kathmandu8 minutes ago
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Nepal is preparing to prevent a disaster like the flood in Bhotekoshi river in August. For this, the water level of the lakes formed from four glaciers will be reduced.
This is expected to reduce the risk of floods in Nepal as well as India. This project will cost Rs 474 crore and it is targeted to be completed by 2033.
There is a danger of flood in Bihar from these lakes.
The Nepal government has selected Thulagi of Manang district, Lower Varun of Sankhuwasabha and Lumding lake of Solukhumbu along with Hongu-2 for this work. These lakes are at an altitude of 4050 to 5483 meters above sea level.
Under the plan, the water level of Hongu-2 lake will be reduced by one meter. At the same time, the water level of Thulagi, Lower Varun and Lumding lakes will be reduced by three meters each.
The water of three of these lakes reaches Kosi River and Gandaki River. Both these rivers pass through Bihar. Therefore, this scheme can also help in protecting essential facilities including settlements, agriculture and roads of Bihar from floods.
How will the water level of the lakes be reduced?
- Canals will be built on the banks of the lakes to drain out water. Gates will be installed in these so that the flow of water can be controlled.
- Water will be gradually released into the rivers. Explosives will not be used in this work.
- The construction will be done with the help of laborers and with technical methods, so that no new danger arises during the work.
According to Dr. Bhattarai, if we get a chance to work continuously, the water level of the lakes can be reduced in three years. But these lakes are in high altitude areas, where due to bad weather, work can be done only for 5 to 6 months in a year. For this reason, a target has been set to complete the project by 2033.
He said that this plan will not completely eliminate the threat. However, these four lakes are likely to cause the most damage if they burst. Therefore they have been given priority.
Danger from 47 lakes of India, Nepal and China
The floods in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River in August once again highlighted the danger posed by glacier-fed lakes in the Himalayan region. According to a 2020 report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, 47 glacial lakes in India, Nepal and China were said to be at high risk.
These include 21 lakes of Nepal, 25 of China and one of India. Out of these, the water of 42 lakes reaches the Kosi river. Of these, 24 lakes are in China and 18 are in Nepal. Koshi River comes from Nepal to Bihar, India, hence the bursting of these lakes can create a danger of floods in both the countries.
Picture of the flood that occurred on 26 August. The flood water came at such a high speed that people did not get a chance to recover and reach a safe place.
Green Climate Fund will give ₹343 crore for this project
A total of Rs 474 crore will be spent on the project to reduce the water level of the four lakes. In this, Green Climate Fund will give the maximum amount of Rs 343 crore. This is an international fund created under the United Nations climate agreement.
Nepal government will give Rs 107 crore and UNDP will give Rs 20 crore. Apart from this, Rs 3 crore will also be available from the private sector.
This project is expected to benefit more than 38 lakh people in Nepal. This can also reduce the potential economic loss due to floods by up to Rs 212 crore.
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