Kathmandu, September 18, 2026 — The Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN) has urged the government to classify hydropower projects affected by the August 26 flood in the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli corridor as “Special Flood-Affected Hydropower Projects” and introduce a dedicated relief and reconstruction package.
IPPAN made the proposal during a meeting with Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha on Wednesday. The delegation, led by IPPAN President Mohan Kumar Dangi, called for legal, financial, administrative and regulatory measures to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged hydropower projects. The association’s demands have been reported publicly, while the Energy Ministry has separately confirmed that hydropower projects and electricity infrastructure in Rasuwa and Nuwakot were affected by the August 26 flood.
IPPAN has proposed establishing a high-level reconstruction committee under the Energy Minister and immediately introducing a “Special Hydropower Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Procedure, 2026.” According to the association, the proposed mechanism would provide a coordinated framework for rebuilding damaged projects and restoring the hydropower sector.
The association said the flood substantially changed the geographical conditions around several projects, including operational plants, projects under construction and projects at advanced stages of development. It argued that some of the affected projects may therefore need to be treated almost as new projects during reconstruction.
IPPAN has called for immediate technical assessment and classification of damage to individual projects. The proposed categories include complete destruction, severe damage, partial damage, disruption of access and transmission infrastructure, and indirect losses resulting from prolonged shutdown of electricity generation.
