Mongabay · Climate & nature

Nepal's Flood Disaster Highlights Risks of Hydropower on Wild Rivers

A recent glacial collapse and flood in the Himalayas caused significant loss of life and damage to hydropower projects in Nepal, serving as a warning for future development on the country's last undammed river, the Karnali.

The disaster killed over 1,000 people and damaged 11 operating and 15 under-construction hydropower plants, disrupting Nepal's electricity supply. Climate scientists have warned about accelerating glacier melt, yet Nepal continues its rapid hydropower expansion.

Researchers note that hydropower infrastructure can worsen flood impacts. Despite risks, international financiers plan to triple Nepal's hydropower capacity, with nearly all rivers dammed or slated for dams, except the Karnali.

The Karnali River, vital for endangered species and Indigenous communities, faces dam proposals. These plans have faced opposition and delays.

The authors advocate protecting the Karnali, suggesting it be a UNESCO World Heritage River. They propose alternative renewables like solar and wind power.

A free-flowing Karnali offers ecological, cultural, and physical protection against future disasters. Protecting it is a necessary adaptation to climate change, providing a sustainable alternative.

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