Dolpa, Nepal - A large-scale reservoir-based hydropower project with a total installed capacity of 328 megawatts is planned in Dolpa district, one of Nepal’s most geographically remote and development-challenged regions. The Department of Electricity Development (DoED) has initiated detailed studies and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the proposed Bharbung Hydropower Project, marking a significant step toward expanding energy infrastructure in Karnali Province.
According to the DoED, the project will utilize water from the Bharbung River and Tatu Khola, with physical structures located within Chharka Tangsong Rural Municipality and Kaike Rural Municipality. The project’s EIA report has been submitted to the Ministry of Forests and Environment for approval, accompanied by a recommendation from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.
The main reservoir-based system on the Bharbung River will generate 325 megawatts, while an additional 3.10 megawatts will be produced through two run-of-the-river systems using 1.12 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from Tatu Khola. Together, the project is expected to produce 933.19 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.
Project infrastructure includes a 169-meter-high dam, a 766-meter diversion tunnel, intake structures, and a 16-kilometer headrace tunnel in Chharka Tangsong Rural Municipality-4. An underground powerhouse and tailrace canal will be constructed across Chharka Tangsong-4 and Kaike-1. Portions of Chharka Tangsong–5 are expected to be submerged due to the reservoir.
The project site lies approximately 12 kilometers from Jufal Airport, and electricity generated will be transmitted through the proposed Dunai Substation. The total estimated cost of the project stands at NPR 103.31 billion, with a per-megawatt cost of approximately NPR 285.9 million.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Forests and Environment has also called for public suggestions regarding the 32 MW Karuwa Seti Hydropower Project in Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality, Kaski. The project, promoted by Bhyamolonga Hydropower Development Company Limited, requires a supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment due to design changes, including adjustments to tunnel length, penstock alignment, and relocation of the powerhouse.
The Karuwa Seti project lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, where 9.65 hectares of forest land and 0.95 hectares of private land had previously been approved under an amended Environmental Management Plan. As additional land is now required, the Ministry has sought further environmental inputs through a public notice.
Both projects highlight Nepal’s ongoing efforts to expand hydropower generation while navigating environmental safeguards, particularly in ecologically sensitive and conservation-priority regions.
