India’s Dhauliganga Dam Cleaning Triggers High Alert Along Nepal’s Mahakali River

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India’s Dhauliganga Dam Cleaning Triggers High Alert Along Nepal’s Mahakali River

India’s Dhauliganga Dam Cleaning Triggers High Alert Along Nepal’s Mahakali River

Ecosphere News Environment Correspondent 2026-07-29 11:11:00

Baitadi, July 29 - Ecosphere News
Authorities in Nepal have issued a high-alert notice for communities living along the Mahakali River in Darchula and Baitadi districts after India announced that the Dhauliganga Hydropower Project dam would be opened temporarily for reservoir cleaning operations.
According to the District Administration Office (DAO), Baitadi, residents in riverbank settlements have been asked to remain especially cautious from 6:00 AM on Wednesday, Shrawan 13, until 6:00 PM on Friday, Shrawan 15. Officials warned that the controlled release of water could cause a significant rise in the Mahakali River’s water level, increasing the risk of flooding and riverbank hazards.
The administration has urged local people to avoid unnecessary movement near the river, refrain from fishing, and stop collecting stones, sand, or other materials from the riverbed during the alert period. Other activities that may expose people to river-related risks have also been discouraged.
Chief District Officer Dr. Dijan Bhattarai stated that all local governments, security agencies, and disaster-response authorities have been instructed to maintain preparedness and strengthen monitoring in vulnerable areas to prevent any untoward incidents.
The potentially affected areas on the Nepal side of the Mahakali basin include:
Darchula District
Byas Rural Municipality
Baitadi District
Dasharathchand Municipality
The Mahakali River forms a significant section of the Nepal-India border, and fluctuations in water release from upstream infrastructure in India can have immediate downstream impacts on Nepali settlements. Local authorities have therefore emphasised community vigilance, timely information sharing, and coordination among disaster-management agencies throughout the alert period.
The notice serves as a precautionary measure aimed at protecting lives, property, and livelihoods in the riverine communities that are historically vulnerable to sudden changes in river flow during the monsoon season.
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Duhu Rural Municipality
Pancheshwar Rural Municipality
Shivanath Rural Municipality
Mahakali Municipality
Malikarjun Rural Municipality
Lekam Rural Municipality