Tanahun Hydropower Project advances infrastructure and community support

The 140-megawatt Tanahun Hydropower Project is reaching critical milestones in both its structural development and its commitment to local livelihood restoration. As construction enters its final phases, project management is simultaneously scaling up efforts to integrate affected families into the local economy.

Infrastructure progress

According to Onlinekhabar, the project's powerhouse and related underground structures are now approximately 80 percent complete. The work, managed under the project's second package by the Chinese firm SinoHydro Corporation, involves the installation of essential electromechanical equipment. Project Chief Shyamji Bhandari stated that excavation for the underground powerhouse, tailrace tunnel, and cable tunnels is finished, with concrete lining for the main tunnel nearing completion. The team is currently focused on testing generators, turbines, and transformers to ensure the facility is prepared for future power generation.

Environmental and community initiatives

While the engineering work progresses, the project has initiated the formal process for clearing trees within the reservoir area. Khabarhub reported that the project held initial consultations with 25 community forest user groups to coordinate the inventory and removal of timber. Bhandari emphasized that this process is being conducted in strict adherence to legal forest management regulations, with a focus on transparency and active participation from local stakeholders.

Parallel to these developments, the project is working to mitigate the economic impact on displaced or affected households. Gorkhapatra and The Rising Nepal reported that the project has conducted 38 separate skill development and income-generation programs to date. These initiatives have reached 776 individuals, comprising 401 women and 375 men from the project-affected areas.

Livelihood restoration

The most recent intervention, held from November 2 to November 4, focused on commercial goat farming and financial literacy. Conducted in collaboration with the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Services Office in Tanahun, the training involved 22 participants from Vyas and Bhimad municipalities, as well as Myagde and Rishing rural municipalities. The curriculum provided practical guidance on animal health, feeding techniques, and business management. According to The Rising Nepal, the project aims to transition families from subsistence-level rearing to systematic, commercial production to ensure long-term financial self-reliance. Previous training programs have included instruction in electrical installation, plumbing, tailoring, beekeeping, and light vehicle driving, reflecting a broader strategy to diversify the economic base of the region.