Expectations vs. Reality: Working at a Hydropower Site in Nepal

Image :- View From Undersluice Divider Wall 

During Under Construction Of Super Madi HPP (44 MW)

The fast moving water from Himalayas in the form of river rushing towards its destiny with a so much potential and great power with its embarking scenery, crystal clear water, which can turnaround the economic condition of a whole nation with sustainable energy. These are the motivation comes in ones mind while thinking to work in a hydropower projects in Nepal. However, the situations is not always as expected in the vivid imagery of the brain, For a civil engineer world can offer the mixing of the joy and difficulties in remote working site. In Tangting, Kaski, I was employed as a civil engineer for the 44 MW Supermadi Hydropower Project from 2019 to 2021. This blog is based on the experience of mine in this tenure in hydropower site.

Let's get into the reality of Hydropower site:

• Monotonous Work: The work in the hydropower sites are really monotonous and repeated. The tasks are much bigger but the process is same. Making a daily plan, site visits, inspection of works get boring sometimes. But you also have to think quick and act quicker in the some situations like equipment breakdown, bad weather conditions which make you feel live again.
  

• Wearing Multiple Hats: Unlike working in a office environment your work isn't always fixed. You may be engineer but have to dig with the construction workers, Operating a batching plant and Sometimes you get to be a Civil engineer again working in a clean office with tea on the table and making schedules, IPC's and Planning for the next day. Yes, you better prepare for all of this.
  

• Paperwork Powerhouse:Daily Logs, Safety report, As-built drawings, Materials checklist you have chance to get in all of it. It's Quite interesting and quite challenging to maintain all of this too.

Frustrations You Might Face:

• Loneliness: Remote locations often mean limited social interaction. Making calls with friends and families gives you a boost in your lonely days. It can be hard to wrap your head around when you only see is the mountainous cliff.

• Food Frustrations: Food Frustrations is real, the food available is scarce and have to rely on the limited supply. You will miss the fresh home cooked meal for sure. But you will get used to it in no times. Adaptability is key!

• Quality of Life: You will get the simple living conditions. The quality of life will not be great but you will be in peace with simple life and you find joy in the breathtaking scenery of the nature.

• Risk and Environment: Working in the pitched black dark tunnels, rushing river water, working besides heavy equipment and machinery will be risky. Safety protocols should be followed everywhere, one small carelessness can get you seriously injured.

But Here's the Positive Side:

• The Thrill of Contribution: Witnessing the structures where there was once a riverbank and you only see the rocks and sand is quite astonishing. Being a member of the team and realizing you contributed to make a project makes you feel good.

• Learning on Steroids: Everyday is a chance to prove yourself having unforeseen challenges and learning new techniques and technologies to improve yourself.
  

• Unforgettable Colleagues: The shared experience of working in a remote location fosters a strong bond with your colleagues. You will have fun, learn new things, guide your subordinates makes a good and unforgettable memories.

• Nature's Embrace: Getting the opportunity to live in a very peaceful and calm environment is quite satisfying.Imagine starting your day with a view of snow-capped peaks!

In conclusion, Working as a site engineer in hydropower site is not for everyone. It take time to get used to it, love for contributing in a sustainable future of the country and hardworking. There will be frustrations, joy, achievements all happens at one place. Despite of these breathtaking scenery of mountains, fun with colleagues, learning from seniors, taking a command, shaping the structures from drawings and feeling of completing a task make it.

So, is it for you? Yes, if you are adventure loving individuals who can adapt according to the working environments of a remote sites where internet connection barely works and can enjoy with simple living, making good connection with team, loving the scenery of landscapes and mountains, and grow your leadership potential.The site life will test you as well as give you reward too, you just have to learn to get most from it. Be ready for your next Engineering adventure in a hydropower site.

Some Glimpse of Super Madi Hydropower Project (44 MW)

Beautiful View of Annapurna II Range from Site Quarter

 

Penstock Site Under Construction

 

Performing Rockbolt Machine Testing at site.

 

Me With Engineering Geologist Neyhal Sharma

Me With Colleague Er. Biraj Bhandari

 

Free Flowing Clear Water of River

 

 Automatic Batching Plant

 

Surveying in Headworks

 

Preparing For Concreting in Undersluice Panel 3

 

View From Undersluice Panel 1

 

Flooded river during Monsoon breaking the protection wall

 

 Facepacking of outlet after heavy water falling from the crown

 

View from crusher site after raining

 

Tunnel Information board (Outlet Site)

 

Breakfast (Pancake and Tea)

 

Capturing the moment with greenery in the background

 

Thank you for reading. Have a great day!!