Kathmandu, May 21, 2025 – In a landmark move to enhance disaster resilience in Nepal's hydropower sector, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) and the Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop and integrate flood early warning systems for hydropower projects.
The agreement was formalized during the National Monsoon Day celebration in Kathmandu, with Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, secretaries Suresh Acharya and Sarita Dawadi, and representatives from DHM and IPPAN in attendance. Kamal Ram Joshi, Director General of DHM, and Ganesh Karki, Chairperson of IPPAN, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
Pioneering Resilience in Energy Infrastructure
Addressing the event, Energy Minister Khadka hailed the agreement as a pivotal step towards safeguarding Nepal’s hydropower infrastructure against natural disasters. "Though the implementation may slightly raise project costs, the benefits of early warning systems in protecting lives and assets will far outweigh the investment," Khadka emphasized.
DHM Director General Kamal Ram Joshi explained that this collaboration aims to establish a seamless flow of real-time data on rainfall, floods, and landslides to hydropower sites. By connecting private hydropower projects’ early warning systems to DHM’s network, timely alerts will enable project operators to adopt safety measures and minimize human and material losses.
IPPAN Chairperson Ganesh Karki echoed these sentiments, underscoring that the MoU would address longstanding challenges in disaster preparedness. Highlighting past failures, such as the inability to safeguard a hydropower project located 28 kilometers from flood-hit Kathmandu last year, Karki noted that the new system’s seven-day advance warning capabilities could revolutionize risk management in the sector.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The five-year MoU outlines a structured collaboration between DHM and IPPAN:
Real-Time Data Sharing: DHM will provide IPPAN with categorized rainfall and water level data for river basins, supplemented by three-day weather forecasts, through APIs and FTP links during the monsoon period (May–October).
Integration and Standards: Data from IPPAN’s installed early warning systems must be shared with DHM’s servers in standardized formats. Future installations will adhere to DHM’s technical specifications.
Confidentiality and Usage: The data will be used strictly for internal disaster mitigation and development purposes, ensuring its confidentiality.
Annual Reporting: IPPAN and its members will submit post-monsoon reports to DHM and the Ministry of Energy, aiding in research and policy development.
The agreement also allows for amendments with mutual consent and ministry approval, ensuring flexibility for evolving needs.
Implications for Nepal's Energy Sector
This historic collaboration marks a significant step forward in Nepal’s efforts to mitigate the risks posed by climate change to its energy infrastructure. With over 600 private energy producers under its umbrella, IPPAN’s commitment to integrating early warning systems will enhance the sector's resilience while promoting sustainable energy development.
As natural disasters increasingly challenge hydropower projects globally, Nepal’s proactive approach serves as a model for balancing technological innovation and environmental stewardship.
