Narrative description of Project:

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation is the only authorized collector and disseminator of hydro-meteorological data of Nepal, which has established several hydrological and meteorological stations all over the country. The DHM’s another main activity is to provide meteorological and flood forecasts in the country. Recently, the DHM has started the development of flood forecasting and warning system (FFEWS) in major rivers of Nepal. DHM has already developed FFEWS system for Koshi, West Rapti and Bagmati. To implement FFEWS effectively, sufficient number of real time (telemetry) rainfall and hydrological stations is essential.  Since 2010, the DHM has started upgrading the manually operated stations to real time stations and also added new real time stations.

Melamchi river is a tributary of Indrawati river, which is a major tributary of the Koshi basin among seven major tributaries. In June 2021 the flood in Melamchi river caused damage in the Melamchi Bazar in Sindhupalchwok District of Nepal with loss of human life and property. The public infrastructures mainly roads networks, bridge, electricity transmission and structures were damaged by flood. As per the study the continuous rainfall triggered numerous landslides around Melamchi. Melamchi River was blocked by one of the landslides for few hours creating Landslide dam. This dam burst generating flash flood with mix of debris mixture with sand, boulders and wood fragments. As this flood is a response of hydro-meteorological event, this type of loss can be minimized with the effective implementation of FFEWS in Melamchi.

Description of actual services provided in the assignment:

The primary goal of this project is to develop the Hydro-Meteorological Network necessary for implementing FFEWS (Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System) in the Melamchi river basin, which includes the Melamchi river, Yangri river, and Larke river up to the confluence of the Indrawati river to the Sunkoshi River.

The project's objectives include:

• Reviewing the existing hydro-meteorological network established by DHM (Department of Hydrology and Meteorology), Nepal, within the Melamchi river basin.
• Conducting a comprehensive analysis of current risk data, reports, and studies, covering exposure, hazard, and vulnerability across various risk scenarios through detailed multi-hazard risk assessments.
• Designing an optimal network of hydro-meteorological stations crucial for effective early warning systems.
• Identifying the types of hydro-meteorological stations required.
• Estimating the costs associated with installing hydro-meteorological stations.
• Creating flood inundation maps.
• Identifying communities vulnerable to flooding.
• Facilitating stakeholder meetings with local government authorities.
• Conducting Capacity Building Trainings for DHM staff.
• Assessing the applicability and importance of the hydro-meteorological network design in Melamchi for other sectors.

Approx. value of the contract (in current NRs; US$ or Euro): NRs. 11,35,085.00 (US$-8,665.00)

Duration of assignment (months): 3 months

Total No. of person-months of the assignment: 5.73 person months

Approx. value of the services provided by your firm under the contract (in current NRs; US$ or Euro): NRs. 11,35,085.00 (US$-8,665.00)