Kulekhani Hydropower Project maximizes output to manage rising reservoir levels

The Kulekhani Hydropower Project in Makawanpur is operating all three of its units at full capacity to manage rising reservoir water levels caused by continuous heavy rainfall. The project, which has a total generation capacity of 106 MW, is maximizing electricity production to prevent the reservoir from exceeding safe limits.

Prahlad Raut, chief of the Kulekhani-I Hydropower Station, reported that the reservoir level recently reached approximately 1,522.75 meters. To mitigate risks, the project is utilizing the water to generate power at a rate that helps balance the natural inflow from seven catchment areas.

Authorities have implemented a three-tier siren system to alert the public in the event that water levels reach 1,527 meters, necessitating the opening of the spillway gates. This precautionary measure follows previous incidents where sudden water releases caused damage to local infrastructure and homes.