The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation and the National Planning Commission have agreed to move forward with an integrated plan for the safe and climate-resilient reconstruction of hydropower projects and infrastructure damaged by floods and other disasters.

During discussions held on Thursday, the two sides agreed to prioritize damage assessment, technical mapping of river corridors, strengthening of early warning systems, and rehabilitation plans.

Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha emphasized the need to consider future disaster risks while developing hydropower projects, roads, and other infrastructure. He said reconstruction in flood-affected river corridors would be carried out through an integrated plan, with the necessary budget and resources to be arranged accordingly.

The National Planning Commission said it would prepare a methodology for assessing the damage and begin fieldwork from next week.

The government also plans to focus on developing a scientific energy mix and advanced early warning systems to ensure uninterrupted energy supply during disasters.

The integrated approach is expected to reduce the vulnerability of hydropower and critical infrastructure to future climate-related disasters such as floods and landslides while promoting safer and more sustainable reconstruction.