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Tanahu Hydropower Project

A field visit to one of Nepal's largest hydropower projects under construction, a 140 MW storage scheme on the Seti River, focused on how large-scale construction is managed in practice.

140 MWStorage typeSeti RiverGravity damUnderground powerhouse

Overview

The visit connected classroom theory to practice: construction management, engineering solutions on site, and how the project's main components fit together. It also showed how a project this size handles logistics and its environmental responsibilities.

The project is designed for six hours of daily peak operation in the dry season. It is funded by ADB, JICA, EIB and the Government of Nepal at a total cost of about US$505 million, and is expected to reduce Nepal's energy deficit by around 6%.

Components observed

On site

**Concrete gravity dam.** A 140 m high structure that stores water and creates the hydraulic head, designed for significant seismic loads.

**Underground powerhouse.** The 22 × 45 × 89 m cavern housing two vertical-shaft Francis turbines.

**Headrace tunnel.** A 1,469.6 m concrete-lined pressure tunnel carrying water from the reservoir to the powerhouse.

My recommendations

From the visit

Safety protocols

Mandatory safety training, stronger PPE compliance, regular safety audits and transparent incident reporting.

Worker welfare

Better living quarters and sanitation, for dignified conditions that also lift morale and productivity.

Community engagement

A structured channel for ongoing dialogue with local communities, so grievances are handled quickly and trust is built.

Let's talk hydropower.

I'm glad to hear about hydropower and water resources work, collaborations, or questions about my projects.

Emailanupbhandari2001@gmail.com

Phone+977 9841750764

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