Dam Construction in Surkhet

The Bheri-Babai Multipurpose Diversion Project (BBMDP) in Chiple, Bheriganga Municipality-11, Surkhet, is a national pride project of Nepal. It is designed to address irrigation and hydropower needs in the midwestern region. Here’s a description of the construction site:

Location and Setting:

• The project is situated in the rugged terrain of Surkhet, within the midwestern hills of Nepal. Chiple, where the dam is located, is surrounded by forested hills and the Bheri River, which flows through a steep valley.
• The construction site is a blend of natural beauty and industrial activity, with heavy machinery and workers operating against the backdrop of lush greenery and the roaring river.

Key Features:

1. Dam Structure:

   • The dam is designed to divert water from the Bheri River to the Babai River via a 12.2-kilometer tunnel.
   • The tunnel, a critical component, is constructed using advanced Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) technology, the first of its kind used in Nepal.

2. Hydropower Generation:

   • The project has a provision to generate 48 MW of electricity, contributing to Nepal’s renewable energy goals.

3. Irrigation Benefits:

   • Once completed, the project is expected to provide year-round irrigation to 51,000 hectares of agricultural land in Banke and Bardiya districts.

Ongoing Activities:

• Construction activities include:
  • Excavation and placement of concrete at the dam site.
  • Tunnel boring operations.
  • Establishment of powerhouses and other infrastructure.
• The site is bustling with laborers, engineers, and technical staff, working day and night to meet project timelines.

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Challenges:

• The project faces challenges like:
  • Harsh geographic conditions.
  • Seasonal flooding during the monsoon.
  • Logistical complexities in transporting materials to the remote location.

When completed, the BBMDP is expected to significantly boost Nepal’s agricultural productivity and hydropower generation, marking it as a landmark in the country’s infrastructure development.

The Bheri-Babai Multipurpose Diversion Project (BBMDP) is a government project of Nepal. It is one of the national pride projects, which are high-priority initiatives undertaken by the Government of Nepal to enhance infrastructure, boost the economy, and improve public services.

The project is implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation and is funded by the Nepalese government, often with assistance from international donors and financial institutions. The involvement of private contractors, particularly for specialized work like tunnel boring, is common, but the overall ownership and management rest with the government.