Kathmandu: The production by hydropower projects in Ilam and Panchthar districts has declined by more than half. The production has decreased by more than half as the water level in the rivers in the district has receded in winter.

The power sub-station in Ilam is currently generating 37 MW from 10 hydropower projects. Although the hydropower projects have a capacity to produce 97 megawatts of energy, the production has dropped by more than half, according to Electrical Foreman Mahesh Kumar Shah of the sub-station.

According to Shah, the Panchakanya Hydropower Project, which has a capacity of 25.8 megawatts is currently generating just five megawatts. The Sanima Mai project which has a capacity of producing 29 megawatts is producing 7.8 megawatts. The Sagarmatha project is currently generating 2.9 megawatts, Mai Beni project 2.1 megawatts, lower Jogmai Khola project 1.1 megawatts, Jogmai Khola project 1.2 megawatts and Puwa Khola project 2.4 megawatts.