The Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has reported further progress in rescue, relief and electricity restoration operations following the devastating Bhotekoshi River flood on Bhadra 10, 2083 BS, which severely damaged hydropower projects and electricity infrastructure in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. According to a press release issued on Bhadra 17, 2083 BS, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to rescuing individuals trapped inside hydropower facilities, including those at the Chilime Hydropower Project. The ministry stated that helicopters could not land at the affected site due to adverse weather conditions, preventing the deployment of an excavator. Consequently, approximately 200 personnel, including Nepal Army members, were mobilized to conduct manual excavation and rescue operations. Authorities also agreed to continue operating necessary equipment and resources around the clock, with search and rescue activities to proceed until all missing individuals were accounted for.
The ministry also strengthened coordination with local authorities and mobilized additional financial assistance for affected communities. Following communication from the ministry, Chief District Officers Gopi Prasad Sah of Nuwakot and Suvedi Ram of Rasuwa were directed to facilitate necessary rescue and relief activities. Meanwhile, the Electricity Regulatory Commission, Hydro Electricity Investment and Development Company Limited (HIDCL), and Green Ventures Limited collectively contributed Rs 2.12 crore to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. The contributions included Rs 1 crore from the Electricity Regulatory Commission, Rs 1 crore and 1 lakh from HIDCL, and Rs 11 lakh from Green Ventures Limited, supporting emergency relief and recovery operations following the disaster.
Regarding electricity restoration, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) reported that power services had been restored in Uttargaya Rural Municipality Ward No. 4 in Rasuwa, while repairs to the 66 kV transmission line from Devighat’s second circuit helped restore electricity in several areas of Nuwakot, including parts of Bidur Municipality. Additional repairs and technical work continued in flood-affected settlements, with NEA mobilizing personnel, equipment and alternative generation systems. The ministry also confirmed that 10 institutional solar electricity systems, comprising seven purchased through the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) and three obtained through corporate social responsibility contributions, had been allocated to affected local governments. These include Gosaikunda Rural Municipality, Amachhodingmo Rural Municipality, Bidur Municipality, Belkotgadhi Municipality and Galchhi Rural Municipality, helping maintain essential electricity services in areas where regular grid supply remains disrupted.
The ministry further announced that Nepal Army-led rescue operations were continuing with support from Indian, Chinese and other technical specialists, under the coordination of NEA technical teams. To improve public access to verified government information, the ministry stated that its official website, moewri.gov.np, would serve as a centralized platform for publishing relevant notices and updates. The press release, signed by Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shakya, emphasizes the government’s commitment to the safe rescue of stranded workers, restoration of reliable electricity services and continued assistance to flood-affected communities. The statement does not confirm the completion of all rescue operations or provide a definitive timeline for the full restoration of damaged hydropower and transmission infrastructure.
