KATHMANDU: A recently prepared hydropower development plan has advised the government to review the present design criteria for hydropower projects to mitigate the impact of climate change on power generation.
“The rainfall pattern has been changing, monsoon duration is shortening and unpredicted rainfall events are increasing. All these phenomena might increase the sediment load in the dams, putting the turbines at greater risk,” said Kishore Thapa, coordinator of the committee that has prepared a 20-year hydropower development working plan.
According to the document, the nation’s average rainfall amount is decreasing at the rate of 9.8 mm per decade and the discharge in major rivers — Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali — is also decreasing.
“The Water Resources Ministry had set the criteria for the construction of headworks, tunnels and power houses before massive impacts of climate change came to light,” stated the document, advising the ministry concerned to take these issues seriously.
Very few studies have been conducted on the impact of climate change in the country’s water resources.
“Scientific studies have revealed rapid melting of the Himalayas, which has increased the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood. The power projects designed in line with the current criteria of the ministry might not be able to control floods resulting from lake bursts. Stronger criteria should be imposed on the developers to lower this risk,” added Thapa.
The plan has got its nod from the National Planning Commission.
“The Cabinet has accepted the plan in principle. Presently, the plan is with the Cabinet committee, which will give final touches to it,” said Energy Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat.
