The country’s hydropower sector is showing signs of recovery after the flash floods last week, with the overtopping of the Tala Dam now under control and most plants resuming operations. While restoration work continues at Tala, one of the largest power stations and other affected sites, some projects, including Dagachhu and Suchhu, remain shut down for assessment and repairs.
According to the Druk Green Power Corporation, maintenance crews successfully accessed the dam top at Tala last evening and lifted the overflow spillway gate, allowing discharge of more water. With the river flows receding, cleaning and restoration work has now begun.
All six generating units at the dam are now operating, producing a total of about 900 MW of electricity.
Work is underway to inspect the radial gates and their hydraulic cylinders. Materials and manpower are being mobilised to restore the power supply and make the Silt Flushing Tunnel gates operational.
Dam experts are expected to arrive tomorrow to inspect the structure and the critical hoisting mechanisms. DGPC says a thorough investigation is needed and that it may take some time.
Other hydropower plants are also operating, though some remain partially offline. Mangdechhu, Chhukha, Kurichhu, Nikachhu, Basochhu, and Punatsangchhu-II are generating electricity under close monitoring.
At Punatsangchhu-II, five of the six generating units are running, while the sixth unit is under maintenance and is expected to resume operation in a couple of days.
Dagachhu remains shut as experts assess damage to the Head Race Conduit caused by hill slope sinking, while Suchhu Hydropower Project is still offline due to damage to its headrace pipe and access road. Repair teams are on standby to mobilise once road access is restored.
Kinley Bidha
Edited by Phub Gyem
