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The Tanahu Hydropower Project has conducted a disaster preparedness and emergency response simulation at its main dam construction site to strengthen safety measures, improve rescue capabilities and minimise potential risks during emergencies.

The exercise was organised under the project’s River Safety Management Plan in accordance with its Emergency Response Sub-Plan. It targeted personnel working under Package 1, which covers the headworks, and Package 2, which includes the main tunnel, powerhouse, associated structures and equipment.

The simulation focused on practical emergency response procedures, including safety precautions during potential disasters, immediate rescue operations, evacuation to safe locations and coordination among relevant agencies.

The exercise comes as the project continues construction of its major hydropower infrastructure, where effective emergency preparedness is essential to protect workers and manage risks associated with construction activities and river conditions.

Focus on Worker Safety and Emergency Coordination

The drill was attended by Chhabilal Gaire, managing director of Tanahu Hydropower Limited (THL), project management officials, officers from the Kalibhanjan Battalion of the Nepal Army based in Damauli, the Project Supervision Consultant (PSC), the environmental and social management service provider, and representatives of construction contractors.

Addressing the programme, Gaire emphasised the importance of advance preparation, timely information dissemination and an effective rescue system in disaster management.

He said the project had accorded high priority to the safety of personnel working at the construction site and the reduction of potential disaster risks.

According to Gaire, regular emergency simulations are important for enabling personnel to make timely decisions, strengthen coordination among relevant agencies and minimise human casualties during actual disasters.

The exercise was designed to familiarise workers and other stakeholders with emergency procedures so that they can respond more effectively when a disaster occurs.

17 Sirens Installed for Downstream Flood Warnings

The project has also introduced measures to improve early warning and public awareness in communities located downstream of the dam.

According to THL, 17 sirens have been installed along the stretch extending from the dam site through the downstream area to the confluence of the Seti and Trishuli rivers.

The sirens are intended to facilitate timely warnings about potential risks, including flooding, allowing downstream communities to take precautionary measures and move to safer locations when necessary.

In addition, the project has installed information boards at 10 locations to inform residents about flood-related risks, evacuation procedures and safety precautions to follow during emergencies.

These measures are intended to improve access to critical safety information among people living in potentially vulnerable areas.

The downstream warning system is particularly important because an emergency involving dam infrastructure or sudden changes in river conditions could require rapid communication with communities located along the river corridor.

Disaster Risk Management Integrated into Construction

THL said disaster risk reduction had been incorporated into the project’s construction management practices.

The project is continuing to strengthen emergency response preparedness through regular simulation exercises, improvements to early warning systems and awareness programmes targeting downstream communities.

The initiative extends beyond protecting workers at the construction site, with the project also focusing on informing residents about potential flooding and other hazards and helping them understand how to respond during emergencies.

Through these measures, the project aims to improve coordination among construction teams, emergency responders and local communities while reducing the risk of casualties and property damage.

The latest drill forms part of the project’s broader efforts to strengthen safety management during construction and improve preparedness for potential emergencies.