Dolakha, Nepal - The Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project in Dolakha has announced a temporary shutdown of electricity generation for approximately 10 hours after floodwaters carried a large amount of debris and sediment into the reservoir.
According to project officials, the reservoir cleaning operation began Sunday morning, with two reservoir gates opened to discharge water and remove the accumulated debris. The measure has been taken to maintain the safety and operational efficiency of the hydropower facility following recent monsoon-induced flooding in the Tamakoshi River.
Acting Manager Purnagopal Ranjit stated that the release of water from the reservoir is expected to cause fluctuations in the flow of the Tamakoshi River. In response, the project has issued a public safety notice urging local residents and visitors to avoid riverbank areas and refrain from activities such as fishing, crossing the river, or entering the riverside zone during the cleaning operation.
The project has also requested communities living along the Tamakoshi River corridor to remain alert and exercise caution until the reservoir management work is completed.
The incident highlights the growing operational challenges faced by run-of-river and reservoir-based hydropower projects during Nepal’s monsoon season, when intense rainfall and floods often transport large volumes of sediment, rocks, logs, and other debris into river systems. Such conditions can affect turbine performance, reduce generation efficiency, and require periodic maintenance and reservoir flushing operations.
Upper Tamakoshi, one of Nepal’s largest hydropower projects, plays a significant role in the country’s domestic electricity supply, making timely maintenance and safety management essential for ensuring continued reliable power generation.
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