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Showing posts from October 1, 2023

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 lea