Bheri: A 270-megawatt semi-reservoir based hydropower project is set to be developed on the Bheri River, situated between Nalgadh municipality in Jajarkot and Aathbiskot municipality in Rukum West. The project will be spearheaded by the China Gezhouba Group Company Limited, with discussions on its Environment Impact Assessment Report taking place at the Ministry of Forests and Environment.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the discussions were held under the recommendation committee formed by the Environment Protection Act-2076 BS. During the meeting, Ministry joint-secretary Dhirendra Kumar Pradhan emphasized the importance of implementing the project with minimal impact on local biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities and indigenous peoples.
Under-Secretary Ramesh Basnet highlighted that the environmental study report serves as a crucial scientific and legal document for ensuring the sustainable operation of the project. Experts from fields such as biodiversity, socio-economics, culture, and pisciculture provided their insights on the report.
Dr. Jyoti Prasad Gajurel, Executive Director of NRAC, which is responsible for conducting the environmental study, stated that the project will require 24.75 hectares of land and the removal of 152 trees. He explained that a 38-meter-high dam is planned to store water for six hours, with an estimated project completion time of five years and a cost of Rs 46 billion. The powerhouse will be located in Jyamire of Aathbisakot rural municipality in Rukum West, with a seven-kilometer tunnel to be constructed.
Additionally, an 11-kilometer auxiliary route will need to be built from the main road to the project site, along with the construction of three Bailey bridges over the river.