Learning lessons from the 2023 disaster, which had forced a six-month shutdown and caused losses of nearly Rs. 95 crore, the authorities put in place a comprehensive safety plan.
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
The Himachal Pradesh government has managed to safeguard the 126 MW Larji Hydropower Project in Kullu district from flood damage this year, due to timely preventive measures adopted by the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL).
Learning lessons from the 2023 disaster, which had forced a six-month shutdown and caused losses of nearly Rs. 95 crore, the authorities put in place a comprehensive safety plan.
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The most crucial measure was the installation of flood gates, which ensured the safety of the project site and main entry point even during floods in the Beas river. Seepage into the powerhouse was drained out immediately, preventing disruption.
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Officials said that additional field and technical posts created under the rationalization of the Generation Wing in February 2025 further strengthened the security arrangements. The project team successfully implemented the safety plan and kept the powerhouse operational even when heavy silt deposits formed during the August 26 floods.
In 2023, the project had suffered extensive damage, requiring an additional Rs 185 crore for restoration.
Chief Minister Sukhu expressed satisfaction over the protective steps and directed that the special safety plan should continue to be implemented effectively.
He also congratulated the management, engineers and staff of HPSEBL for their efforts in ensuring the safety and smooth functioning of the Larji project.
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