Description

1.Overview of the comparative study

This study aimed at comparing the two alternatives for Sunkoshi River diversion under consideration by the Department of Irrigation (DOI), Government of Nepal with the purpose of recommending the project found more suitable from the following perspectives for immediate implementation:

• Irrigation perspectives
• Electricity generation perspectives
• Flood control perspectives
• Cost/benefit aspects
• Viability of implementation
• Technical aspects
• Social aspects
• Environmental aspects
• Geo-political aspects

2.Introduction to Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project

The Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project (SMDMP) is conceptualized as being a supporting project to the larger Bagmati Irrigation Project (BIP). The project envisages diverting part of the flow from Sunkoshi River into the Bagmati River Basin, with the goal of augmenting the lean season flow being fed into the irrigation system that is already in place.

SMDMP is one of the alternatives being considered by the Department of Irrigation for improving the lean season flow in the Bagmati basin. Amongst the alternatives, SMDMP’s advantage lies in the relative simplicity of its proposed project structures and relatively smaller requirement of initial capital. Multipurpose in nature, SMDMP aims to generate electricity in addition to providing irrigation benefit.

3.Introduction to Sunkoshi Kamala Diversion Multi-Purpose project

The Sunkoshi Kamala Diversion Multipurpose Project (SKDMP) is a project proposed in the South-East of Nepal, and consists of a number of sub-components including a dam along the Sunkoshi River, a diversion tunnel connecting into the Kamala Basin and another dam along the Kamala River to store part of the monsoon flow. The purpose of the scheme is to provide a year-round irrigation facility in the Kamala river basin, while also aiding in flood control of the Kamala River.

4.Project Highlights

The major highlights of the project are as below:

• Review and analysis of the completed studies and potential alternatives
• Cost and benefit assessment of the two competing alternatives
• A comprehensive review of the existing agreements and water treaties between the governments of Nepal and India relevant to the present study
• Identification and assessment of other relevant factors that needs consideration for comparison
• Comparison and ranking of these project after considering the cost/benefit and viability of implementation with regards to technical, social, environmental and geo-political aspects