Civil Insight: A Technical Magazine Volume 3 | Page 73

Civil Insight (2019)
In Conversation with Er. Pratik Man Singh Pradhan
Q) Since you have been engaged in the field
of hydropower for more than 25 years, could
you give us an insight of how HPP sector can
be properly managed?
Therefore, I feel it is indispensable for people to
be aware about the need and importance of
hydropower development in Nepal.
Q) Nepal is actively investing in hydropower
development in recent years. Are you hopeful
that Nepal will one day sell its surplus
electricity to the global market?
The
designing,
construction,
and
implementation part should be carried out
carefully in any HPP. While designing, the
basic problems encountered in the field, EIA
result, community service programs, and cost
of construction should be properly addressed.
Before undertaking the operation, we must
get the social license. In the operation phase,
a good contract management will help to
complete the project in an estimated time
and cost. After the construction, it is
imperative that the electricians and the
mechanics are aware about the inflow of
water and about how it can affect the turbine.
In addition, we must take account of the labor
we have, the materials we are using, and the
equipment that are available.
Starting from June till September, the water
level rises in the rivers of Nepal. But once the
monsoon ends, the water level decreases.
During the monsoon, we need to be aware
about the inlet of amount of water, as the
sediments contained in the water might
damage the turbine. Also, the highest voltage
used recorded in 2019 was 1200-1300 MW in
the evening, at 7-8 pm, of Tihar. Generally, it
drops down to 600-700 MW.
The development of our hydropower is
happening in an unnoticeable way. During
monsoon, after excluding sediment content
necessarily, we can generate surplus electricity
and sell it.
Q) Climate change is a burning global issue
at present. Will development in hydropower
sector aid to mitigate climate change?
Q) As a Hydropower Engineer, what message
would you like to deliver to young, aspiring
hydropower engineers of Nepal?
Usually, the use of the traditional fuel causes
global warming. With the development of
hydropower, there will be an alternative
source of energy, which will help to address
the problem of climate change as hydropower
is eco-friendly.
The terrain of Nepal, the elevation and water
level in our rivers have given us enough
potential for hydropower development. But still
we are lacking skilled manpower in this sector.
The demand of hydropower engineers in Nepal
is very high. To the students, my message is that
you must learn passionately about the subject
and involve yourself in the practical field.
Following the graduation, I got involved in the
Arun 3 Project in Sankhuwasabha for a year and
a hydropower plant in Jhimruk for 4 years,
under UNDP. I worked there as a contractor, and
it was then I learned more about the subject
than I had done in my university days. Thus,
involvement in practical and field work are a
must because these will help to foster the
knowledge and gather experiences. Later, it is
your experience that matters and is looked for.
Q) Since Nepal has a large potential for
hydropower, how important do you think it
is to impart proper knowledge of
hydropower development and planning in
Nepal? Please give your opinion.
The elevation and the amount of water are
the primary requisites in a terrain to have the
potential for hydropower project. The terrain
of Nepal meets these requirements, so it has
maximum
potential
for
hydropower
development. We are still dependent on fuels
from the neighboring countries even when we
possess resources in our country.
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