Tribhuwan University

PULCHOWK CAMPUS
Pulchowk, Lalitpur

DRM PRINCIPLES & PRACTICES, TOOLS AND

TECHNIQUES

ASSIGNMENT NO 1: NEWSPAPER ARTICLE AND ITS

REVIEW

SUBMITTED BY:
Pranish Adhikari
Roll No:079MSDRM011

SUBMITTED TO:
Ajay Chandra Lal
Department of Civil
Engineering
 Title: Climate Change Adds Risk to Investments in Hydropower in
Nepal

Publication: The Himalayan Times

Date: July 9, 2023

Article Review:

The recent article in The Himalayan Times; “Climate Change Adds Risk to Investments in
Hydropower” by Arjun poudel, sheds light on the growing concern of climate change and its
impact on hydropower investments in Nepal. The country heavily relies on hydropower as a
renewable energy source and as a means to bolster its economic growth. However, climate
change-induced challenges, such as erratic rainfall patterns and glacial melt, are threatening the
sustainability and profitability of hydropower projects in the region. Moreover, this article also
highlights the loss and devastations caused due to the floods and landslides in season’s first
rains.

The article emphasizes that Nepal's vulnerability to climate change stems from its geographical
location, nestled in the Himalayas, which makes it highly susceptible to the effects of global
warming. The article highlights the havoc caused by the flooding in Panchkhapan Municipality
(Sankhuwasabha district) in June 17, where at least 3 persons died and 18 others went missing
where most of them were labourers, woking on hydel projects being builton the local Hewa
Khola. Apart from widespread damage to roads, bridges and public properties, at least 30 hydel
projects in east suffered damage worth Rs.8.5 billion due to floods and landslides in season’s
first rains. Hydel projects, both in operation and under construction, in the flood and landslide hit
districts of Koshi-Province: Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar, Bhojpur and Taplejung- incurred
massive damage.

Furthermore, the changing rainfall patterns pose additional risks to hydropower investments too.
This influences economy as our country heavily relies on hydropower as a renewable energy
source and as a means to bolster its economic growth. Nepal experiences monsoon seasons,
during which heavy rainfall is expected. However, due to climate change, the intensity and
timing of rainfall have become more unpredictable. This variability in rainfall has led to flooding,
landslides, and siltation, all of which damaged hydropower infrastructure and disrupted
operations. Hydropower is not the only main source of energy in the country but also has huge
export potential, also the government aims to export 10,000 MW of electricity in next 10 years.
But such occurrences not only result in financial losses but also raise concerns about the long-
term viability of hydropower projects and threatening the country’s hydropower potential.
The article highlights the importance of considering climate change risks in the planning and
implementation of hydropower projects. Experts stress the need for comprehensive climate risk
assessments that account for potential changes in water availability, extreme weather events,
and glacial melt. Incorporating climate adaptation and mitigation measures into project design
can help minimize the adverse impacts of climate change and improve the resilience of
hydropower infrastructure. The article reports that the Hewa Khola Hydropower Project was built
by analyzing the past 100 years’ data on river’s normal flow and floods, flood of such intensity
came which was not seen in the last 100 years. This shows that climate change has been
causing erratic weather patterns in Nepal.

The article reports that at least 30 hydropower projects in eastern Nepal suffered damage due
to floods and landslides, among which 13 were in operation and it takes several months to
resume the operations and the delay hits their revenues. This extends the project-construction
duration and will call for more investments but banks will not waive off interest. Then the license
period will be shortened, which means the investors will not be able to make the desired profit.
Moreover, the article emphasizes the significance of diversifying Nepal's energy mix to reduce
dependence on hydropower alone. The country has vast untapped potential for solar and wind
energy, which could provide alternative renewable sources to meet its growing energy
demands. By promoting a diversified energy portfolio, Nepal can minimize the risks associated
with climate change and ensure a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

In conclusion, the article highlights the challenges posed by climate change to hydropower
investments in Nepal. It underscores the importance of integrating climate change
considerations into project planning and diversifying the country's energy mix. By doing so,
Nepal can navigate the risks associated with climate change, secure its energy supply, and
contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.