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Chungthang Hydro-Dam Breach: Lessons for Nepal's Big Hydropower Ambitions

Chungthang Hydro-Dam Breach: Lessons for Nepal's Big Hydropower Ambitions

Introduction:

A catastrophic glacial lake outburst triggered flash floods in North Sikkim's Mangan district on October 4, 2023, leading to the breach of Sikkim's Chungthang dam, the largest hydropower project in the state. This incident has sent shockwaves through the region, emphasizing the need for Nepal to carefully assess the risks associated with large hydropower dam projects. To make informed decisions, Nepal must draw lessons from past dam failures and natural disasters, understanding the implications of such events on a national scale.

The Chungthang Hydro-Dam Disaster:

The Chungthang dam, a vital component of the 1200 MW Teesta Stage III Hydro Electric Project, is a symbol of power generation in the region. However, the recent breach underscores the potential consequences of dam failures. As flash floods wreaked havoc in Chungthang and Mangan districts, damaging infrastructure and leaving 23 Army personnel missing, it became evident that even the most significant hydropower projects are not immune to natural disasters.

Figure 1 Dam before and after the Chungthang dam break (Photo Darjeeling Today October 5, 2023)

Historical Dam Failures:

To put this incident in context, it is essential to examine historical dam failures and their repercussions. Several dam failures in India have had devastating consequences. In 1979, the Machchhu Dam-II in Morbi collapsed, leading to a catastrophic deluge that claimed the lives of 1800–25,000 people. In 1987, the Srisailam Dam faced issues due to poor reservoir operation, resulting in floodwater overflowing into the powerhouse, causing a year-long loss of power generation. In 2009, an earth dam above the Srisailam reservoir burst, creating a record inflow that threatened the dam. Additionally, the Vishnuprayag hydroelectric station in Uttarakhand experienced flash floods in 2013, leading to the accumulation of muck and debris in the dam reservoir. Similarly, in 2013, the Dhauliganga hydroelectric station in Uttarakhand was submerged due to unprecedented flash floods, causing a lengthy disruption in power generation.

Nepal's Vulnerability:

Nepal is no stranger to natural disasters, with the 2015 earthquake and subsequent events taking a severe toll. The Melamchi River flood in 2021 caused significant damage, displacing hundreds and damaging crucial infrastructure. In 2014, a massive landslide in Sindhupalchowk created a debris dam and threatened a downstream hydropower project. These incidents highlight the nation's vulnerability to such disasters.

Figure 2 Debris flow in headwork of Malachi water supply 2021(photo: Kathmandu post)

Figure-3 Jure landslide in the background, 2014

Lessons for Nepal:

Nepal must prioritize comprehensive risk assessments and stringent safety measures for its hydropower projects, especially given its seismic activity and rugged terrain. This includes adopting modern technologies and early warning systems to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Moreover, collaboration with neighboring countries for disaster preparedness and response is crucial.

In conclusion, the Chungthang Hydro-Dam breach serves as a grim reminder of the potential risks associated with large hydropower projects. As Nepal continues to pursue ambitious dam projects, it must prioritize safety, resilience, and environmental impact assessments. By learning from past failures and embracing best practices, Nepal can harness its hydropower potential while safeguarding its people and infrastructure from the forces of nature.


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