KATHMANDU, Sept 26: The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) said the Dhap Dam in Gokarneshwar Municipality-1, Kathmandu, remains safe despite heavy monsoon rainfall and a landslide near the reservoir area.
According to the MoEWRI, the dam and its major structures are currently in a safe condition. The Nagmati and Dhap Dam Project, operated under the Department of Irrigation, has continued monitoring the reservoir as rainfall increased water inflows in recent weeks.
Amid concerns of its safety after a landslide occurred near Saddle Dam-1 on September 9 and incessant rainfall in recent days, the government authority has clarified the condition over the possible risk that could arise with the breaking of the Dhap Dam. As per the MoEWRI, the authorities implemented safety measures and began continuously releasing around 400 litres of water per second through the reservoir's outflow system.
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The measures have lowered the reservoir's water level by 2.38 metres to 2,084.80 metres, with approximately 35 percent of the stored water safely discharged, according to the project.
The dam's normal water level is 2,087.14 metres. Officials said that if heavy rainfall causes the reservoir to rise above this level, excess water will automatically be released through the spillway.
With monsoon rainfall now declining, officials expect water inflow into the reservoir to decrease further.
The project is also accelerating drainage, embankment protection and emergency management work in the landslide-affected area. Technical teams continue to assess the dam and monitor its safety.
Officials said there is currently no indication of an imminent risk to the dam and urged the public to remain calm and rely on information released through official channels.
