KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Birajbhakta Shrestha inspected the Kulekhani Hydropower Project dam in Makwanpur on Saturday.
The minister visited the site to assess the condition of the dam following heavy rainfall between Sept. 25 and 29, which had caused water levels to reach a critical threshold.
During the visit, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha briefed the minister on the current status of the facility.
Minister Shrestha confirmed that the Kulekhani dam is currently safe and stable. He noted that during the period of intense rainfall, the project maintained high vigilance and implemented all necessary strategic measures.
‘We managed the water surface, maintained 24-hour surveillance and kept downstream areas on alert by providing information,’ he said. ‘Upon inspection today, it is clear that the situation has been managed. The dam is stable.’
The minister noted that the recent heavy rains caused damage to various hydropower projects and transmission structures across the country. He added that while the rise in water levels at Kulekhani had created pressure on power supply management, the current reservoir levels provide confidence that electricity supply will be more manageable during the upcoming dry season.
He reiterated that the government remains committed to strengthening energy security and ensuring a reliable, regular and high-quality power supply.
NEA Executive Director Dirghayu Shrestha described the Kulekhani project as the backbone of the national power system. ‘It plays a significant role in peaking for the system,’ he stated. He further corroborated that the condition of the dam is currently normal.
