Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN), together with its member hydropower companies, has extended financial assistance of Rs 130 million to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
In a statement on Tuesday, IPPAN said the contribution reflects the independent power developers’ commitment to standing in solidarity with affected communities and supporting the government and relevant authorities during this difficult period.
IPPAN President Mohan Kumar Dangi handed over the check to Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha on Tuesday.
The Bhote Koshi flood has caused extensive damage to hydropower projects and energy infrastructure in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli corridor. According to IPPAN, the structures of 12 hydropower projects, eight operational and four under construction, have been severely affected. Damage to transmission lines and substations has also resulted in approximately 431 MW of electricity, including generation from operational hydropower projects, being disconnected from the transmission system.
The disaster has resulted in significant damage to hydropower infrastructure, transmission facilities, access roads, bridges, and other essential physical infrastructure. IPPAN has estimated the losses at billions of rupees.
“At a time when the nation is confronted with a crisis of this magnitude, it is the responsibility of the private sector to stand alongside the government and contribute to the national response,” President Dangi said.
Receiving the assistance, Minister Shrestha acknowledged the contribution from IPPAN and its member companies and said that the government was continuing its efforts toward search and rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in coordination with relevant stakeholders, including the private sector.
