The Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has announced further progress in electricity restoration and emergency relief following the devastating Bhotekoshi River flood on Bhadra 10, 2083 BS, which damaged hydropower infrastructure and disrupted electricity services in Rasuwa and surrounding districts. According to a press release issued on Bhadra 16, 2083 BS, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has restored electricity to several affected settlements by temporarily operating a 220 kV substation in an isolated mode. The alternative arrangement has enabled electricity supply from the 16 MW Sanjen Hydropower Project to flood-affected areas, including Amachhodingmo Rural Municipality in Rasuwa. The ministry stated that these temporary measures were being implemented while repairs and restoration of damaged transmission infrastructure continued.
To provide immediate electricity access to communities where regular power supply remains unavailable, the ministry coordinated with the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) to distribute 10 institutional solar electricity systems, comprising seven newly procured systems and three provided through corporate social responsibility initiatives. The solar systems were allocated to Gosaikunda Rural Municipality, Amachhodingmo Rural Municipality, Belkotgadhi Municipality and Galchhi Rural Municipality, with distribution based on the needs of affected communities. The ministry stated that these installations would support emergency relief, rehabilitation and the continuation of essential public services, particularly in remote and difficult-to-access settlements.
The ministry also reported significant financial support for flood-related rescue and relief operations. Following coordination with the Independent Power Producers’ Association Nepal (IPPAN), a cheque worth Rs 13 crore and 1 lakh (Rs 130.1 million) was transferred through the Energy Ministry for deposit in the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. The ministry further coordinated with the Ministry of Home Affairs to support rescue operations for individuals trapped in flood-affected hydropower facilities. According to the statement, food, emergency supplies, rescue materials and other necessary assistance were transported by helicopter to affected project locations, with additional coordination to facilitate the safe movement and support of stranded individuals.
The ministry confirmed that NEA technical teams have restored electricity services in most areas of Kalika and Naukunda rural municipalities and several settlements within Gosaikunda Rural Municipality, including Dhunche, Bhargu and Gosaikunda. Restoration work continues in other flood-affected settlements through alternative electricity arrangements, deployment of technical personnel and distribution of necessary equipment. The press release, signed by Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shakya, reiterates the government’s commitment to restoring reliable electricity services and supporting affected communities. The document reports progress achieved by Bhadra 16 but does not confirm complete restoration of the regional power network or provide a final timeline for infrastructure reconstruction.
