Govt seeks alternative arrangements after Bhotekoshi flood knocks power off transmission system

After floods in Rasuwa's Bhotekoshi river knocked 430 megawatts of electricity off the national transmission system, the government has begun exploring alternative ways to maintain supply.

The flood damaged several hydropower projects, halting the flow of electricity that reaches Kathmandu's Balaju and Chapali via the Trishuli corridor. This has increased pressure on those two transmission lines, said Mohan Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

He said the ministry has begun groundwork on building an alternative supply system, while the Nepal Electricity Authority has formed a separate task force to work on the issue. On Tuesday, the ministry held further discussions with the Department of Roads and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City on constructing additional underground grid lines.

The authority is also proceeding with building additional underground grid infrastructure to manage supply during winter. NEA board member Anshu Kiran Shahi said close cooperation among all agencies would be necessary to manage Kathmandu's winter electricity demand.