Government has started work on the 335-megawatt Humla Karnali Second Hydropower Project, aiming to bring electricity to one of the country’s most remote districts and connect the region to the national grid.
Nepal Verified News
Fri Oct 24 2025
Efforts are underway to bring electricity development to Humla, one of Nepal’s most remote districts, with the launch of the 335-megawatt Humla Karnali Second Hydropower Project. The project is expected to play a key role in improving energy access and development in the Karnali region.
The Ministry of Forests and Environment has started the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. Ruru Hydropower Project company has been chosen to develop the project in Kharpunath and Sarkegad rural municipalities.
A public notice was issued earlier asking for local feedback on the EIA. The project will cover about 47 hectares of land. As per the Environmental Protection Act, 2076 BS, all hydropower projects producing more than 50 megawatts of electricity must complete an EIA before construction begins.
The project will use the Humla Karnali River, a glacier-fed river with a strong year-round flow. It includes two diversion tunnels, measuring 545 meters and 542 meters in length.
Once operational, the hydropower plant is expected to produce nearly 610 gigawatt-hours of electricity during the dry season and more than 1,180 gigawatt-hours during the wet season.
The power generated will be transmitted to the Mugu Karnali Hub through a 20-kilometer, double-circuit 400 kV transmission line, linking Humla to Nepal’s national grid and helping expand clean energy production in the country.
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