‘Do We Need Bodies or Breath?’ – Families Trapped at Upper Trishuli-1 Hydroelectric Project in Nuwakot Voice Urgent Pleas

After five days without any updates following the floods, relatives of those trapped at the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydroelectric Project in Nuwakot have urgently demanded rescue operations and clear information. According to the operating company, among the 576 workers inside the project’s tunnel and 75 employees at the Mailung site office, some remain out of contact. Although the company claims it has five helicopters ready for rescue missions, it asserts that government approval has not been granted. September 29, Kathmandu.

Following the floods, the status of individuals trapped in the 216-megawatt capacity Upper Trishuli-1 Hydroelectric Project under construction in Nuwakot remains uncertain after five days, leading to growing frustration among their family members. Citing delayed rescue efforts, the relatives gathered at the Nepal Water and Energy Development Company (NWEDC) office in Thapathali, Kathmandu, demanding immediate disclosure of information. “If our people are alive, rescue them; if not, give us their bodies,” the families expressed severe anger towards company representatives.

The developer of Upper Trishuli-1 is NWEDC, which is constructing the project in partnership with South Korea’s Korea South-East Power Corporation, KIND, IFC, and other joint stakeholders. According to the company, 576 workers remain trapped inside the project tunnel. Additionally, several individuals at the Mailung site office are out of contact. With 75 people present at the site office, the unknown status of some has left their relatives distressed and furious.

“Only assurances for five days” said a relative who came to Kathmandu from Biratnagar, explaining that his elder brother, Deepak Kharel, is trapped at the site office. He criticized both the company and government for their helplessness in not clarifying the situation even after five days. He accused the company of merely giving assurances without substantive action. “So far, they keep misleading us by saying nothing has happened. It’s been five days with only assurances,” he said. “Do we want breath or bodies? We demand clear and confirmed information about the status of our people.”