Kulekhani Hydropower dam declared safe after official inspection

Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha announced that the dam of the Kulekhani Hydropower Project located in Makwanpur is completely safe and operating in a normal condition. The minister conducted an on-site inspection of the infrastructure on Saturday to evaluate its structural integrity after continuous downpours between September 24 and 28 pushed the reservoir water level past the established danger mark. The intense precipitation elevated the reservoir to an alert level, which generated concerns regarding the safety of the dam and placed temporary pressure on electricity supply management across the country. Nepal Electricity Authority Managing Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha emphasised the vital function the facility serves within the national power system, particularly for fulfilling peak electricity demand, and verified that the installation sustained no damage. Minister Shrestha noted that the current volume of water held in the reservoir will additionally assist in facilitating power management operations throughout the upcoming dry season. Officials from the administration and relevant authorities briefed stakeholders on the situation as normal operations continued following the thorough assessment of the dam.