Works continue to scour debris from opening portal of Trishuli-3 ‘A’ tunnel

Kathmandu: Works are underway to scour debris by opening the entrance (cable duct tunnel) of the Trishuli-3 ‘A’ hydropower project.

The project based in Nuwakot was hit by the August 26 devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River, which subsequently impacted the Trishuli river system. It is believed that humans are trapped inside the tunnel following the disaster.

According to the Nepali Army, a rescue squad of 93 people, also comprising Chinese experts and technicians led by the Nepali Army, is engaged in search and rescue operations with help of five heavy equipment- excavator, compressor and breaker.

The tunnel’s entrance portal is blocked by a significant debris measuring 40 metres in length and 20 metres in height, consisting iron structures and large rocks. With unrelenting efforts, an opening of around 10 feet length and 4 feet height was cut through in the upper section of tunnel, the NA said.

Lawmaker Shreeram Neupane from the site said that works are underway to scour the debris outside the tunnel. Until the filing of the report, preparations were underway to blast seven boulders. The tunnel is around 170-metre-long.

A breakthrough from the tunnel is necessary to approach the project’s powerhouse and other structures.

RSS