111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Suspends Generation as Flood Risk Rises

Electricity generation at the 111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project was temporarily suspended on Sunday evening after water levels in the Lhende Khola rose sharply and a mud-laden flood was detected. According to Plant Chief Santosh Adhikari, the shutdown was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting the project's infrastructure from potential damage. Officials said power generation will resume once river conditions return to a safe level. The precaution comes a year after the devastating Asar 24, 2082 flood, which caused significant damage to the project's dam and associated structures. Although repairs have since been completed, authorities closed the intake gates again to minimize the risk from the latest surge. Officials are closely monitoring water levels in both the Lhende Khola and the Bhotekoshi River, while cargo trucks and newly imported vehicles parked at the Rasuwagadhi Customs Yard have been relocated to safer areas. Local authorities have also urged residents to avoid riverbanks and advised travelers heading to Kerung and Rasuwagadhi to use the Betrawati–Syafrubesi route, as the Mailung road section remains vulnerable to flooding and landslides.