A total of 92 projects have been completed under the 140 MW Tanahu Hydropower Project currently under construction at Jhaputar in Rishing Rural Municipality–1, Tanahun.
Under the project’s corporate social responsibility initiatives in the affected areas, 92 projects have been completed, while eight others are currently in operation.
Project Chief Shyamji Bhandari stated that community development and livelihood restoration programs are being implemented in affected areas through consumer committees under the project’s community development program. He added that the projects operated through these committees are regularly monitored by environmental and social management service providers.
According to him, ongoing projects include: an access road up to the Machhadang Tunibot trail bridge in Rishing–7; drainage construction along the Kilchok branch road in Myagde Rural Municipality–3; construction of the Fedikhola motorable bridge in Bhimad Municipality–5; the Dandiban Chulesi access road in Rishing–7; supply and transportation of cables for four suspension bridges over the Seti River connecting Rishing and Myagde rural municipalities at Chulesi, Tunibote, Blyang, and Tutuwa; construction of a concrete bridge over Wantang Khola; a village road linked to the access road in Patan, Byas Municipality–5; and support for improving a drinking water source and pipelines in Rishing–1.
Bhandari emphasized that the community plays a crucial role in the successful completion of the project, which is why social initiatives have been prioritized. “We are working in collaboration with the community to complete the project, and the project has continuously supported various social activities,” he said.
He further informed that under Phase I, construction of the dam and headworks structures is underway; Phase II includes the main tunnel, powerhouse, and related equipment; and Phase III covers the Damouli–Bharatpur 220 kV transmission line.
Regarding the financial structure, the total project cost—including the transmission line, rural electrification, and interest during construction—amounts to USD 505 million. Financing has been arranged with USD 150 million from the Asian Development Bank, USD 184 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), USD 85 million from the European Investment Bank, and USD 86 million to be managed by the Nepal Electricity Authority in coordination with the Government of Nepal.
About the Author
