As temperatures continue to drop in the Himalayan district of Rasuwa, hydropower generation has been affected due to declining water levels in rivers and streams. According to concerned entrepreneurs, increased cold in the upper regions has slowed snowmelt and caused water to freeze, leading to reduced river flow and, consequently, lower electricity production.
In recent days, power generation has fallen well below capacity at several hydropower projects in the district. The 22-megawatt Chilime Hydropower Project has been generating only 16 megawatts, while the 14.8-megawatt Upper Sanjen project is producing just 6 megawatts. Similarly, the 42.5-megawatt Lower Sanjen project is generating 30 megawatts, and the 78-megawatt Sallasungi project is producing only 5 megawatts, according to information from the respective projects.
Engineer Raju Shrestha of Sallasungi Hydropower said that extreme cold has significantly reduced electricity generation. “Due to severe cold, water levels in the rivers have dropped sharply. With reduced water flow, we are compelled to generate electricity below capacity. After Chaitra, the rate of snowmelt increases, water flow improves, and power generation gradually returns to full capacity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 111-megawatt Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project, which was damaged by floods last Asar, has resumed partial operation following reconstruction. Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Company Chief Executive Officer Satyaram Jyakhu said the project is currently generating 37 megawatts of electricity.
He added that once the reconstruction of structures affected by flooding in local streams is fully completed, the project is expected to generate around 65 to 70 megawatts of electricity during the winter season.
