14 hydropower projects damaged by flash floods in Himachal since July 25

At least 14 hydroelectric projects in Himachal Pradesh have suffered damage due to flash floods since July 25, with some being affected multiple times over the past 10 years, according to a new analysis. As damage to hydroelectric projects from flash floods and cloudbursts becomes a recurring issue -- impacting both communities and power generation -- experts are calling for disaster risk analyses to be conducted before such projects are undertaken. They also recommend the preparation of robust disaster management plans, and the installation of early warning systems and flood forecast stations. According to the analysis by the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers, and People (SANDRP), two hydroelectric projects (HEPs) suffered significant damage due to a "cloudburst-induced flash flood" in the Palchan area of Kullu district on the intervening night of July 25-26. Both HEPs -- the 2-megawatt Pinnacle HEP on the Serai river and the 9-MW Beas Kund HEP on the Beas river -- are owned and