locations.
Following the damage, Ridi Power carried out repair works and conducted phased testing in an effort to resume electricity generation. However, during the testing process, additional damage was detected at several points along the pipeline.
After conducting a detailed technical assessment, the company concluded that routine repairs or welding alone would not be sufficient to restore the project safely, necessitating more extensive rehabilitation work.
As a result, the Iwa Khola Hydropower Project has remained under plant shutdown since Ashadh 26 to facilitate permanent repair and technical restoration.
Ridi Power said that comprehensive technical inspections and permanent repair works are currently underway. The company added that it will issue another formal notice to inform stakeholders once the exact date and time for the project's recommissioning have been confirmed.
