Key Takeaways:
- Total reconstruction cost Rs723.31 billion, based on Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA)
- Energy sector hardest hit: 13 hydropower projects (759 MW) and five solar plants (24 MW) damaged, requiring Rs 390.62 billion
- Transport losses: 69 km of roads, 33 bridges washed away, 53 suspension bridges damaged; recovery cost Rs 73.34 billion
- Two-phase plan: Rs 8.74 billion for immediate relief in six months, Rs 714.58 billion projected for long-term reconstruction
The government has estimated that Rs 723.31 billion will be needed to rebuild infrastructure and other sectors devastated by the Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa on August 26.
The estimate comes from a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) prepared by a joint technical team of the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Infrastructure recovery alone will require Rs 473.57 billion, about 75 percent of the total needs. The energy sector suffered the largest losses, with 13 hydropower projects (759 MW) and five solar plants (24 MW) affected. Restoring energy and grid systems will cost Rs 390.62 billion, the report said.
The flood also damaged 69 km of roads, washed away 33 motorable bridges and partially damaged four others. Of 64 suspension bridges in the affected areas, 53 were damaged. The overall cost of restoring transport infrastructure has been estimated at Rs 73.34 billion.
The disaster affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan, damaging 7,570 private houses, 48 public buildings, 18 schools, seven health facilities and 30 cultural heritage sites. Recovery of social and productive sectors will require Rs 103.55 billion, including Rs 50.77 billion for trade, businesses, banks and agriculture.
Among the 15 local units affected, Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot recorded damage to 3,026 houses, the highest reported.
The report also estimated Rs 94.75 billion for disaster risk reduction and river management and Rs 51.54 million for silt and debris management.
The reconstruction plan has been divided into two phases: Rs 8.74 billion for immediate relief and short-term recovery within six months, and Rs 714.58 billion for long-term reconstruction.